Ted Listens: Stories Behind the Businesses of Chicago

Ted Novak
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Did you know that not more than one industry makes up more than 13% of Chicago’s economy? Join me as I interview Chicago's business leaders from our diverse economy, ranging from businesses you may never heard of, or names you hear everyday and always wondered what they do! Learn more about my current and upcoming guests here: https://www.tedlistenspodcast.com

  1. Jul 6

    Munzoor Shaikh of Long Game Health

    In this episode of Ted Listens, Ted Novak sits down with Munzoor Shaikh, Founder & CEO of Long Game Health, for a conversation about what it takes to create meaningful, durable change in healthcare. Munzoor shares his perspective on the intersection of strategy, operations, data, and leadership, and why real transformation requires more than a new initiative or short-term answer. Together, they explore the long game: creating clarity, alignment, and follow-through while keeping people at the center of complex systems. Learn more about Munzoor and Long Game Health: https://LongGame.com More on Ted: https://CliqueStudios.com

  2. May 18

    Justin Kaufmann of Axios Chicago

    In this episode of Ted Listens, I sit down with Justin Kaufmann of Axios for a conversation about Chicago, journalism, storytelling, and the future of media. Justin shares his journey from interning at WBEZ in the 1990s to hosting at WGN Radio and eventually helping launch Axios Chicago. The conversation explores: How Smart Brevity changed modern journalismWhy Chicago still feels like a “small town in a big city”The realities of media in the AI eraThe importance of authentic voice in storytellingWhy local journalism still mattersHow personality and perspective shape great reportingThis episode is for the Chicago fanatics and the Chicago curious alike. More on Axios Chicago: https://www.axios.com/newsletters More on Justin Kaufmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kaufmann-57642b6/ More on Ted Novak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tednovak/

  3. Apr 27

    Mitul Patel of MP Consulting

    In this episode of Ted Listens, I sit down with Mitul Patel, founder of MP Consulting, for one of the most fascinating business conversations I’ve had. What started after four former Motorola Mobility colleagues left stable jobs and landed on their faces in a failed startup became a thriving engineering company with 130 employees, global talent, manufacturing operations, and multiple business ventures. We talk about: How desperation can create entrepreneurial momentumWhy businesses must pivot when markets changeBuilding products, manufacturing, and solving impossible engineering problemsWhy hardware isn’t “hard” if you understand processThe hidden challenge of scaling from doer to leaderTurning personal tragedy into purpose through a women’s health foundationWhy “What do you want to do?” is a better question than “What do you want to be?”This is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and building opportunity from chaos. Learn more about Mitul here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrpatel624/

  4. Feb 16

    Nicole Shaver of Nicole Shaver Coaching & Consulting

    Nicole spent years building a successful career in finance and leadership at a fast-growing consulting firm, then walked away from the comfort (and the title) to bet on herself. In this episode, we talk about what inspired her to make that leap, how she chose coaching as her next chapter, and what she learned while making that decision. Nicole shares what it’s like to start from scratch, build a business through relationships, and help other high performers navigate transition, burnout, boundaries, and the hard conversations that come with growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a role you’re great at, or you’re quietly wondering what your own “next thing” could be, this one will hit. Topics we cover: Leaving a stable career without a “perfect” plan Turning your real strengths into a business Coaching vs therapy vs mentoring (and why it matters) Why burnout and change are showing up everywhere right now The hidden cost of comfort—and how to move anyway #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Coaching #Burnout #WorkTransitions #Chicago #TedListens

  5. Jan 19

    Abin Kuriakose of World Business Chicago

    Chicago isn’t a single industry city, and that’s exactly its advantage. In this episode of Ted Listens, I sit down with Abin Kuriakose, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at World Business Chicago, to unpack how Chicago really works as a place to build and scale a business. From why global companies are placing innovation hubs in Chicago, to how talent, climate resilience, and cross-industry collaboration are shaping the city’s future, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at economic development through the lens of entrepreneurs and operators. If you’re a founder, investor, or business leader curious about where opportunity is quietly compounding, this episode helps reveal why Chicago strategic market. 🎧 Topics include: Why Chicago’s industry diversity is a competitive advantage How startups gain access to enterprise decision-makers The role of talent, universities, and workforce development Climate resilience as a business strategy What founders often underestimate about building in the Midwest #ChicagoBusiness #Entrepreneurship #StartupEcosystem #EconomicDevelopment #BuildInChicago #MidwestTech #InnovationEconomy #Founders #VentureCapital #BusinessLeadership #CivicInnovation

  6. 11/17/2025

    Brynn Michelich of Jellyvision

    In this episode of Ted Listens, I sit down with Brynn Michelich, Chief Operating Officer at Jellyvision, the Chicago tech company behind the wildly successful benefits-education platform ALEX. Brynn shares the fascinating evolution of Jellyvision, starting with educational films in the late ’80s, moving through the CD-ROM gaming era (yes, including You Don’t Know Jack), and ultimately becoming a leading HR-tech company helping millions of employees understand and use their benefits. From transitioning a services business into a scalable product, to navigating healthcare complexity, AI adoption, employee communication, and hybrid-work culture shifts, Brynn offers candid insights on leadership, operations, and what it really takes to build a company that blends behavioral science, empathy, humor, and technology. If you're an operator, founder, HR leader, or simply love great Chicago startup stories, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. More on Jellyvision: https://jellyvision.com/ More on my company: https://cliquestudios.com/

  7. 10/19/2025

    Peter Wilt of Chicago House AC

    Peter Wilt has built more professional soccer teams than anyone in the Midwest, including the Chicago Fire, Chicago Red Stars, and now the Chicago House Athletic Club, where he serves as President and CEO. In this episode of Ted Listens, Peter and I talk about what it takes to start a professional sports franchise from scratch, and the surprising similarities between launching a team and launching a startup. From community-driven growth and transparent leadership to the importance of purpose-driven branding, Peter shares decades of wisdom that apply far beyond the field. You’ll hear stories of early wins, hard lessons, and how Chicago House is creating a new model for inclusive, community-based athletics including men’s, women’s, youth, and adaptive sports. Whether you’re a sports fan, entrepreneur, or community builder, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger about what it means to lead, to build, and to belong. More on Chicago House: https://www.chicagohouseac.com/ Connect with Peter Wilt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wilt-26a7171/ More on Clique Studios: https://cliquestudios.com/ Connect with Ted Novak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tednovak/ #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #LeadershipPodcast #GrowthMindset #StartupStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #FoundersJourney

  8. 10/09/2025

    Brian White of eProperty Innovations

    Brian shares his journey from banking and real estate to launching a company that combines software, strategy, and social entrepreneurship to transform distressed properties into thriving assets. We discuss: What land banks are and why they matter for entrepreneurs How land banks serve as innovation labs for housing and technology The intersection of public sector rules and private sector opportunity Why social entrepreneurship is key to sustainable economic growth If you’re an entrepreneur, strategist, or community leader looking for fresh ways to create opportunity, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. #chicagorealestate #chicagobusiness #tedlistens

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About

Did you know that not more than one industry makes up more than 13% of Chicago’s economy? Join me as I interview Chicago's business leaders from our diverse economy, ranging from businesses you may never heard of, or names you hear everyday and always wondered what they do! Learn more about my current and upcoming guests here: https://www.tedlistenspodcast.com

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