A New Pipeline for Underestimated Talent—Built in Indiana | Eric Stanley, M2N
Release Date: 07/23/2025
The Life-Saving Power of Donor Milk | Lindsay McGuire, The Milk Bank
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On today’s show I sat down with Lindsay McGuire, Assistant Director of Advancement for Branding & Outreach at The Milk Bank, to discuss the life-saving impact of donor human milk for NICU babies. We explore Indiana’s high infant mortality rate, the challenges new mothers face, and the critical need for pasteurized donor milk, which essentially serves as a medicine for NICU babies. Lindsay explains the detailed process of milk donation, from screening to distribution, and shares touching stories of families benefiting from donor milk. Our conversation also highlights the profound...
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Former QB Goes Inside His PR Playbook | Chris Dittoe, Dittoe PR
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Today’s show was a three-step drop and then some, as I sat down with Chris Dittoe, president and co-founder of Dittoe Public Relations, a renowned PR agency headquartered in Indianapolis. Chris shares his captivating journey from playing quarterback at Indiana University and in NFL Europe, to founding one of Indiana's most successful PR firms. Our conversation touches on Chris' unique experiences in professional football, the challenges of starting a business, and the importance of storytelling in PR. Chris also gives insights into achieving media success and shares his love for local...
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The Hidden Psychology Behind Digital Ads | Tom Denari, Young & Laramore
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On today’s show I sat down with Tom Denari, the president and CEO of the Indianapolis-based advertising agency Young & Laramore. We delve into the emotional and psychological aspects of consumer behavior, and how these insights are utilized in advertising to create strong brands. Tom shares his journey from his early days in the industry in the late '80s to his current leadership role, discussing how advertising has evolved with the rise of digital and social media. Our conversation also covers specific case studies such as the rebranding of Goodwill retail stores and the luxury faucet...
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How This Couple Modernized the Family Business | Zack and Shana Light, Ceramica and Fundraising Brick
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On today’s show I sat down with Zack and Shana Light, third-generation co-owners of Ceramica and Fundraising Brick, based in Indianapolis. We discuss their journey from meeting in Bloomington to finding careers in New York and eventually taking over the family business. Our conversation explores the evolution of Ceramica from its founding in 1988, the innovative techniques implemented, and their recent acquisition of Fundraising Brick. They share insights on taking over legacy businesses, the importance of community, and adapting to modern business challenges. You are going to learn about: -...
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Colts Preview + “Hoosiers” and “Rudy” Rewind | Dominic Miranda, WTHR and Angelo Pizzo, Screenwriter
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Today’s variety show is broken into three segments covering Colts and IHSAA football, average home prices across Indiana, and an exclusive interview with the screenwriter of “Hoosiers” and “Rudy.” First, I sat down with WTHR sports anchor Dominic Miranda, who was a regular at the Indianapolis Colts’ training camp and also follows Indiana high school football closely with Operation Football airing every fall Friday morning. We discuss the Colts’ upcoming season, their training camp experiences, roster changes, game strategies, and make predictions for the 2025 season. We also dive...
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From Breast Cancer Survivor to Six-Figure Founder | Cari Hahn, Clutch and Kindle
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On today’s show I sat down with Cari Hahn, founder of Ember and Belle by Clutch and Kindle. Cari shares her remarkable journey overcoming breast cancer and turning a thousand-dollar startup into a flourishing fragrance and apparel business in Indiana. We discuss the mental and emotional challenges during her treatment, the inception of her business ideas, and the importance of clean, non-toxic products. Alongside her husband, a retired firefighter battling PTSD, Cari aims to give back by supporting first responder mental health initiatives. You are going to learn about: - How Cari Took...
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Reinventing Senior Care in Indiana | Matt Euson, The Restoracy
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On today’s show I sat down with Matt Euson, the owner of The Restoracy, an innovative senior care facility brand. Euson shares his journey from taking on $1.5 million in debt and saving his father's failing business to founding The Restoracy and winning the IBJ Excellence in Healthcare Award. Our discussion covers his insights into creating ethical, high-quality elder care, the importance of dedication and risk-taking in entrepreneurship, and the future plans for expanding The Restoracy's unique care model across Indiana. We also touch on Euson's involvement in southeastern Indiana through...
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How an NFL Referee Became a Sales Coaching Giant | Bryan Neale, Blind Zebra
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No flags were thrown on today’s show when I sat down with Bryan Neale, the founder of Blind Zebra, a sales coaching firm. Bryan shares his journey from a small town in Indiana to officiating Cincinnati Bengals-Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI as an NFL referee, while also building a successful sales coaching business and integrating his passion for music into keynote speeches. Our conversation delves into overcoming failures, setting clear goals, leveraging connections for business growth, and the importance of discipline and structure. Bryan also discusses the significance of Indiana's...
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Purdue’s Most Inspiring Boilermaker – The Legacy of Tyler Trent | Tony & Kelly Trent, Tyler Trent Foundation
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On today’s show I sat down with Tony and Kelly Trent, parents of the late Tyler Trent, a Purdue University student whose battle with osteosarcoma touched millions. We explore Tyler's journey from his courageous fight with pediatric bone cancer to his inspiring impact on cancer research and community support. Our conversation delves into Tyler's remarkable resolve, his pivotal role as a Purdue superfan, and the extensive efforts of the Tyler Trent Foundation in raising over $3 million for cancer research, sparked by events like the annual Tee Off for Tyler golf outing and a benefit concert....
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How Butter is Redefining What an Art Fair Can Be | Alan Bacon, Butter Art Fair
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On today’s show I sat down with Alan Bacon, Jr., co-founder and president of GANGGANG, a cultural development firm that produces, promotes, and preserves culture in cities as a means toward equity. Our conversation delves into the importance of art and culture in driving societal impact and community cohesion. Alan provides depth on the annual Butter Art Fair in Indianapolis, highlighting its unique model where 100% of the proceeds go back to the artists. He shares the fair's growth from its inception in 2021, attracting thousands of attendees and raising substantial funds for artists. We...
info_outlineMy guest today was Eric Stanley, founder of M2N, a social impact company dedicated to making the workforce more equitable by focusing on skills-based hiring.
Eric shares his journey from working at Northwestern Mutual and Johnson & Johnson to scaling Passageways' revenue and launching M2N.
Our conversation delves into the importance of hiring based on skills rather than status, the challenges of finding and retaining diverse talent, and the impact of apprenticeships and innovative hiring practices.
Eric also highlights the development of the Empower platform, which matches job seekers with employers based on skills, and insights into the potential of apprenticeships and the efforts to make hiring more inclusive and representative of society.
You are going to learn about:
- The Importance of Skills-Based Hiring Over Status-Based
- Innovative Hiring Practices
- Difficulties Finding and Retaining Diverse Talent
Thank you to our partners:
Hard Truth BBQ Fest
Alliance Sports Marketing
Check out these great clips from the show:
01:33 Guest Introduction: Eric Stanley, M2N
02:18 Eric's Journey in Sales and Tech
09:20 The Birth of M2N and Its Mission
10:24 How M2N Empowers Companies
13:40 The Importance of Skills-Based Hiring
15:00 Challenges and Solutions in Workforce Diversity
30:29 Expanding Talent Networks with Empower
31:45 Impact of DEI Elimination on Business
32:22 Skills-Based Hiring and Its Benefits
32:59 Soft Skills and AI in Hiring
33:33 Debate on the Value of College Education
38:59 Empower's First Placement Success
40:17 Challenges in Job Matching Software
42:55 Future of Skills-Based Hiring
45:50 Advice for Hiring Managers
48:12 Younger Years Segment: Advice to 22-Year-Old Self
51:21 Indiana's Sports and Events Scene
52:33 Hidden Gem: Marvin's at DePauw
53:41 Shoutout to Tracy Jackson
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