Business Elevated

Season 6 Episode 8: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Rob Gardner, principal of Savory Fund. Gardner shares his journey from his Utah roots to his diverse professional experiences, including his time in public accounting and private equity. He reflects on various aspects of the restaurant industry, its evolution, and the challenges aspiring restaurateurs face to the impact of technology on dining trends. The duo discusses Savory Fund's mission to help restaurants scale effectively by investing in people first. Gardner highlights the importance of perseverance and focusing on key factors like good food, service, and value. He delves into the intersection of technology and traditional dining experiences, articulates a vision for the industry's future, and much more. 

Season 6 Episode 7: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Ryan Westwood, chairman and CEO of Fullcast. Westwood shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey and the unique aspects of doing business in Utah. He reflects on his international experiences that led him to embrace opportunities for growth and innovation. Westwood delves into the founding of Fullcast and its recent move to Salt Lake City, highlighting its mission to create jobs and contribute to Utah's economy.  He provides valuable insights into the company's fundraising process and emphasizes the support from local investors and the significance of female investors in the company's success. Westwood praises the state's thriving university entrepreneurship programs and collaborative ecosystem of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. He also discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in guiding decision-making processes, shares strategic insights into navigating challenges and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, and much more. 

Season 6 Episode 6: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Jason Hewlett, Hall of Fame keynote speaker and keynote speaker at the 2024 spring One Utah Summit.   Hewlett shares his ties to Utah, from being born and raised in Park City to his extensive career in entertainment and speaking engagements across the state. He shares his professional journey, from his early days as an entertainer in Las Vegas to his transition into keynote speaking and consulting. The duo discusses the significance of Hewlett's induction into the Speaker Hall of Fame and his unique approach to blending entertainment with leadership principles in his presentations.  They explore the significance of the One Utah Summit, an event that provides unique opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn from leading Utah organizations. Hewlett expresses his excitement about entertaining and inspiring attendees with his unique blend of music, comedy, and motivational insights, making the summit a must-attend event for those seeking inspiration and networking opportunities in Utah's thriving business community.

Season 6 Episode 5: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Dan Lambert, CEO of PathologyWatch. Lambert shares his entrepreneurial journey and the transformative impact of digital pathology and AI on healthcare. He discusses his move from Manhattan to Utah, citing the primary factors of lower operational costs and the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Lambert reflects on the company’s role in processing skin biopsies digitally, leveraging AI for diagnosis and prognosis. According to Lambert, digital pathology enhances accuracy, facilitates physician collaboration, and streamlines workflows. He emphasizes the significance of AI in pattern recognition, particularly in early cancer detection, citing personal experience with melanoma diagnosis.  He touts Utah’s supportive environment for startups, attributing its success to a blend of local talent, accessible venture capital, and a hunger for problem-solving. Lambert envisions PathologyWatch’s continued growth, emphasizing the importance of tackling significant challenges with innovative solutions in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Tech innovators from Utah, Hunter Manz and Gabi Tellez, discuss the revolutionary reverse osmosis centrifuge technology of Eden Technologies. They highlight the vital role of persistence and community support in entrepreneurial success, along with the Utah Innovation Fund's $15 million venture capital initiative supporting early-stage companies. The fund aims to bridge academia and industry, catalyzing innovation and retaining talent within the state.

Season 6 Episode 3: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Annalisa Holcombe, senior vice president of advancement at Western Governors University (WGU).  Holcombe shares her unique career journey, transitioning from law to higher education and eventually leading WGU's fundraising efforts. She discusses the university's unique approach to online education, focusing on competency-based learning and providing each student with a personalized, mentor-driven experience. Holcombe sheds light on WGU's mission to bridge the workforce development gap and its commitment to affordability and equity in education. She speaks on WGU's impact, providing flexibility for working learners and creating opportunities for adults with some college experience but no degree.  She also provides insights into WGU's efforts to address the changing education landscape, including developing skills-based transcripts and partnerships with organizations like the Open Skills Network. Holcombe shares her thoughts on work-life balance, the significance of creating meaningful experiences in the workplace, and much more. 

Season 6 Episode 2: In this podcast, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah.  Freedman shares his journey from founding Downeast Outfitters in the early 90s to leading World Trade Center Utah. Born and raised in New York, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a successful business venture in Utah, a state he grew to love for its outdoor activities and business opportunities. Freedman details his experiences in the retail industry, international business, and his role as the honorary consul for Ukraine in Utah. He highlights World Trade Center Utah's mission to make Utah the crossroads of the world, emphasizing its role in fostering global connections for Utah-based businesses. Freedman discusses upcoming initiatives, trade missions, and partnerships to expand international opportunities for Utah companies. He discusses the state's supportive business environment, recognition as the best state to start a business, and the significance of Utah's global engagement.

Season 6 Episode 1: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah). Cuthbertson reflects on his first year as president and CEO, emphasizing the importance of getting to know stakeholders, maintaining the organization's positive trajectory, and implementing changes outlined in its five-year strategic plan. He delves into the role of EDCUtah in corporate recruitment and emphasizes the organization's focus on both recruitment and retention of companies.  The duo discuss Utah's economic evolution and the need for a recalibrated approach to corporate recruitment, considering factors such as quality of life, workforce development, and social responsibility. Cuthbertson provides insights into the challenges of Utah's growth, highlights the state’s diverse and young workforce, its growing economic sectors that make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs, and much more.

Scott Evanson, venture partner at Philo Ventures, discusses his entrepreneurial journey and the startup ecosystem in Utah. He emphasizes the state's significance as a hub for outdoor activities and highlights the diverse divisions of his company, including real estate development and early-stage investments. Evanson emphasizes the importance of fostering a community of passionate individuals eager to create value and outlines his interest in partnering with startups in the Mountain West region.

Season 5 Episode 38: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Rob Hitchcock, president and CEO of SelectHealth. They discuss Hitchcock's journey from being born and raised in Utah to his 25-plus-year career in the healthcare industry. He reflects on his transition from wanting to attend law school to finding his niche in the health insurance industry. Hitchcock emphasizes the unique approach of SelectHealth, a community-focused nonprofit health plan owned by Intermountain Health, and the company's integration of clinical services and financing to align incentives aiming to improve overall community health.  Hitchcock discusses the company’s mission to improve the health of the communities and highlights its commitment to providing services to diverse populations. He shares his vision for the organization's future, focusing on SelectHealth's long-term sustainability, commitment to affordability, maintaining a high standard of quality, and more.