In this episode of MustardHub Voices: Behind the Build, Curtis Forbes sits down with Steve Glynn, founder of Experience Milwaukee and self-described Chief Milwaukee Officer, to explore the power of community, connection, and local ecosystems in shaping the future of work. Drawing from his journey growing up in Milwaukee, building and selling Sprinklr, and dedicating years to connecting entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders, Steve shares why professional networks can change lives and why cities thrive when people are aligned around a common vision. The conversation explores what makes strong innovation ecosystems, why talent often goes unrecognized when it doesn't fit traditional career paths, and how communities lose opportunities when entrepreneurs and nontraditional leaders are overlooked. Steve also shares lessons from studying tech hubs across the country, discusses the role of leadership in driving economic growth, and explains why rewarding intelligent failure may be one of the most important shifts organizations can make. Whether you're a founder, HR leader, business executive, or someone passionate about building stronger workplaces and communities, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, talent, innovation, and the human connections that make lasting impact possible. Listen now to hear why alignment, community, and a willingness to embrace risk may be the keys to building stronger companies, stronger careers, and stronger cities. About the GuestSteve Glynn is the founder of Experience Milwaukee, a media platform focused on the people building Milwaukee’s tech future. Through interviews, articles, and field reporting, he profiles the founders, operators, executives, investors, and community builders shaping where the city is headed, and he helps ambitious people grow their careers, companies, and connections. A founder with an exit, Steve has spent close to two decades cultivating Milwaukee’s tech and creative ecosystem, going back to Spreenkler, the community he built and later sold. More recently, he brought forward Milwaukee’s first Innovation District in Walker’s Point. His work blends storytelling, ecosystem building, and local business insight, and through projects like his City Tech Tour, he studies how other cities grow strong companies and stronger talent so he can bring those lessons home. He also goes by the title Chief Milwaukee Officer, which tells you most of what you need to know about how he feels about his city.
