TEN

In this episode of TEN, we visit with Mansa Latham about his entrepreneurial journey and the tech scene in Nebraska. Mansa shares his experience transitioning from human resources to tech entrepreneurship, highlighting his venture, Placemaker Popup, which aims to connect online shoppers with underrepresented local retailers. He also discusses the concept of live selling and its potential to revolu...

In this episode of the TEN podcast subseries Tech Culture, a collaboration with BetterCulture, we visit with Kim Hoogeveen, co-owner of BetterCulture, about tenet 11 of 20, "No Gossip". Learn about the importance of eliminating gossip in the workplace including why gossip erodes trust and how fostering a culture of honesty and respect can lead to a more productive environment.

In this episode, we sit down with John Strope to discuss his journey to Nebraska and his fascinating career in the themed entertainment industry, including his experience as a roller coaster engineer. John shares insights into his work in industrial automation and his involvement with the Heartland Robotics Cluster at Nebraska Innovation Studio. Learn about the exciting initiatives and resources a...

In this episode of TEN: Tech Culture, Shonna and Kevin discuss BetterCulture's Tenet 10 "Gather & Sow" and the importance of gathering and sharing compliments in the workplace. They explore how positive feedback can impact individuals and teams, fostering a culture of appreciation and continuous improvement. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, they emphasize the value of acknowl...

Join us for a special episode of TEN, where we take you inside the Nebraska Startup Job Mixer coming up on April 19th at the Granary in Ralston, NE. In this episode, Megan Bell and Brian Poppe visit with Justin Krug, co-organizer of the event, to discuss the mission behind this initiative and its impact on the local tech community. Discover how the Nebraska Startup Job Mixer is connecting talent w...

In this episode of the TEN subseries Tech Culture, we visit with Kevin Hensel from BetterCulture about Tenet 9, "Brag Them Up". We explore the importance of being a PR agent for your colleagues and the positive impact it has on team dynamics and customer relationships. By highlighting the expertise and capabilities of your peers, you not only build their confidence but also foster a culture of mut...

In this episode, we dive into Tess McKinney's journey in tech and entrepreneurship, exploring her transition from training IBM software to founding her extended reality (XR)-focused company, XRenegades. Tess shares insights on XR, her passion for educational VR, and the challenges and opportunities in supporting tech education across Nebraska. Tune in for a fast-paced conversation packed with prac...

In this episode of the "Tech Culture with Better Culture" series, learn about the importance of gratitude in the workplace alongside special guest co-host Kevin Hensel with BetterCulture. Together, Kevin and Shonna explore Tenet 8, "Saying Thanks", and its profound impact on employee morale and organizational culture. From acknowledging small wins to celebrating milestones, they discuss how cultiv...

In this episode of TEN, we sit down with Katrina Adams, founder of POC Collaborative, to explore her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and the transformative work she's leading in the community. From restoring historic landmarks to empowering entrepreneurs of color, Katrina's vision is driving tangible change and creating opportunities for growth and prosperity. Join us as we unpack Katrina's ins...

Join Shonna and special guest Kevin Hensel from the Better Culture team as they explore the importance of forgiveness in workplace dynamics. Discover how forgiveness fosters growth, transparency, and accountability within company cultures. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to cultivate a culture of kindness and continuous improvement.

In this episode of TEN we dive into Nebraska's tech workforce with Dr. Josie Schafer, Director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Center for Public Affairs Research (UNO CPAR). Josie sheds light on UNO CPAR's crucial work in providing data-driven insights including the Nebraska Tech Workforce Dashboard, a collaboration between the Nebraska Tech Collaborative and UNO CPAR, offering a sneak pe...

In this episode, Amy, Blake, and Shonna discuss tenet 6 "Upbeat" and explore real-life experiences and strategies for fostering positivity even in challenging times. They reflect on personal anecdotes and share insights into how transparency, gratitude, and kindness play pivotal roles in shaping a vibrant work environment.

In this episode of TEN, we are joined by Chris Dill, Chief Information Officer at Kiewit Corporation. Learn about into Chris's journey into tech, the challenges he faces in his role as CIO, his community involvement including the Nebraska Tech Collaborative and Tech Nebraska, and the importance of supporting the tech workforce's growth in Nebraska.

In this episode of TEN, Shonna visits with Paul Jarrett, co-founder of Bulu. The conversation delves into Paul's journey with Bulu, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, navigating challenges, and the importance of staying true to one's vision. They also discuss the impact of the pandemic on businesses and the resilience required to overcome obstacles.

This episode focuses on the fifth tenet of BetterCulture's 20 tenants: Welcoming. Creating a welcoming environment is essential for employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. Join Blake, Amy and Shonna for a discussion about how to make new hires feel welcome from the interview process onward, as well as how to foster a welcoming environment for existing team members.

In this episode of Tech Culture, a sub-series of the Nebraska Tech Collaborative's TEN podcast, Shonna visits with Blake Hoogeveen and Amy Johnson about tenet 4 of 20: Friendly Friction, which encourages open communication and constructive disagreement without harming relationships. They emphasize the importance of fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable voicing their ideas and c...

In this episode of TEN, hosts Shonna and Brian chat with Tim den Hoed, a Military Veteran turned tech entrepreneur, recounting his 20-year journey from the Marine Corps to the Air Force. Tim discusses the hurdles Veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and introduces Major Talent, his solution to bridge this gap. Through Major Talent, Veterans can translate their Military experience into...

In this episode of TEN: Tech Culture, Blake and Shonna visit about Tenet 3 of BetterCulture's 20 Tenets, "Assume Positive Intent". Discover why assuming positive intent is crucial for fostering healthy relationships and driving collaboration within teams. Tune in for practical strategies and real-life examples on cultivating a positive work environment.

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Petsick, a seasoned entrepreneur in Nebraska's startup ecosystem. Joe shares his journey from becoming a co-founder of Proxibid in 2001 to navigating the challenges of building a startup in a nascent entrepreneurial landscape. He also discusses the importance of celebrating successes, openly discussing failures, and fostering support for people at all steps al...

In this episode, Blake joins us to discuss the importance of being helpful in shaping workplace culture. With insights from his work at Mindset and Better Culture, Blake shares valuable strategies for fostering a supportive environment where employees thrive. Explore the dynamics of workplace relationships and learn how individuals can proactively contribute to a positive culture, whether in-offic...

Join our conversation with Alyssa Dilts, the successful entrepreneur behind Develop Model Management. This episode offers a glimpse into the world of modeling in Omaha, Nebraska. You'll hear Alyssa's inspiring story of transitioning from Chicago to start her own agency, driven by a desire to support local talent and bridge the gap between Nebraska and the national market. Alyssa also shares insigh...

This episode of TEN Ameshia Doll, a former social worker turned software developer and scrum master. Through a candid conversation, Ameshia shares her unique career journey, highlighting the importance of representation and leadership, especially for women of color in the tech industry.

Mary Clare (MC), founder of Lotus House of Yoga, shares her journey from young dance student to passionate yoga teacher and entrepreneur. She discusses the growth of Lotus House from a single studio to include online classes and an international presence. The conversation delves into the intersection of technology, wellness, and mindfulness, highlighting the benefits of yoga and meditation for str...

In this episode, we're joined by a special guest, Ryan Cameron, Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Children's Nebraska. Join us as we hear about Ryan's fascinating journey, from aspiring music video director to healthcare tech innovator. Discover the profound impact he and his team are making on pediatric healthcare in Nebraska, pushing the boundaries of innovation. Explore the "Innova...

In this episode of TEN, you'll meet Margie Sturgeon who co-runs the Webberized podcast studio where we record TEN and other podcast series for the Nebraska Tech Collaborative and internNE, Powered by Aksarben. Margie shares insights into her podcasting journey and the valuable tools she uses, like ChatGPT and Bard, to streamline her podcast production workflow. Learn how she crafts engaging episod...