Generative AI and the Future of a Tech Nebraska with Laurel Oetken

In this episode of Walk the Talk with Blake Peterson, we dive into how Chad Mares, Founder and CEO of The Work Lab, is transforming the way companies support their employees. As a nonprofit, The Work Lab offers innovative services like WorkLife Coaching and Resource Navigation that go beyond traditional internal HR functions, providing personalized guidance for employees facing life’s challenges.Even in organizations with robust HR teams, employees may hesitate to discuss personal matters with supervisors or HR personnel. The Work Lab provides a safe, confidential space for employees to address their concerns without fear, respecting the boundaries of professional relationships while prioritizing well-being. By building resilience and developing strategies for managing disruptions to their personal lives—The Work Lab enhances employee benefits, creates connections to resources in our community, and fosters a healthier, more engaged workforce.Chad shares insights on creating an ethical work environment that values both personal and professional support. Join us as we discuss how The Work Lab is redefining employee care, making well-being a cornerstone of success in the modern workplace. Discover how this ethical, people-centered approach could lead to a brighter, healthier future in the latest episode of Walk the Talk, brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance.Send us a text

Armando Salgado is an old school entrepreneur, that is to say, when the question “Why is nobody out here doing this?” would come up, his immediate instinct was to say “Well, looks like it’s gonna be me!”Now, with over 15 years of experience in real estate, marketing and advertising, and a growing expertise in fundraising for nonprofits, publishing, creating a shipping and distribution enterprise, construction contracts and more, add to Armando’s ever growing list to answer the question, “So, what do you do?”What he does this week is join Blake in the Webberized studio to talk about his role as creator and president of the Latino Economic Development Council and the ideas they are laying out for not only south omaha but for the whole city’s economic future. Looking at the ways  to attract more business, and how companies must be flexible and willing to change their approaches. Through his experience, Armando challenges the old methods and why they won't work in a fast-evolving market. And how some of the big, older companies will resist change due to their current success, and miss why that adaptability is crucial for staying competitive and tapping into the fastest-growing markets, especially in finance and life insurance, among the folks that may speak a different language than you. A talk about looking ahead isn’t complete without recounting the path that led us here. Armando breaks down the beginning of his journey, from times he had to get by while completely alone, to having the outreach he needed to see the correct path forward for him and the community.Catch the latest episode of the BEA’s Walk the Talk Pod, with your host Blake Peterson.Send us a text

Do you feel worried that the super smart and capable robots are coming to take over your workplace? In this episode of the Walk The Talk Pod with Blake Peterson, we explore the relationship between Generative AI and the future of jobs with Laurel Oetken, executive director of the newly created Tech Nebraska, an organization focused on building connections in our tech community, while advocating for pro-growth, and pro-business tech policies with an eye on growing Nebraska’s innovation future.We talk to Laurel about how AI is actually being used in companies today, and why it might create more opportunities than it eliminates. We also discuss the skills you'll need to thrive in the age of AI, and what schools and businesses can do to prepare the next generation for the changing workforce. Break through the overblown conspiracy-brained fears and approach the real issues that we will have to tackle sooner rather than later.  A new skill base, next generation of education and STEM careers, and how businesses must remain cautious but have to get themselves involved not before they get left behind. Myths, truths and realities of how AI can be your powerful partner, not your replacement on this episode of Walk The Talk, a podcast brought to you by The Business Ethics Alliance.Send us a text

AnneMarie Marlier, Executive Director of the Business Ethics Alliance visits the podcast studio to talk with Blake about her insights into what ethics is about, her journey that led her to the Alliance and Omaha, and the future of the organization and what it means to be mindful of creating an ethical future.The Business Ethics Alliance is dedicated to building Support systems and professional partnerships. The BEA believes in fostering a culture of business ethics within organizations and encompass principles of integrity, fairness, and responsibility.Anne Marie is a volunteer for several organizations and board memberships, with a doctorate in Urban Education, and a Master of Adult Education degree, and a green belt in Taekwondo.Send us a text

Welcome to the premiere episode of Season 4 of Walk the Talk, The exclusive business Podcast about ethics presented by the Business Ethics Alliance, hosted by the amazing Blake Peterson!John Fulwider, PhD joins us on our inaugural episode of 2024 to reveal to us the world of Executive Coaching and how to build the proper leadership team to get you to your next, next , NEXT big goal.Entrepreneurs often find  they wind up wearing too many hats. John helps business owners get their freedom back,  to grow in the direction they want, at the speed they want, to get the three things every business wants, to get work, do work, and get paid.John has written five books with his sixth book shortly on the way, his experience with business with a small group of employees to businesses with over 6500 employed, John shows us how we can grow our business and safely move to the next and stay successful every step of the way.Send us a text

Do you know how to navigate the line between a non-profit organization and finding ways to create revenue? In this episode of "Walk the Talk," Blake sits down with the remarkable Steve Warren, a true pioneer in addressing the needs of kids here in Omaha. Both a Husker and an NFL Player, Steve has spent his life pushing the boundaries of what he was capable of, both physically and now as a business leader with no “formal training.”Learn about the human spirit that has led to nearly 20 years of kids being able to live the DREAM. Join Blake as we listen to the challenges, and profound insights that have shaped his successes and how to balance Non-Profit and For-Profit organizations together.Send us a text

Makayla McMorris and Kristi Andersen are the beating heart at the core of Moxie 16, a boutique integrated communications marketing firm focused on public & media relations, crisis communications, social media, content development, and more. With decades of the Highest-Level Experience, from guiding UNO through the minefield of covid precautions and addressing disinformation, to key role in defining Omaha Metro’s Entertainment growth. Communications, event management, journalism and more, from a powerhouse of two boss women, leading in and leading the way on this episode of ‘Walk the Talk’ hosted by Blake Peterson, and brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance of Omaha.Send us a text

What is the Future of Work?The Covid Pandemic forced lots of business to change how they worked with theri personnel, to adapt or potentially lose everything.Now that the initial shutdown quarantining is over, business are trying to go back to... well.... business as usual, but now the workforce is in a completely different place, with some preferring work-at-home, hybrid, or a Job Share program.The BEAPod welcomes Jina Hwang, Ph.D. this week to talk to Blake about the new solutions her organization, Job Share Connect, brings to the new work experience.So, what do you think is the Future of Work? Listen in and find out!Send us a text

Daniel Padilla came to America almost 30 years ago looking to get into hospitality and his chance at the Dream. Instead, he worked in banking and finance in a position that was created overnight to address the fast-growing immigrant population in the city. In that time, he saw, and experienced, the exploitive and manipulative practices that targeted immigrants and financially vulnerable people.Wanting to provide better alternatives to combat unethical services, particularly the predatory ‘Payday Loan’ businesses, he along with others, created Lending Link, a unique enterprise to provide services to these financially vulnerable people with ways of breaking through money barriers and cycles of debt and reaching success.Listen with our host Blake Peterson as we chart Daniel’s amazing journey from chasing the Dream to becoming the dream-maker for the community.Send us a text

Join us on this exciting episode as we sit down with Van Deeb, an accomplished real estate professional and founder of DEEB Realty in Omaha, Nebraska. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Van has established himself as one of the top brokers in the region, specializing in real estate investing, property management, and residential and commercial sales. We'll also explore Van's active involvement in the Omaha community, his charitable work, and his unwavering commitment to his clients. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with a respected and successful entrepreneur in the real estate industry.#BEApod with Blake PetersonSend us a text