Shows
Tech TogetherFrom Nightlife to Tech Talent: The Journey of Mike JacksonIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman interview Mike Jackson, founder and CEO of Black Tech Talent and Rocket Growth Academy. Mike shares his early passion for technology and entrepreneurship, detailing his journey from creating a nightlife-based tech startup to launching two impactful organizations aimed at enhancing diversity in the tech industry. He explains the goals and impact of Black Tech Talent, discusses the unique approach of Rocket Growth Academy, and offers valuable insights on improving the tech talent pipeline. The discussion also covers the importance of diversity...2025-07-2940 minTech TogetherBuilding a Legacy in Tech: Insights from US Bank's Dave SwensonIn this episode of Tech Together, Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman chat with Dave Swenson, VP of Technology Services at US Bank. Swenson shares his experiences and insights from over 30 years in the tech industry, focusing on talent development and community engagement. He discusses his career path, starting from a developer role to leading early career initiatives, from the importance of company culture, ethical work practices, to sustainable community support. Swenson offers valuable guidance for both young tech talent and companies on navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape, emphasizing the impact of AI...2025-07-2239 minTech TogetherTech and Baseball: Inside the Minnesota Twins' Innovation TeamIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman explore the intersection of technology and baseball with Shelly Andrew, Senior Manager of Business Systems, and John Evenson, Chief Technology Officer at the Minnesota Twins. In this show, we discuss how technology plays a critical role in the operations of the Twins, from business systems to baseball analytics. Shelly and John share their unique career journeys, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, data skills, and hands-on experience for anyone entering the tech field. The conversation also covers the organization's commitment to nurturing...2025-07-1551 minTech TogetherTech, Talent & Transformation, with Juliet FoxIn this episode of Tech Together, Shannon & Allison chat with Juliet Fox, a seasoned recruiter in the tech space. Juliet shares her unique journey from a reluctant technologist to an executive recruiter at Avid Edge. The discussion goes deep into the changing dynamics of tech leadership, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and the evolving role of tech leaders in understanding business concepts. Juliet anchors the significance of a strong foundation in math and science for students aspiring to enter the tech industry. The conversation also explores the need for flexible, critical thinking-focused...2025-06-2442 minTech TogetherExploring Workforce Development with Hennepin County LeadersIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman are joined by Nola Slagter-Johnson, Eric Aamoth, and Sarah Loftis Garbus from Hennepin County to discuss their roles and initiatives in workforce and youth development. The conversation spans their career journeys, the importance of technology skills in a variety of fields, the evolving dynamics of workforce development, and the innovative programs aimed at reducing disparities and aligning community needs with job opportunities. The episode offers a deep dive into how Hennepin County is fostering career exploration and creating pathways for youth in technology.2025-06-1745 minTech TogetherHow to Keep Human Intelligence in an AI-Driven WorldIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman welcome Michelle Ament, co-president of the Human Intelligence Movement and Chief Academic Officer of Prosolve. Michelle shares her extensive background in education and discusses the Human Intelligence Movement's mission to ensure students develop the necessary human skills to thrive in an AI-driven world. She emphasizes the need for education reform to better prepare students for the rapidly evolving workforce. The conversation touches on the challenges of systemic change, the role of employers, and the importance of fostering human potential and adaptability in an...2025-06-1032 minTech TogetherStartup Stories and Tech Talent: Insights from Cihan Behlivan, ED, BETA MinneapolisIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman are joined by Cihan Behlivan, the Executive Director of Beta and a tech entrepreneur. Cihan shares his journey from an investment banker in Turkey to a tech entrepreneur in the United States, highlighting the importance of understanding client needs and picking the right investors. He discusses Beta’s role in fostering a community of founders and builders and the lessons learned from his early startups. The conversation digs into the critical importance of technology in solving real-world problems, the evolving landscape of...2025-05-0144 minTech TogetherBuilding a Robust Tech Community: Tech Recruiting, Networking, and Education with Dave EllistonIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman welcome tech recruiter Dave Elliston to discuss his journey into the tech field and his approach to recruiting. Dave shares insights from nearly 20 years in tech recruiting, including the evolving technologies and methodologies he's witnessed. The conversation expands into the importance of networking, community building, and early engagement in STEM education for future tech talent. Dave emphasizes the significance of soft skills alongside technical expertise and highlights the need for policy support in boosting computer science education. The episode also touches on the...2025-04-2239 minTech TogetherTransformative Tech Leadership with Jeff Tollefson and Joel CrandallIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman welcome guests Jeff Tollefson and Joel Crandall. Jeff, former venture capital investor and founder of Genesis Works Twin Cities, and Joel, now president and CEO of the Minnesota Tech Association, discuss their journeys in the tech industry. They highlight the importance of cross-sector collaboration, the evolving needs of the tech workforce, and the significant role of AI and leadership development in driving business success. The conversation also touches on advocating for diverse talent and the impact of educational policy on the...2025-04-1543 minTech TogetherComputer Science to Empower Students: A Conversation with Jen Rosato and Alexandra HolterIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman welcome Jen Rosato and Alexandra Holter to discuss the importance of integrating computer science education into the K-12 curriculum. The conversation goes into their journeys into the field, the challenges, and triumphs they have faced, and the crucial role of policy and collaboration in advancing computer science education. They also discuss the state of computer science education in Minnesota, the need for early exposure, and actionable ways to support this essential subject.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:51 Al...2025-04-0741 minTech TogetherTech Together with Steve Buchanan: Navigating Careers and Embracing Change in TechnologyIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman are joined by Steve Buchanan, a technologist currently working at Microsoft and a recent recipient of the TEKNE award for community leadership. Steve shares his journey into the tech field, starting with a high school job building computers, through his various roles in the industry, and finally his current position at Microsoft. The conversation highlights the importance of persistence, lifelong learning, and the impact of AI on tech careers. It also addresses the significance of increasing diversity in tech and the role of collaboration across...2025-04-0141 minTech TogetherFrom DNA Labs to Legislation: A Scientist's Journey into PoliticsIn this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Alison Barman interview MN State Representative Amanda Hemmingsen Jaeger, who discusses her unique journey from genetic research to Minnesota state legislature. They explore her educational background in genetic cell biology, her work in DNA technology, and her transition to policy-making. Hemmingsen Jaeger emphasizes the importance of integrating science and policy, the necessity of accessible STEM education, and the potential of technology to solve modern challenges. They also touch on issues like AI and quantum computing and the vital need for collaboration across sectors to strengthen...2025-03-2528 minTech TogetherPilot EpisodeTech Together: Bridging Gaps in Tech Education and Workforce DevelopmentIn the inaugural episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver from Create Minneapolis and Allison Barman from Genesys Works Twin Cities, dive into their backgrounds, discuss the current state of tech education, especially in Minnesota, and highlight the need for collaboration across sectors to address tech education gaps and workforce development. They introduce their respective organizations and share the podcast's mission to connect, inspire, and create a more robust tech talent pipeline. Shannon and Alison emphasize breaking down silos and fostering cross-sector communication...2025-03-1822 min
TomorrowZone Catalyst41: The Future of Learning: How AI, Apprenticeships & Partnerships Are Revolutionizing STEM with Shannon SeaverMinnesota was once a leader in computing innovation. But today? It ranks near the bottom in STEM education. How did we get here? More importantly, how do we turn it around? In this episode of the TomorrowZone® Catalyst Podcast, host @Deb Reuben sits down with @Shannon Seaver, Executive Director of createMPLS, to discuss the urgent need to rethink STEM education. They explore the transformative role of AI in learning, the power of industry partnerships, and why collaboration, not competition, is the key to fixing the tech talent pipeline. Shannon shares her vision for a future where students from all backgrounds h...2025-02-0436 min
Your Business – Your Next LevelEp27: Paul Hilsen: Building Successful Products with Empathy and IterationIn this episode of "Your Business Your Next Level," I welcome Paul Hilsen, CEO and founder of Compose Labs, a software consulting firm specializing in app development, data, and AI solutions. Paul shares his approach to building successful tech products with a focus on empathy and a product mindset. We explore his "Triple D" process—Discover, Design, and Deliver—which helps ensure that businesses build the right products that drive outcomes, not just output. Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs through empathy and how that can lead to more impactful product development. He also discusses the pitfalls of f...2024-10-2245 min