Episodes

  • Leading in a Shifting Banking Landscape

    Leading in a Shifting Banking Landscape
    May 28 2026
    Jim is joined by Steve Davis, recently named Michigan region president for the combined Fifth Third and Comerica operations. He’s stepping into this role at a moment of real change – leading through a major integration while the banking industry itself continues to evolve. We talk about what it takes to lead in that kind of environment, what this transition means for Michigan businesses, and how the role of regional banks is shifting in today’s economy.
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    32 mins
  • Leadership Lens: Navigating Healthcare’s Cost, Complexity and Change

    Leadership Lens: Navigating Healthcare’s Cost, Complexity and Change
    May 26 2026
    Jim is joined by Tricia Keith, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. From her roots on a Michigan dairy farm to leading one of the state’s most influential health insurers, Tricia brings a grounded perspective on what it takes to operate through cost pressures, system complexity and constant change in healthcare.

    This conversation is part of our Leadership Lens series – focused on how organizations navigate complex, high-stakes challenges in transitional and turbulent times.
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    34 mins
  • From Classroom to Career: Closing Michigan’s Skills Gap

    From Classroom to Career: Closing Michigan’s Skills Gap
    May 21 2026
    What does it really take to prepare students for today’s workforce – and are we starting early enough?

    In this episode, we explore a new approach to workforce readiness: AP Career Kickstart, a set of courses developed by The College Board in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce based on significant research and feedback.

    Joining us are:
    - Jeff Metts, a mid-Michigan business leader and prominent manufacturer focused on talent development
    - Alyssa Chudnofskey, executive Director at The College Board, helping shepherd this new programming
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    34 mins
  • Unlocking Housing in Michigan

    Unlocking Housing in Michigan
    May 14 2026
    Housing is a quality-of-life issue – and an economic one. Across Michigan, employers are struggling to attract and retain talent and families are struggling to find homes they can afford.

    In this episode, we’re digging into what’s driving the state’s housing shortage and why it matters – and also what it will take to fix it.

    Joining us are leaders from across the housing ecosystem to talk about the barriers, the realities and the path forward:
    - Brad Ward, Michigan Realtors
    - Dawn Crandal, Home Builders Association of Michigan
    - Randy Gross, our Michigan Chamber lead on this issue.
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    29 mins
  • Michigan in Motion: 2026 Politics and Policy to Watch

    Michigan in Motion: 2026 Politics and Policy to Watch
    May 7 2026
    Michigan’s political and policy landscape is taking shape for 2026 – from legislative debates to early signals in what will be one of the most consequential election cycles in recent memory.

    In this episode, Jim is joined by two of the state’s top Capitol insiders and our chief business advocate to break down what’s actually happening, what matters most – and what comes next:
    - Zach Gorchow, president of Michigan operations, Gongwer News Service
    - Kyle Melinn, editor and co-owner, Michigan Information & Research Service (MIRS)
    - Wendy Block, senior VP of business advocacy, Michigan Chamber
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    23 mins
  • From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: The Case for Permitting Reform in Michigan

    From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: The Case for Permitting Reform in Michigan
    Feb 17 2026
    Jim leads the discussion on permitting in Michigan – why it matters, where the system works and where it doesn’t. And how a regulatory process that is efficient, transparent and predictable is crucial to job creation and our shared future – all while still protecting our state’s natural resources.

    Joining him to break that down:
    - State Representative Bill Schuette and Chair of the House Rules Committee and Red Tape Reduction Initiative
    - Mike Patwell, Member and Senior Director at Clark Hill
    - Mike Alaimo from the Michigan Chamber
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    31 mins
  • Turning the Tide – Legislative Solutions to Lawsuit Abuse in Michigan, Part 3 in our Legal Reform Series

    Turning the Tide – Legislative Solutions to Lawsuit Abuse in Michigan, Part 3 in our Legal Reform Series
    Feb 10 2026
    In parts 1 and 2 of our legal reform series, we explored why Michigan’s legal climate matters – and how lawsuit abuse is driving up costs for employers, property owners and families alike – as well as new alliance that formed.

    In this episode, we move to a couple of specific policy solutions. To do so, we’re joined by two state representatives who are sponsoring legislation to restore balance to Michigan’s legal system. Together, we’ll break down what’s actually in these bills and how commonsense reforms can protect access to the courts while curbing abuse.

    Joining us are:
    State Representative Mike Harris of MI District 52 (portions of Oakland Co) and bill sponsor of House Bill 5281 tackling what’s known “Third Party Litigation Funding”
    State Representative Jerry Neyer of MI District 92 (portions of Gratiot and Isabelle counties) and bill sponsor of House Bill 4582 reinstating what’s known as open & obvious
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    27 mins
  • 1-on-1 with Mike Cox, 2026 gubernatorial candidate – Michigan’s Future in Focus

    1-on-1 with Mike Cox, 2026 gubernatorial candidate – Michigan’s Future in Focus
    Feb 6 2026
    Jim is joined by Mike Cox, founder of the Mike Cox Law Firm, former State Attorney General and a 2026 candidate running to be Michigan’s next governor.

    This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from the seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.
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    29 mins