Innovation doesn't happen by accident. It takes vision, partnership and leaders who know how to bring people together around a shared future. That's what Paul Sohl, CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor, is doing as he helps connect education and research across one of the state's most dynamic regions.

In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway speaks with Paul about his path from Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy to innovation leader, and how he is helping prepare Florida's students, businesses and communities for what comes next.

Water is one of Florida's most precious natural resources, sustaining our communities, ecosystems and economy. As population growth and development increase, protecting water quality has never mattered more.

Syed Shah, CEO of Eco World Water, points to a solution: wastewater reuse. In this episode, Shah joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to discuss his love for the Sunshine State, why water sustainability is essential for Floridians, and how water recycling can support a cleaner future.

Tampa Bay is growing rapidly, but rising housing costs are making it harder for working families to stay in the city they call home. That's why Mike Sutton, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, is helping families achieve homeownership through zero-interest mortgages with the support of partners and volunteers.

In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway sits down with Mike to discuss his journey to nonprofit leadership and how he's helping families turn the dream of a "forever home" into a reality.

Martha McGill, president of Nemours Children's Health Hospital, shares Nemours' bold push to become Florida's top-ranked children's health system. From expanding core clinical programs to developing sharply talented care teams, Martha is leading the mission to invest in the well-being of kids across the state.

In this episode, she joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to share her journey from bedside nurse to pediatric health leader, and how she's helping Nemours make a life-changing impact on children and families, bringing the "magic" of children's hospitals to life.

With the longest coastline in the continental U.S. and 825 miles of warm beaches, Florida has a lot of shoreline to protect. That's where Pepper Uchino comes in.

As president of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association, he leads the state's only organization devoted entirely to safeguarding the coastlines that make Florida so special. And with beach and waterfront activities among the most popular draws for out-of-state visitors, the state's natural beauty isn't just scenic – it's essential to our economy.

In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway talks with Pepper about his unexpected path into environmental advocacy and why investing in the next generation of coastal engineers may be the key to preserving Florida's future.

How is Palm Beach County reshaping mental health care? On this episode of Fluent in Floridian, Health Care District CEO Darcy J. Davis and Dr. Courtney Phillips share how passion and innovation are changing the game - from crisis response to long-term care. Together, they're building a model that not only treats mental health challenges but also restores dignity and saves lives.

From a childhood spent playing with snakes to leading some of Florida's most innovative wildlife programs, Keith Winsten shares his journey in conservation and immersive animal experiences.

As executive director of the Brevard Zoo, which welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually, he helps rehabilitate sea turtles and manatees, restore habitats and create exciting adventures for visitors. In this episode, Keith and SMPR President Heidi Otway discuss how he inspires people to get outside and connect with Florida's natural beauty.

Talethia Edwards is shaping the future of neighborhoods throughout Florida's Big Bend region. As executive director of Good News Outreach, she works to connect residents with critical resources that help communities flourish.

In this episode, Talethia talks with SMPR President Heidi Otway about her path from Miami to the state capital, and why she believes investing and advocating for people is the foundation for real, lasting change.