DisruptED

MarketScale

Follow along every month as Ron J Stefanski and Dr. Caesar discuss the future education and e-learning.

  1. JAN 22

    Bonfire Branding: How Solo Stove Sparked a Customer Movement with Liz Vanzura (Episode One)

    When pandemic restrictions shut down restaurants, paused travel, and compressed social lives, connection didn’t disappear; it moved closer to home. Backyards quietly emerged as important social spaces, offering a simple way to be together without screens, schedules, or spectacle. What began as a workaround evolved into a familiar rhythm of shared time. In that shift, outdoor products helped make gathering outdoors practical and repeatable. Against the backdrop of post-pandemic burnout, screen fatigue, and rising anxiety, this reframing continues to shape how we think about connection and the role brands play in supporting it. So what distinguishes the products that surged during lockdown from those that endured once life reopened? How does a company turn something functional into an emotional anchor for connection and belonging—and build a brand that lasts beyond the moment that made it popular? Welcome to DisruptED. In the latest episode, host Ron J Stefanski sits down with Liz Vanzura, Chief Marketing Officer of Solo Brands, for the first episode in a three-part series exploring how Solo Stove transformed a smokeless fire pit into a movement centered on connection, memory-making, and modern brand purpose. This episode traces Liz’s unconventional journey from engineering to iconic brand leadership—and unpacks how deep consumer insight, not surface-level data, fuels enduring brand loyalty. The key topics of discussion… How Solo Stove became closely associated with pandemic-era backyard gatherings—and evolved into a symbol of disconnection-to-connection living.Why the most powerful brand insights live beneath the data—and how marketers can uncover the “why” behind consumer behavior.How engineering-led innovation and emotional storytelling can coexist to scale a modern lifestyle brand.Liz Vanzura is a veteran CMO and board member with 25+ years of experience building iconic, high-growth consumer brands across automotive, CPG, retail, hospitality, and DTC. She has led award-winning global marketing and brand transformations at companies including Volkswagen, HUMMER, Cadillac, Wahlburgers, and Boston Beer, earning honors such as Ad Age Marketer of the Year and Automotive News All-Star. Currently CMO of Solo Brands and co-founder of GAI Insights, she is known for combining deep consumer insight, performance marketing, and emerging technologies like generative AI to drive cultural relevance and profitable growth.

    19 min

  2. JAN 22

    Bonfire Branding: How Solo Stove Sparked a Customer Movement with Liz Vanzura (Episode Three)

    As audiences tune out polished ads and lean into trust, brands are being forced to rethink how they show up for the customer. Research consistently shows that consumers rate peer-created content as more credible than traditional brand messaging, and algorithmic discovery is increasingly rewarding authenticity over polish. With AI reshaping how people search and social platforms amplifying real voices, the stakes for marketers are clear: adapt, or disappear. In this environment, many brands are rethinking campaigns as a way to support participation and build a customer movement over time. So what does modern brand building look like when consumers no longer want to be sold to, but want to belong? How can companies use technology without losing the human spark that creates loyalty? In the final episode of this engaging three-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski sits down once again with Liz Vanzura, Chief Marketing Officer of Solo Brands, to unpack how Solo Stove transformed customers into a passionate community. Episode three explores how user-generated content, experiential marketing, and AI-forward thinking can work together to spark genuine connection at scale—and why this approach is redefining modern marketing strategy. Key takeaways... Authentic user-generated content now outperforms scripted campaigns, building trust through real experiences and real voices, often forming the foundation of a customer movement.AI is becoming a critical tool for insight, efficiency, and discoverability—but only when paired with human judgment and creativity.Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning are essential leadership traits in an era of constant technological change.Liz Vanzura is a veteran CMO and board member with 25+ years of experience building culturally relevant, revenue-driving brands across automotive, CPG, retail, food, and DTC, including leadership roles at Volkswagen, HUMMER, Cadillac, and Solo Brands. She is recognized for award-winning global marketing, go-to-market launches, experiential campaigns, and performance-driven brand strategy, earning honors such as Ad Age Marketer of the Year and multiple industry all-star awards. A co-founder of GAI Insights and an active educator, she is a leading voice on applying generative AI to modern marketing while championing creativity, consumer insight, and profitable growth.

    19 min

  3. JAN 22

    Bonfire Branding: How Solo Stove Sparked a Customer Movement with Liz Vanzura (Episode Two)

    As people seek relief from constant digital noise, the backyard has quietly become a modern “third space” in everyday life. Outdoor living, fire pits, and at-home hosting continue to grow as consumers prioritize connection, ease, and experiences that feel meaningful without requiring more complexity. Brands that understand this shift aren’t just selling products—they’re offering moments of escape, ritual, and togetherness. But how does a company move from selling a better product to creating a brand people feel emotionally attached to—and fiercely loyal toward? Welcome to DisruptED, hosted by Ron J Stefanski. Episode two of this special three-part series with Liz Vanzura explores how Solo Stove—best known for its smokeless, stainless-steel fire pits—evolved from a clever engineering solution into a movement built around community, ritual, and escape, revealing how innovation, storytelling, and consumer insight drive lasting brand loyalty. Key takeaways… Why Solo Stove’s proprietary smokeless technology became the foundation for emotional brand connection, not just functional differentiation.How listening closely to a passionate, vocal customer community has shaped product evolution.What it means for Solo Brands to expand beyond fire pits toward “owning the backyard” as a modern lifestyle category.Liz Vanzura is the Chief Marketing Officer of Solo Brands, where she leads brand strategy and innovation for Solo Stove and the company’s growing portfolio of outdoor products. With a background in engineering and experience guiding iconic consumer brands, Vanzura is known for blending technical excellence with lifestyle storytelling. She brings more than 25 years of experience building culturally relevant, category-defining brands, with a career focused on creating creative, multi-channel marketing that drives both emotional connection and strong business performance.

    20 min

  4. JAN 15

    The DisruptED Journey with Tim Maitland at MarketScale (Episode One)

    Education doesn’t change in neat, predictable cycles—it shifts when people start asking better questions. Over the past several years, those questions have become louder and more urgent, driven by workforce disruption, new technologies, and a growing demand for learning that actually prepares people for real life. At the same time, media itself has evolved, favoring authentic, community-driven conversations over polished broadcasts. DisruptED was born at that intersection—not as just another podcast, but as a platform built to meet this moment head-on. So, what does it take to build a platform at that intersection—one that goes beyond information and drives real action? That question anchors episode one of an ambitious three-part DisruptED series, where the show turns the microphone inward. For this special run, Tim Maitland, Chief Revenue Officer at MarketScale, steps in as host to interview Ron J Stefanski, the longtime voice and visionary behind DisruptED. In this opening episode, Tim and Ron explore the foundational chapter of that journey: the leap from content creation to community building, and the philosophy that shaped DisruptED from the start. Top insights from the talk… From content to community: Why DisruptED was never meant to be “just a podcast,” and how authentic storytelling became a force multiplier for impact.The media shift: How user-generated, unscripted content reshaped the way education leaders connect with audiences in a post-broadcast world.Education with agency: Why modern learning systems must empower individuals to take ownership of what, how, and when they learn.Ron J Stefanski is the founder and longtime host of DisruptED, widely recognized for his passionate advocacy around education reform, workforce development, and urban transformation—particularly in Detroit. With a career spanning leadership roles in education innovation and corporate learning, Ron has worked on landmark initiatives such as online high school programs for adult learners and has collaborated with national thought leaders across K-12, higher education, and industry. Known for blending storytelling with systems thinking, he has built DisruptED into a trusted community for educators, policymakers, and innovators navigating a rapidly changing learning landscape.

    24 min

  5. JAN 15

    The DisruptED Journey with Tim Maitland at MarketScale (Episode Three)

    Storytelling is changing fast, shaped by new platforms, shifting audiences, and a growing demand for authenticity. What started as traditional podcasting has evolved into community-driven ecosystems built on real voices and lived experience. In this landscape, storytelling isn’t just content—it’s a way to build connection, spark engagement, and drive meaningful change. When done well, it can turn audiences into communities and conversations into momentum. So, what does it actually take to build not just a show, but a movement—one that turns content into community and conversation into change? In the final episode of this three-part series, DisruptED features MarketScale Chief Revenue Officer Tim Maitland hosting a conversation with the show’s founder and usual voice, Ron J Stefanski. Together, they reflect on DisruptED’s journey—how the show grew from a simple podcast into a multi-platform universe centered on education reform, authentic media, and community impact, and what that evolution reveals about the future of learning and storytelling. Key highlights… From content to impact: How DisruptED evolved from a traditional podcast into a platform and community designed to move the needle on education.The rise of user-generated media: Why unscripted, authentic voices now outperform polished corporate narratives—and how short-form content fuels deeper engagement.Education, agency, and place: How Detroit’s resurgence mirrors the show’s philosophy on legacy, resilience, and empowering learners to take ownership of their education.Ron J Stefanski is an education and workforce innovation leader, EdTech evangelist, and host of DisruptED, a top-ranked education podcast delivered weekly to more than 100,000 executives. With senior leadership and advisory roles across MarketScale, Penn Foster, Cengage, Michigan Virtual, and global organizations including the World Economic Forum, he has spent over two decades scaling online learning, upskilling platforms, and public–private education partnerships. Recognized by the Obama White House and the Clinton Global Initiative, Ron now focuses on workforce development and adult education in Detroit, leveraging media, technology, and community leadership to expand access to learning for underserved populations.

    30 min

  6. JAN 15

    The DisruptED Journey with Tim Maitland at MarketScale (Episode Two)

    Education is at a crossroads. As AI, online learning, and workforce demands rapidly reshape how people gain skills, long-standing gaps in access and outcomes remain a major concern in Michigan. Recent reporting on the 2025 State of Education and Talent shows Michigan has fallen to its lowest ever ranking in per capita income, underscoring how educational attainment and workforce readiness must improve to support economic prosperity across the region. These pressures have intensified the conversation around not just how education is delivered, but how learning can serve as a real pathway to mobility, purpose, and long-term stability. So, what happens when the person usually asking the questions steps into the spotlight? What drives someone to dedicate a career to learning, equity, and disruption in education—and how can personal tragedy evolve into a mission for systemic change? In the second episode of this three-part series on DisruptED, Tim Maitland, Chief Revenue Officer at MarketScale, returns as guest host to interview the show’s usual voice, Ron J Stefanski. Together, they trace the deeply personal origins of DisruptED and examine how trauma, curiosity, and technology intersect to shape a lifelong commitment to education. The main topics of discussion… From tragedy to purpose: How a family tragedy shaped Ron’s conviction that education can interrupt cycles of inequality and expand opportunity.Technology as an equalizer: Why AI and digital learning—when paired with guardrails—represent a “moon-launch moment” for expanding access to quality education.Rethinking the system: The case for lifelong learning, liberal arts education, and alternative pathways that better prepare people for meaningful work and civic life.Ron J Stefanski is the creator and long-time host of DisruptED, where he has spent years interviewing educators, technologists, and leaders reshaping how people learn. He began his career in higher-education publishing, working closely with professors and academic institutions during the industry’s early digital transition. Known for his intellectual curiosity and human-centered interviewing style, Ron has become a prominent voice in conversations about education equity, technology, and lifelong learning, advocating for solutions that expand opportunity across communities.

    19 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    What the University of Michigan Center for Innovation Means for Detroit: Education, Jobs, and a Community-Driven Vision for the Future

    Detroit is in the middle of a historic transformation—powered increasingly by technology, workforce innovation, and community-driven economic mobility. As industries shift and new tech corridors rise, cities like Detroit are asking a critical question: How do we ensure the future of innovation belongs to everyone who lives here? The upcoming launch of the University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) in 2027 puts that question squarely on the table, offering Detroit a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape an inclusive innovation ecosystem from the ground up. So, this special edition of DisruptED asks: What does it look like to build a world-class innovation hub with Detroit—not just for Detroit? Join host Ron J. Stefanski as he talks with Lutalo Sanifu, Director of Community Engagement at the University of Michigan Center for Innovation, about how UMCI is transforming education, workforce development, and community partnership across Detroit. From micro-credentials and youth STEAM programming to breaking down academic silos and building an innovation corridor between Detroit and Ann Arbor, this conversation covers the expansive vision now taking shape. Top insights from the talk… Designing learning with Detroiters: UMCI is co-creating programs through focus groups, community meetings, and collaborative curriculum design—ensuring the center is a welcoming public space shaped by the people it serves.Reinventing workforce development: From micro-credentials to stackable badges, to pathways starting at age 14, the center aims to build inclusive, intergenerational access to career mobility across fields like artificial intelligence, mobility, clean energy, and entrepreneurship.Cross-department innovation at scale: For the first time, multiple U-M colleges—from engineering to urban planning to sustainability—are co-creating applied, community-informed programs that flow between Detroit and Ann Arbor.Lutalo Sanifu is a lifelong Detroiter and the Director of Community Engagement at the University of Michigan Center for Innovation. Prior to joining UMCI, he served as Director of Resilience, Safety and Business District Services at Jefferson East Inc., overseeing sustainability, public safety, business support, real estate development, and extensive community outreach. His career reflects deep experience engaging residents across Detroit’s East Side, Southwest, and West Side neighborhoods. At UMCI, he leads the effort to design programs with community voice at the center—bridging university expertise, workforce needs, and local aspirations into a unified vision for Detroit’s innovation future.

    33 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    Powering Up Detroit’s Workforce: How Per Scholas Is Connecting Local Talent to Tech and Energy Careers

    Detroit is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation—one driven by innovation, community leadership, and an urgent demand for a new kind of workforce. As energy and tech sectors accelerate, organizations and employers are racing to prepare Detroit’s workforce for jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago. Workforce researchers note that tech-enabled roles across industries are growing faster than traditional pathways, raising the stakes for cities working to ensure residents have equitable access to these opportunities. How does Detroit build a workforce that is both future-ready and deeply rooted in community—one that reflects the city’s diversity, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit? In this episode of DisruptED, host Ron Stefanski sits down with Per Scholas’ Executive Vice President, Ken Walker, and Detroit Managing Director, Laura Chavez, during the PowerUp Detroit workforce conference. Together, they explore the innovations, partnerships, cultural dynamics, and opportunities reshaping tech education and career access in Detroit. Highlights from the Conversation… Detroit’s workforce momentum is real: From human-centered workforce strategies to deeper employer collaboration, leaders across the region are co-designing solutions that meet community needs—especially in the energy and tech sectors.Community movements like Black Tech Saturdays are rewriting the narrative: Grassroots innovation proves that when there’s no seat at the table, Detroiters build their own—and create pathways for underrepresented talent to enter and lead in tech.Per Scholas is reimagining tech training for the modern learner: With more than 25 career tracks and flexible delivery models, the organization is expanding training access while customizing programs to Detroit’s culture, employers, and industry needs.Ken Walker is the Executive Vice President at Per Scholas, where he has been a driving force in the organization’s national growth since joining in 2005. Under his leadership, Per Scholas has expanded from a $4 million nonprofit to an $80 million national powerhouse with 24 locations and over two dozen tech training pathways. A leading voice in workforce innovation, Ken specializes in aligning training to emerging technologies, employer demand, and equitable talent development. Laura Chavez is the Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit, a lifelong educator, community leader, and advocate for equitable workforce development. With a background in bilingual and bicultural education and deep roots in Southwest Detroit, Lara has built a career around empowerment, authenticity, and relationship-driven community engagement. Her work focuses on dismantling barriers for learners, expanding tech access for underrepresented communities, and strengthening Detroit’s diverse talent ecosystem.

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Follow along every month as Ron J Stefanski and Dr. Caesar discuss the future education and e-learning.

Information

  • Creator
    MarketScale
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    298
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    DisruptED