Will Works Podcast

Get ready to test your knowledge of Will County in this fun and informative "Did You Know" episode with Caroline Portlock, Director of the Will County Workforce Investment Board. She and host Patrick walk through fascinating statistics and little-known facts about Will County's rich history, booming industries, infrastructure, major companies, and more. It's an entertaining ride filled with surpri...

In this episode Patrick interviews Ricky Esterquest, founder of Towards Better, a social enterprise consultancy in Townsville, Australia.  Ricky discusses the current workforce landscape in Australia, best practices for disability inclusion and success stories from partnerships between government, businesses, and people with disabilities. As former roommates turned international colleagues, Patric...

This is the third and final episode in a series focused on the revitalization and growth underway in downtown Joliet. Tune in for a conversation with several small business owners located downtown who discussed choosing to open up shop in downtown Joliet, the tight-knit community among local business owners, and their efforts to engage with and give back to the local community. Some of the busines...

This episode is the second in a series on downtown Joliet, focusing on tourism, attractions, and events happening in the downtown area. Guests include Heather Mills from the Joliet Slammers baseball team, Ron Romero from the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum, Megan Millen from the Joliet Public Library, Wade Welsh from the Rialto Square Theater, and Vicki Sanchez and Priscilla Cordero from the City Ce...

This episode is the first in a series on downtown Joliet and provides an overview of the history and future economic development plans for the city center. Interim City Manager Rod Tonelli shares insights on Joliet's origins as an industrial hub, and the many historic buildings and landmarks downtown. Joliet City Center Partnership Executive Director Priscilla Cordero discusses current efforts to...

This episode features a conversation with Kwame Osafo, manager of the Center for Academic Success in Healthcare (CASH) at JJC. Kwame shares his unique journey from Ghana to education and how he's contributing to the vision of enhancing healthcare education through the PATH grant. Funded by the state of Illinois, this initiative provides financial aid, support services, and career development to he...

Jeri  C.  Perkins , CEO and Founder of Impact Action Network Advocacy Consulting Agency, joins the program to provide an overview of her organization and how companies can strengthen their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Jeri shares success stories and reveals some of the biggest challenges that exist to making DEI a priority. She also discusses the concept of "educating to liberat...

In this episode, you'll hear about LEDA (the Latino Economic Development Association) and the impactful work they are doing empowering Latino business owners. Discover the various services that LEDA provides and the ways in which they engage with the community. You'll also hear about past and upcoming events and why it is important to empower Latino and other minority owned business owners. 

Laurie Swilley, CEO and Founder of LEAP HR Consulting, joins the program to provide an overview of her career journey and the services that her organization provides. Laurie reveals the range of customers that she works with as well as her process and approach. She also discusses a recent workforce development initiative that she is engaged in, working with the Chicago Public Schools. 

In this episode, you'll hear about Creative Women of Impact, a remote-based business service supporting the economic development initiatives of women in leadership. Discover the importance of economic empowerment, particularly for disenfranchised groups. You'll also hear about the importance of including women's voices in leadership. 

Jennifer Viano, Designated Managing Broker and owner of Town Center Realty, joins the program to discuss the history of her career and why she decided to start her own brokerage. Jennifer talks about the benefits of having her business located in downtown Joliet and the importance of collaborating with other real estate professionals. You'll also hear about the range of businesses located in downt...

Johnathan Edwards, owner of Money Cutz Barbershop in Joliet, joins the program to discuss how he got started cutting hair and eventually starting his own business. Johnathan reveals how he provides high-level customer service, a luxurious appeal, welcoming atmosphere, positive vibe, and a culturally family oriented upscale environment. He also shares how he uses his business to help uplift his cus...

Lien Dastgir, President and CEO of KAD Engineering, joins the program to talk about her journey from growing up in Southern China and subsequently moving to the United States, becoming a licensed professional engineer, and starting her own business. Lien discusses the services that her business provides and the events that led her to decide to start her own business. She also reveals the services...

This episode features a conversation with Rita Ernst, owner of Ignite Your Extraordinary, as she discusses the work that she does helping distressed and toxic teams return to their positive, happy, committed, high-performing selves. Discover the importance of culture in an organization and what a healthy workplace culture looks like. Rita also reveals three essential needs that help to support opt...

In this episode you'll learn about the Corporate and Community Services department at Joliet Junior College, and how they connect the local and regional community with JJC. Discover some of the classes, programming and events available through Corporate and Community Services and why it is important to offer non-credit offerings in addition to for-credit courses. You'll also hear about how the dep...

In this episode, you'll learn about the Connect to Your Future career scholarship program and the Career Certified program. Discover details about each program, who they serve, and eligibility requirements. You'll also hear about the benefits of participating in each program and how the programs can help individuals connect with employers. 

Dr. Brian Hite, Founder and CEO of Begin Again Performance Psychology, joins the program to discuss his career journey, which includes being a professional stuntman for film and television. Dr. Hite shares tips for how to optimize your performance at work and in your life. Discover the lessons that we can learn from sports psychology and how they relate to performance in the workplace. 

Author and speaker Judy Balloff joins the program to discuss overcoming adversity in your career. You won't want to miss Judy's amazing story of facing serious health issues and then starting a new career in her 60's! Judy shares actionable tips to achieve success in your personal and professional life. 

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 address them.

This episode, recorded in recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month, addresses the benefits for employers of hiring people with disabilities. Discover some common misconceptions that employers often have about people with disabilities and how employers can attract and retain this largely untapped labor pool. 

In part two of this two-part podcast series, you'll hear from Priscilla Cordero, Executive Director of the Joliet City Center Partnership, as she provides an overview of the work that the Partnership does to improve all aspects of the traditional downtown central business district. 

In part one of this two-part podcast series, you'll hear from Priscilla Cordero, Executive Director of the Joliet City Center Partnership, as she provides an overview of the work that the Partnership does to improve all aspects of the traditional downtown central business district. Priscilla reveals the importance of collaboration and her vision of what downtown Joliet might look like in 5, 10, an...

In this episode, Cleo reveals that she will be moving into a new position and will no longer be a co-host of the podcast. Cleo discusses her career journey so far, what she'll be doing in her new role, and Cleo and Patrick reflect on their experiences as podcasting co-hosts. (Cleo you will be missed!) Make sure you continue to tune in, as Patrick will host the program and be joined by special gues...

Garry A. Reichert, Lead Business Advisor for the Entrepreneur & Business Center (EBC) at Joliet Junior College joins the program to discuss his own career journey and the services that the EBC provides. Discover how the EBC supports both entrepreneurs that are creating a net new startup, or even small business owners that are looking to take their business to the next level. 

In this episode, you'll hear from a former student of the Will County Career Certified Program about how and why she chose to pursue a CDL license. Discover some of the advantages of pursuing a career as a truck driver and details about what it takes to obtain a CDL license. You'll also learn about a valuable new resource dedicated to helping new CDL drivers prepare for their careers.