Will Works Podcast

Workforce Investment Board of Will County
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Will Works Podcast

Welcome to the Will Works Podcast, powered by the Workforce Center of Will County. Get ready to hear about all things workforce development in Will County. Your host is Patrick Hall, Employer Relations Coordinator for Joliet Junior College – Workforce Development. To learn more, visit will.works

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    E49: Making Digital Marketing Accessible: AI & Social Media Tools for Small Business

    In this episode we sit down with Dan Peterson, founder of FlipSwitch Social Media. With a background in business ownership and sales, Dan shares insights on AI, digital marketing, and social media strategy. The conversation covers AI tools like ChatGPT, social media algorithms, and content creation that "stops the scroll." Dan discusses how FlipSwitch Social Media helps businesses maintain a digital presence through services and coaching. The episode ends with advice for business owners on preparing for an AI-driven future.

    35 min

  2. OCT 15

    E48: Steering Frankfort's Progress: A Conversation with Mayor Keith Ogle

    In this episode, Keith Ogle, Mayor of Frankfort, discusses his path from Joliet native to Frankfort's leader. Mayor Ogle talks about his entry into local politics and his vision for Frankfort. He also describes the village's identity as a "big small town" balancing historic preservation with development and outlines current projects including road improvements, water infrastructure updates, and residential developments. Tune in to hear about community events, accessibility efforts, and Frankfort's standards for growth.

    34 min

  3. OCT 8

    E47: CED Internship Program: Connecting Will County Students to Careers

    In this episode, Kayla Sorensen, Director of Investor Relations at Will County's Center for Economic Development (CED), discusses the CED's internship program. Kayla explains the program's goals, structure, and impact, including the number of internships offered, participating businesses, and student applications. She also outlines the application process, employer feedback, and plans for program growth. Discover CED's role in economic development and how the internship program fits into their mission of improving quality of life for Will County residents.

    34 min

  4. SEP 26

    E46: Bridging the Gap: Purpose Beyond Play's Innovative Approach to Athlete Transitions

    This episode features an interview with Andriana Acosta, a former basketball star and USF alum who has recently founded Purpose Beyond Play, an organization designed to help athletes transition into the workforce. Andriana shares her journey from playing college basketball to competing professionally overseas, and how an injury led her to create her innovative venture. She discusses the challenges athletes face when their playing careers end, including identity shifts and loss of structure. Andriana explains how Purpose Beyond Play aims to guide athletes through self-discovery, international travel, and community service, helping them find purpose beyond sports.

    21 min

  5. SEP 11

    E45: Adapting to Thrive: Romeoville's Economic Evolution

    This episode of the Will Works podcast features a conversation with Mayor John Noak of Romeoville, Illinois, and Josh Potter, the village's Director of Community Development. Mayor Noak, serving his fourth term, shares insights into Romeoville's growth and development. The discussion covers topics including the village's history, economic drivers, workforce challenges, and future plans. Mayor Noak highlights Romeoville's job creation, financial management, and community development while addressing challenges in adapting to economic changes. Tune in for an overview of Romeoville's evolution from a transit hub to a community with housing options, educational institutions, and recreational amenities.

    32 min

  6. AUG 6

    E44: Bridging Education and Industry: GSU's Innovative Approach to Workforce Solutions

    This episode features a conversation with Craig Schmidt, the Executive Director of the School of Extended Learning at Governors State University (GSU). Craig shares his extensive background in workforce development and discusses GSU's role in supporting local businesses and communities. He also highlights the university's efforts in areas like manufacturing, supply chain management, and emerging fields such as drone technology and clean energy. Discover the importance of youth engagement in career exploration, the adaptation of educational programs to meet evolving industry needs, and partnerships with organizations like the Calumet Area Industrial Commission.

    21 min

  7. JUN 10

    E43: Navigating the World of AI: Advice for Businesses and Job Seekers

    In this episode of the Will Works podcast, host Patrick Hall welcomes Beth Ziesenis, a speaker, author, and self-proclaimed nerd who helps demystify technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Beth breaks down the basics of AI, focusing on the popular tool ChatGPT, and discusses its capabilities, limitations, and potential impact on the workforce. She shares insights on how businesses and job seekers can effectively utilize ChatGPT, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between AI-generated content and the human touch. She also explores the future of AI in the workplace and offers advice on how companies can adapt and upskill their employees to make the most of this rapidly evolving technology.

    40 min

  8. MAY 17

    E42: Crafting Connections: Inside Joliet's Ceramic Creations Studio

    Lifelong friends Erica Williams and Natasha Dillard are the dynamic duo behind Ceramic Creations, a Joliet-based art studio where creativity and community connect. In this episode, Erica and Natasha share their journey from sorority sisters to small business owners, discussing how their shared passion for the arts and desire to provide a therapeutic, communal experience led them to establish Ceramic Creations. Tune in to learn about their unique backgrounds, the inspiration behind the studio, and how they're engaging with the local community to spread the joy of ceramics.

    23 min
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About

Welcome to the Will Works Podcast, powered by the Workforce Center of Will County. Get ready to hear about all things workforce development in Will County. Your host is Patrick Hall, Employer Relations Coordinator for Joliet Junior College – Workforce Development. To learn more, visit will.works

Information

  • Creator
    Workforce Investment Board of Will County
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Will Works Podcast

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