Startup Grind Lansing
MISSION CONTROL PODCAST: Megyn Forest on Mentorship, Leadership, and Building Community
MISSION CONTROL PODCAST: Megyn Forest on Mentorship, Leadership, and Building Community
The Mission Control podcast returns for Season 5 with an inspiring and insightful conversation between host Paul J. Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist at UnoDeuce Multimedia, and Megyn Forest, Executive Director and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region. This episode delves into the heart of nonprofit leadership, examining Megyn’s journey, her leadership philosophy, and the transformative power of mentorship.
Megyn Forest began her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters years ago as a volunteer Big Sister in Kalamazoo. Her early experiences helping young people build confidence and connection sparked a lifelong passion for mentorship and community development. These bonds often extend far beyond the formal program, evolving into lasting friendships that span years—something Megyn highlights as a central part of the organization’s mission.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters believes in the inherent potential of every child in our community,” Megyn says. “We help develop that potential by creating mentorships and supporting lifelong friendships.”
Before her role in nonprofit leadership, Megyn worked in injury prevention at Borgess Hospital, where she cultivated a strong background in healthcare administration, community education, and public speaking. Her transition to the nonprofit sector was both intentional and deeply personal, driven by a desire to have a broader impact in her community. She went on to earn a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership from Western Michigan University, equipping her with the skills and perspective needed to lead complex organizations with empathy and strategy.
Throughout the podcast, Megyn shares how her leadership style emphasizes asking the right questions, understanding team dynamics, and fostering inclusive collaboration. These values became even more crucial when she took on her current role at Big Brothers Big Sisters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating this transition involved implementing hybrid work models and maintaining team cohesion through regular weekly check-ins and fostering authentic connections.
Under Megyn’s leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region continues to expand its community presence. One highlight is the annual 5K run, a major fundraising event that not only generates essential support but also fosters community engagement. With over 200 participants last year, the event exemplifies how mission-driven organizations can rally people around a shared purpose.
Megyn also reflects on the concept of “work-life harmony”—a mindset that prioritizes being fully present in both work and home. As a CEO and mother, she embraces the dynamic nature of leadership and personal life, saying, “I joke around, but I think I mean it honestly, that I am a better mom when I’m a better CEO.”
This episode of Mission Control is a compelling look at what it takes to lead with heart, purpose, and a vision for lasting change. Megyn Forest’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone navigating leadership in the nonprofit world or seeking to make a more profound impact in their community.
To hear more from Megyn and other inspiring nonprofit leaders, subscribe to the Mission Control podcast, produced by UnoDeuce Multimedia, on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions, contact [missioncontrol@introduced.com](mailto:missioncontrol@introduced.com).
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Powering Business Growth: Inside the 517 Entrepreneurial Movement
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Powering Business Growth: Inside the 517 Entrepreneurial Movement
What happens when universities, business leaders, and local organizations come together to fuel innovation? A thriving startup ecosystem that’s reshaping the future of the entrepreneurial movement!
517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week is in full swing, bringing together some of the brightest minds in Michigan’s business and startup community.
But what’s really driving this transformation, and why does it matter beyond this week?
🎙️ In today’s episode, host Julie Holton Smith sits down with Harrison R. Leffel-Jones to explore the real impact of 517EI Week and what it means for the future of business in the Lansing region.
✔️ How organizations like Michigan State University, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Lansing Regional SmartZone, and local partners are unlocking funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities
✔️ The resources available to startups — from funding to mentorship to strategic partnerships
✔️ The long-term impact of 517EI Week on businesses, startups, and the regional economy
Learn more about 517EI: https://www.517ei.com/
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Can AI Feel? VERN AI Brings Emotion to Tech
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Can AI Feel? VERN AI Brings Emotion to Tech
Think AI can’t pick up on tone, sarcasm, or frustration? Think again!
Craig Tucker is redefining emotional intelligence in tech. He’s answering the big question: Can artificial intelligence act more human and understand emotion?
He believes it can, and he’s proving it with VERN AI — a patented Emotion Recognition System.
In this episode, host Julie Holton Smith talks with Craig about how emotion-sensing AI is used in real time to decode tone, detect bias, and improve how we connect at work, in business, and beyond. As a founder, Craig opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, building VERN AI, leading with purpose, and why empathy belongs in every conversation, human or machine.
✔️ The tech behind VERN AI’s patented speech emotion recognition
✔️ Real-world use cases that show the power of emotional context
✔️ How AI tools like VERN AI can be used for crisis response, education, and DEI
✔️ Why human-centered design and emotional intelligence in tech is the future of customer service
✔️ Craig’s mission to make technology more accessible and inclusive
From chatbots to corporate training, the possibilities are endless when AI learns to listen on a deeper level.
📢 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve in tech, leadership, and purpose-driven innovation!
About Our Host, Julie Holton Smith
Julie is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and communications expert who helps businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact. As the Founder and Principal Strategist of mConnexions and host of Expert Connexions, she brings insightful conversations with purpose-driven leaders to help you grow and lead with intention. Learn more: www.mconnexions.com
About Craig Tucker & VERN AI
Craig Tucker is an entrepreneur and innovator committed to using AI for social good. As the founder of VERN AI, he’s created a platform that uses speech analysis to detect emotional cues, helping industries better understand, support, and serve their communities. Learn more: www.vernai.com
CLIENT STORY: Your Home Solutions Experts – Michigan Home and Garden Show Expo Video
CLIENT STORY: Your Home Solutions Experts – Michigan Home and Garden Show Expo Video
This video was a beginning-to-end illustration of how Your Home Solutions Experts does what they do best. They add insulation quickly and efficiently in a few hours and walk the client through the process. Special thanks to 517 Visuals for the collaboration.
ARTS ROLL-CALL: Theresa Rosado-Celebrating Culture and Traditions
ARTS ROLL-CALL: Theresa Rosado-Celebrating Culture and Traditions
Welcome to episode 28 of Arts Roll Call, a podcast for the arts curious. Join host Robin Miner Swartz as she interviews artist Theresa Rosado, founder and executive director of Casa de Rosado. They talk about Theresa’s journey as an artist and founder of Casa de Rosado and the importance of sharing culture and history through the arts.
CLIENT STORY: Habitat for Humanity Capital Region: Building Homes, Hope & Futures Through Affordable Homeownership
CLIENT STORY: Habitat for Humanity Capital Region: Building Homes, Hope & Futures Through Affordable Homeownership
For many individuals and families, owning a home remains a dream just out of reach. Traditional paths to homeownership are often filled with financial barriers, limited access, and uncertainty. This is where Habitat for Humanity offers a life-changing alternative that opens the door to stability, community, and lasting change.
Habitat for Humanity is not just about building houses—it’s about building futures. Through its affordable homeownership programs, Habitat helps those who may not qualify for conventional mortgages gain access to safe, decent housing. These homes are not given away—they are earned through a unique model that emphasizes financial responsibility and community involvement.
A cornerstone of Habitat’s program is sweat equity. Future homeowners commit to volunteer hours, either helping build their own homes or supporting the construction of others’ homes. This hands-on involvement creates a sense of pride and ownership that runs deeper than any down payment. Additionally, participants take part in educational courses covering home maintenance, budgeting, and mortgage management to ensure long-term success.
Behind every home is a network of passionate professionals and volunteers. Habitat’s dedicated construction teams work alongside volunteers to build or renovate homes with quality and care. The process is a genuine community effort, often culminating in a heartfelt ceremony that celebrates a house completed and a life transformed.
Beyond providing shelter, Habitat for Humanity fosters generational change. Families gain more than a roof over their heads—they build equity and stability that can be passed on to future generations. Studies show that children raised in owned homes perform better in school and enjoy improved health outcomes, illustrating the far-reaching impact of stable housing.
One common misconception is that Habitat gives away homes. In reality, the organization sells homes through affordable mortgages. With flexible requirements and financial guidance, Habitat creates pathways for families who might otherwise be excluded from homeownership.
For those who do not initially qualify, Habitat remains a partner, offering referrals and ongoing support to keep the dream of ownership within reach. Their mission goes beyond construction; it empowers people and strengthens communities.
From the sweat equity poured into the foundation to the keys handed over at a dedication ceremony, each Habitat home tells a powerful story of resilience, community, and hope. Habitat for Humanity proves that when people work together toward a shared vision, they can transform landscapes and lives.
Visit Habitat for Humanity’s website to learn more about how to apply, volunteer, or support their mission. Whether looking for a fresh start or a way to give back, Habitat offers an opportunity to be part of something significant: building homes, hope, and a better future for all.
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: How AI-Powered Smart Sites are Revolutionizing Websites
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: How AI-Powered Smart Sites are Revolutionizing Websites
Ready to see how AI-Powered Smart Sites are revolutionizing business?
In this episode, host Julie Holton Smith sits down with Jesse Flores and Scott Remington of SuperWebPros to explore how AI is reshaping websites as we know them. Forget static pages, Smart Sites are here to transform customer interactions, making websites more intelligent, efficient, and conversion-driven!
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ How Smart Sites streamline lead generation and customer conversion
✔️ The key differences between AI-powered sites and traditional chatbots
✔️ Why AI-driven interactions create a frictionless buyer’s journey
✔️ How businesses can future-proof their websites with AI technology
✔️ The role of conversational AI in enhancing brand engagement and loyalty
With tech giants like Google and Meta investing billions into AI, businesses must rethink their digital strategy to stay ahead. This conversation unpacks the game-changing impact of AI-powered web experiences and why investing in this technology now will pay off for years to come.
About Our Host, Julie Holton Smith:
Julie is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and communications expert who helps businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact. As the founder of mConnexions and host of Expert Connexions, she brings insightful conversations with industry leaders to help you grow and lead with intention.
About Our Guests:
Jesse Flores and Scott Remington are the visionaries behind Super Web Pros, a company dedicated to transforming websites into high-performing, AI-driven platforms. Their expertise in Smart Sites is helping businesses elevate digital experiences, streamline conversions, and stay ahead in an AI-first world. Learn more at superwebpros.com
📢 Subscribe for more expert insights on the future of business and techno
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Regulations as a Competitive Edge? How to Turn Compliance into Growth
EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Regulations as a Competitive Edge? How to Turn Compliance into Growth
How can businesses turn regulatory challenges into a competitive advantage?
In this episode of Expert Connexions, host Julie Holton Smith sits down with Matt Price, Founder & Principal of MKP Strategies, to uncover how businesses can thrive in highly regulated industries. With nearly 30 years of experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, and business strategy, Matt shares how organizations can shift their mindset — seeing regulations not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to innovation and growth.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ How to balance innovation with regulatory compliance
✔️ The key to aligning regulatory, IT, and engineering teams for business success
✔️ Why compliance should be seen as a strategic advantage, not a cost center
✔️ How businesses can simplify complex processes for better efficiency
✔️ The role of empathy in leadership and compliance
Matt also dives into how businesses can harness data effectively, avoid common compliance pitfalls, and foster a culture where regulation and innovation coexist.
About Our Host, Julie Holton Smith:
Julie is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and communications expert who helps businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact. As the founder of mConnexions and host of Expert Connexions, she brings insightful conversations with industry leaders to help you grow and lead with confidence.
About Matt Price:
Matt is the Founder & Principal of MKP Strategies, specializing in helping businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes. With decades of experience in compliance and operational efficiency, he works with organizations to turn compliance into a competitive edge.
CLIENT STORY: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine: Brian Whitfield: Telling Stories Through Color, Culture, and Community
CLIENT STORY: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine: Brian Whitfield: Telling Stories Through Color, Culture, and Community
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**Brian Whitfield: Telling Stories Through Color, Culture, and Community**
Brian Whitfield doesn’t just create art—he tells stories that resonate deeply with history, community, and identity. Based in Lansing, Michigan, Whitfield has become a pillar in the regional art scene, known for his vivid murals and public installations and the profound narratives each piece communicates.
With a career spanning decades, Brian Whitfield combines bold color palettes, symbolic imagery, and a strong sense of cultural awareness. His works often reflect resilience, unity, and African American heritage, whether a mural on the side of a city building or a commissioned piece inside a public institution, each work feels like a conversation between the past and present.
Whitfield’s approach to art is intentional. For him, every stroke, every symbol, and every figure has a purpose. He doesn’t create in a vacuum; he listens to the communities where his artwork will live. Public engagement is essential to the process. Before sketching a single line, Whitfield often spends time understanding the space, speaking with residents, and learning the stories that shape their environment. This foundation allows him to produce work that reflects his vision and honors the voices of those around him.
One of Whitfield’s most recognized strengths is his ability to combine historical relevance with contemporary visual storytelling. Many of his pieces reference civil rights history, ancestral roots, and the richness of African culture. Still, he presents them in a way that feels current, vibrant, and accessible to all audiences. His murals do more than beautify—they educate, empower, and encourage dialogue.
Brian Whitfield is also a dedicated arts educator. He invests in the next generation of creatives through workshops, mentorship, and collaboration with schools and nonprofits. His commitment to education stems from his belief that art should be a tool for empowerment, particularly for youth who may not always see themselves represented in mainstream culture or curriculum.
In Lansing, Whitfield’s presence is unmistakable. From his impactful murals across the city to his involvement in local initiatives, he continues to shape the cultural landscape. One example is his mural work for the Michigan Department of Transportation, which integrates transportation history with powerful community symbolism. Projects like this highlight how his work bridges functional public space with artistic expression.
What sets Brian Whitfield apart is not just his technical talent, but his unwavering purpose. His art isn’t to be admired—it exists to inspire thought, celebrate identity, and unite people. He uses his platform to spotlight stories that might otherwise go unheard and invites everyone who encounters his work to see themselves reflected in it.
His impact grows as Brian Whitfield continues to create, educate, and engage. His art remains a vibrant force in public spaces and personal lives, serving as a reminder that creativity, rooted in community and culture, can transform.