The Groundbreakers

10/22/2025

Cultivating a Talent Magnet:

The Lansing region understands that attracting "rock star talent" is essential for a knowledge-based economy. Their strategy includes highlighting a unique combination of amenities, including high-end entertainment, major sporting events, and cultural assets, all within a small, accessible footprint. This creates a vibrant environment that appeals to a variety of lifestyles, from urban to small-town tranquility. This holistic focus on place and talent is key to attracting businesses and entrepreneurs.

LEAP

10/14/2025

I really enjoyed chatting with Michelle Simms, CEO of Advantage St. John's Inc. about innovation and economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital region.

This is the second part of our interview, containing a lot of insight packed into 8 short minutes about what small and mid-sized cities and regions can do to foster innovation, diversify their economies, and create successful, long-term strategic plans.

Please check it and let me know what you think!



https://www.thegroundbreakers.net/p/how-st-johns-is-forging-its-own-innovation

10/10/2025

I really enjoyed speaking with Bob Tresize of LEAP. I think the video makes for an interesting and informative watch.

✨Why do we call Lansing the best 'big small city' in America? 🌟 Because here in Michigan's Capital city we’re mixing university vibes, highly skilled talent, and a welcoming community to create a place where people and businesses thrive.

Whether you’re a startup or an global company, you’ll find a great work-life balance and a welcoming home here. 🏙️💼

Check out LEAP president & CEO Bob Trezise's interview on The Groundbreakers where he discusses exactly what makes the Lansing Region so dynamic.

👉https://hubs.la/Q03LGrjf0

09/19/2025

The Groundbreakers shifts to a video-first publication, ironically introduced with 800 words on proto-entrepreneurship plus my reasoning on the shift to video.

TL/DR: Senior executives answer questions and set the strategic landscape extremely well. They don't need my words to act as an intermediary.

Plus: 800 words on why I'm shifting The Groundbreakers to a video-first publication.

05/07/2024

Innovation ecosystems like Hamilton’s afford ideas, the currency of the knowledge economy. Partnered with McMaster, the city’s innovation infrastructure affords it the opportunity to pursue transformational economic leadership, powered by locally developed solutions to complex, global challenges.

Driven by the imperative to shift from an industrial to a knowledge-based economy, a partnership-based, multi-sector innovation ecosystem establishes itself in Hamilton, Ontario.

04/23/2024

Podcast: Malawi University of Science and Technology is emerging as an innovation wellspring, vaulting a nation of determined, talented people into the knowledge economy.