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Spotlight Podcast

Spotlight Podcast

Written by: Tim Branyan
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Tim Branyan highlights impactful business owners, entrepreneurs & leaders to discuss personal + professional evolution, entrepreneurial mindset, and advice for the next generation of founders.Copyright 2026 Tim Branyan Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Politics & Government
Episodes
  • What Successful Entrepreneurs Know Before Starting a Business
    Jan 6 2026

    Starting a business can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Art McDonald and Tim Branyan share honest, real-world insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and what actually matters when building something from the ground up. From overcoming fear and uncertainty to learning while moving forward, this conversation breaks down the mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who never get started.

    If you’re thinking about launching a business, growing one, or just want clarity on the entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with practical perspective and encouragement. This discussion also highlights the importance of curiosity, resilience, and sharing knowledge — and how organizations like the ISBDC support entrepreneurs at every stage.

    🔗 Connect & Learn More (Links referenced in this episode)

    Art McDonald on LinkedIn: / art-mcdonald-48b7b832

    Tim Branyan on LinkedIn: / timbranyan

    Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org

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    54 mins
  • From Startup Founder to Chamber CEO: Lessons in Leadership with Mikel Berger
    Jan 5 2026

    Entrepreneurship isn’t about reckless risk — it’s about not quitting. In this episode of The Spotlight, host Tim Branyan sits down with Mikel Berger, President & CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce, to unpack what real entrepreneurship looks like behind the scenes. From starting a software company straight out of college, to helping launch MatchBOX Coworking Studio, to leading one of Indiana’s most influential business organizations, Mikel shares hard-earned lessons on:

    1. Calculated risk vs. perceived risk
    2. Building businesses without burning the bridge behind you
    3. The power of mentors, spouses, and community
    4. Why entrepreneurship is an infinite game
    5. How chambers of commerce and ecosystems actually help businesses grow

    This conversation is packed with wisdom for:

    ✔️ Entrepreneurs

    ✔️ Business owners (early-stage to scaling)

    ✔️ Community leaders

    ✔️ Anyone curious about sustainable growth and leadership

    🎧 Whether you’re building your first company or navigating the next stage of growth, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical insight.

    🔗 Connect with the People & Organizations Featured:


    Host – Tim Branyan (LinkedIn): / timbranyan

    Guest – Mikel Berger (LinkedIn): / mikelberger

    Indiana SBDC – Hoosier Heartland Region: https://www.isbdc.org/locations/hoosi... Greater Lafayette Commerce: https://www.greaterlafayettecommerce....

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    55 mins
  • Building Better Businesses: Leadership Lessons w/ Katelyn Colclazier
    Dec 17 2025

    In this episode, we sit down with Katelyn Colclazier, a business professional known for her approach to leadership, organizational development, and strategic growth.

    This 41-minute conversation breaks down the realities of business in 2025:

    ✔️ Leadership that actually works

    ✔️ Building teams that perform

    ✔️ Creating workplace culture that isn’t fake

    ✔️ Mistakes businesses make (and how to avoid them)

    ✔️ How individuals can stand out, grow, and move up

    ✔️ The mindset behind long-term success

    If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone trying to level up in your career, this episode delivers real, practical, actionable insight.

    00:00 – Intro

    01:02 – Meet Katelyn Colclazier

    04:20 – Her journey into the business world

    09:18 – What separates good and great leaders

    15:35 – How to build strong, efficient teams

    21:44 – Solving common business challenges

    28:05 – The importance of culture & communication

    33:12 – Career growth and staying competitive

    38:50 – Final business advice

    41:00 – Outro


    📌 RESOURCES & LINKS


    Vision Studio

    Book the studio or learn more:

    https://bookvisionstudio.com


    Indiana SBDC

    Supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners:

    https://isbdc.org


    Host: Tim Branyan

    Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: / timbranyan


    Guest: Katelyn Colclazier

    Connect with Katelyn on LinkedIn:

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    41 mins
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