Business Elevated

Season 6 Episode 12: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of Business Services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Steve Brosvik, president and CEO of the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO). Brosvik shares his recent move to Utah and details his journey from the vice president and general manager of the Houston Symphony in Texas and chief operating officer of the Nashville Symphony in Tennessee to his current role as the president and CEO of the USUO. The conversation explores Brosvik's professional journey and the unique allure of USUO. Brosvik highlights the organization's distinctive nature, being a combined full-time professional orchestra and opera company, which sets it apart from other cultural institutions across the country. He outlines the breadth of the organization's work, from its extensive educational programs reaching over 130,000 students and teachers annually to its artistic production. Brosvik also sheds light on the composition of the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera, which consists of 87 full-time musicians and five opera resident artists from around the globe, underscoring the competitive nature of securing a position within this prestigious ensemble. He elaborates on the unique features of the USUO organization, such as being a significant combined professional orchestra and opera company with a vast educational outreach and hosting the Deer Valley Music Festival.

Ally Isom, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Clyde Companies, discusses her journey from diverse professional experiences to her current role, including Clyde Companies' commitment to supporting women in the construction industry and promoting pay equity in sports. She shares insights on the company's merger with IHC Scott and future endeavors, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Jaron Erickson, CEO of Sales Dojo, shares his journey and passion for tech sales. Sales Dojo provides training for B2B tech sales, focusing on inclusivity and supporting underrepresented groups. Erickson aims to expand company impact by partnering with universities and offering specialized training programs.

Season 6 Episode 9: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Madeline Miller, the program manager for INROADS College Links in Salt Lake City. Miller shares her journey of fostering opportunities for diverse youth. She discusses her passion for public health, which led her to advocate for marginalized communities and promote diversity and inclusion in corporate settings. Miller shares insights into the INROADS program, a nonprofit focused on advancing diverse youth in corporate America. She highlights the program's success in guiding students from high school to college and eventually into meaningful careers and the importance of experiential learning and mentorship. Miller shares inspiring success stories of students who excelled in the program, its emphasis on life skills, mental health support, entrepreneurship, and much more.

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.