Workforce Waves

Hi, loyal listeners of Workforce Waves! We're here with a bittersweet announcement: this is our final episode. You'll hear from Bella Potack Rettler, as she is joined by two very special guests - Melissa Rabska, Director of Operations & Communications, and Mari Kay-Nabozny, the CEO of the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board. They're the original creators of this podcast, and together, w...

This episode features a conversation with Early Childhood Project Manager Jo Nowak-Thompson from the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board (NWWIB), to discuss the pressing issue of childcare and its impact on the workforce. Jo delves into the current state of childcare in the Northwest Wisconsin region, highlighting the limited number of regulated programs and the challenges faced by both...

The conversation continues in part two of this two-part episode, as Lisa Geason-Bauer, President and Founder of Evolution Marketing, returns to discuss sustainability initiatives in Wisconsin. Lisa discusses the increasing demand for green jobs in the residential construction sector and the need for about a thousand new workers per year in the state to meet energy efficiency goals. Lisa also share...

Tune in for part one of a two-part conversation with Lisa Geason-Bauer, President and Founder of Evolution Marketing, about the importance of sustainability in business. They discuss how operating in a triple bottom line manner - prioritizing people, planet, and profit - can make businesses more resilient and attractive to both workers and consumers. Lisa shares insights on third-party certificati...

Tune in for a conversation with Zach Zabel, Vice President of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. Zach discusses the chamber's mission to support veteran-owned businesses and workers in Wisconsin, resources available to veterans in the state, and how individuals can support veterans and veteran-owned businesses this holiday season. Zach also shares details on the chamber's business acceler...

This episode features a discussion with Kelly Bubolz, author of "Leaving the Darkness: A Proven and Practical Burnout Guide," where we explore the causes and symptoms of burnout as well as practical tips for setting boundaries, self-care, and changing negative behaviors. Kelly shares her personal experience recovering from burnout, the importance of trusting the process and building a supportive c...

Tune in to an interview with Chantel Huang, Roadtrip Nation's Program Operations Manager. Roadtrip Nation is a nonprofit education organization—with a series on PBS!—that sends all sorts of people across the country to interview inspiring people in all kinds of industries. Whether it's exploring their documentaries and Interview Archive, reading their best-selling book, learning about other people...

This episode features special guest Rachel Rai Henry, CEO of Creative Flow School. Learn how to unleash your hidden creative talents to revolutionize your work life and beyond. Rachel breaks down her Creative Flow Alchemy Method and explains how your personal 'DNA'—Divine Natural Approach—can elevate your soft skills and problem-solving abilities. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a corpora...

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, renowned author, motivational speaker, and education visionary. Joe shares insights from his extensive career as an educator, spanning roles from kindergarten teacher to superintendent of schools. Tune in as we unravel Joe's journey, exploring his transition from school administration to impactful leadership coaching. Discover the essen...

This episode features a conversation with Doug Foresta, Director of Podcast Services for Workforce180, as he reveals how he got started as a podcast producer and outlines his career journey from doorman to therapist to podcast producer. Discover tips for successfully navigating career changes. You'll also learn the origins of the word "podcast"! 

Adrienne Lawrence, VP and Senior Consultant for Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), joins the program in recognition of Pride Month to discuss how to create a more inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and heard. Adrienne reveals what it means to have authentic inclusion in the workplace and how to keep diversity, equity, and inclusion front and center in an organization throughout the year...

Kimberly Kayler, President of AOE (Advancing Organizational Excellence), joins the program to reveal how she became interested in corporate mindfulness and why it is important for people to do their best work. Kimberly discusses the downside of multitasking and how employees can practice mindfulness at work. Discover practical tips to practice mindfulness at work and to increase your focus and ene...

Dr. Brian Hite, performance psychology consultant and Hollywood stuntman, joins the program to discuss how organizations can help employees to do their best work. Dr. Hite dispels some common myths about motivation, and why offering hiring bonuses doesn't necessary help with recruitment efforts. He also offers tips for retaining employees and the conditions necessary to help people do their best w...

In this episode, you'll learn about the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the services they provide to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. Discover how to access services and how the SBDC can connect entrepreneurs and small business owners to a support ecosystem. You'll also hear about how entrepreneurs were able to pivot and thrive during the pandemic. 

This episode features an interview with coach, consultant, and author Oreste J. D'Aversa as he discusses the phenomenon of "quiet quitting" and "quiet firing." Discover what these terms mean, the problems that they create in the workplace, and how to address them. Oreste also shares advice for employers and employees about how to create win/win relationships at work. 

This episode features a conversation with several staff from the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board (NWWIB) as they discuss the elements that help to create a positive workplace culture. Discover how employers can help facilitate a workplace culture that attracts top talent and the connection between culture and employee motivation and retention. 

In this episode, you'll hear about the power of apprenticeships and learn about the apprenticeship program for Ironworkers Local 512. Discover the application process for anyone interested in an apprenticeship with Ironworkers Local 512. You'll also learn about the various career paths possible after completing an apprenticeship and some of the hidden benefits of being an apprentice. 

This episode features a conversation with Matt Glowacki, Diversity, Inclusion, and Workflex Director for Wisconsin SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). Matt discusses his experience of being a person with a disability and provides some history about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He also reveals the wide variety of disabilities covered under the ADA, and how not all disabiliti...

September is Workforce Development Month, and in this episode, you'll hear updates about businesses, job seekers, and the state of the workforce in Northwest Wisconsin. Discover some of the demographics of the residents of Northwest Wisconsin and an overview of the labor force. You'll also learn about some of the primary industries in Northwest Wisconsin and the efforts underway to meet economic d...

In today's episode, you'll hear details about the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to hosting one of the world's best cross-country ski events, the American Birkebeiner, and maintaining one of the nation's premier recreation trails. Discover how the investments made by the Foundation help to attract people to the region and drive the local economy....

In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts that are underway in Wisconsin to help develop a talent pipeline in the manufacturing industry, and help workers obtain the training needed to get started in manufacturing. Discover a grant that can help provide supportive services for individuals seeking training and job experience in manufacturing, including help with childcare, transportation and h...

In this episode, you'll hear tips for creating a more diverse and equitable talent pipeline, and how organizations can position themselves as employers of choice for diverse talent. You'll discover innovative ways to mindsets and perceptions and the importance of creating environments of safety where everyone is included. 

In this episode, you'll discover digital strategies that employers can utilize to attract and retain talent. Discover the importance of onboarding in retaining talent, and why employers need to list pay ranges when posting available jobs. You'll also hear about how having a positive organizational culture and an effective digital presence are crucial factors in talent attraction and retention. 

Kimberly Kane, President and CEO of Kane Communications Group, joins the program to discuss insights from her team's detailed study titled The Kane Insights: State of Working Women in Wisconsin.  Discover the impact of the pandemic on working women in Wisconsin and key findings from the study on topics including mental health and burnout and talent attraction and retention.     

Tune in for a conversation between Mari Kay-Nabozny, CEO of the NWWIB, and Melissa Rabska, Director of Operations & Communications at NWWIB, about the importance of child care for workforce development. Discover how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the availability of child care and the changes that need to happen to improve the child care system.