October 13, 2024 • 29 mins
With recent disasters hitting the United States, there's a unique way you can make a difference. Plus, arificial intelligence, it's not the boogey man we think it is...and help for starting that business if you're a vet! All in this week's "Kentucky Focus" with Scott Fitzgerald!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
I'm Scot Fitzgerald and coming up on this week's Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
In the wake of two.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Major hurricanes in our own needed home, the Red Cross
locally is appealing for our health and it's not just
to give blood. We'll tell you about a unique opportunity
for you to get involved. Also, this month, doc workers
walked off the job, threatening our supply chain with a
concern looming over technology replacing their positions. Researches out that
would indicate more AI awareness is needed, not only with
(00:28):
employees but employers. We'll talk with someone who's doing something
about that, and maybe starting your own business is an option. Well,
if you're a VET, we may have an answer. I'm
Scott Fitzgerald and welcome to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics and history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
If you came across someone struggling with hunger, how would
you recognize them by their clothes, their age, the way
they speak. Would you notice an eight year old girl
who's not excited for.
Speaker 5 (01:11):
A summer break because she may not be having lunch
agon until September.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Or a single father of two who works three cart
time jobs and still can't put enough food on the table.
Or maybe a mother who cleans offices.
Speaker 6 (01:25):
At night hoping to find meeting leftovers to take home
to a hungry family.
Speaker 7 (01:31):
Or a war veteran who's having a.
Speaker 6 (01:33):
Heart time landing a job and getting back on his feet.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
I am the one inned Americans who struggle with hunger.
People you passed by in every day but never knew
were hungry. I am hunger in America.
Speaker 6 (01:48):
Hunger can be hard to recognize. Learn why at I
am Hunger in America dot Org, brought to you by
Feeding America, two hundred food banks strong and the ad Council.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Welcome back to Nickie Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Well went back to back hurricanes slamming the United States.
The American Red Cross is appealing longally for help and
not just to give blood. Joining us to talk about
a unique opportunity, of course, is Niki Saladay. She is
the American Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer. Nikki, thanks for
taking time to talk to us it's such a busy
time for you guys.
Speaker 7 (02:22):
Absolutely, Scott, thanks for having me on the show today.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
So Nikki, can you tell me when was the last
time the Red Cross appealed to folks like they are now?
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Does that come to mind at all?
Speaker 7 (02:30):
It does, but it definitely has been a little while.
I would say one of the busier seasons that we've
had in more recent history where we were in a
similar appeal would have been when we had Hurricanes Harvey, Irma,
and Maria, as well as the California wildfires that were
pretty big that same year that had been twenty seventeen.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
That's right, I forgot about those. Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
Just underscores the urgency of what you all do there
at the American Red Cross. Of course, talking with Nicki Saladay,
she is a regional disag master officer here locally. So Nikki,
you're joining us today because you have a unique opportunity
for folks to help out and it's not just about
giving blood.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Talk a little bit about that.
Speaker 7 (03:10):
Yes, absolutely, we are doing what we call a Hero's
Needed program and it does kind of feel like, Scott,
we dost that off every three, four or five years.
We are in great need for volunteers. So we know
we're going to need many, many more, not just this week,
but in the weeks and the months to come, and
so that is where we are issuing this appeal for
volunteers and have launched what we call the Heroes Needed Campaign.
(03:33):
The Heroes Needed Campaign is a really phenomenal opportunity for
folks to be able to go online, sign up and
register to be a volunteer. Our Volunteer Services team will
reach out to them, talk to them about their interest
in volunteering, help get them on a training calendar, and
then we are offering classes just about every day between
now and the end of October for people to be
(03:54):
able to attend online and really within three four hours
they will have the training part of what they need
to be available to deploy to support the hurricanes, the wildfire,
and whatever else may be coming around the corner.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Nikki Saladay is joining us with the American Read Across.
He's the regional disaster officer here in Kentucky and a
unique opportunity. It's not about just giving blood, and Nikki,
when I hear you talk about this, give some examples
if you can, of some of the volunteer services that
you train for that you need.
Speaker 7 (04:27):
Most absolutely, So the ones that we're really focusing on
right now are things like working in a shelter. There
are over two hundred and twenty shelters just in the
areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene, and then we have opened
one hundred or plus evacuation centers. They keep opening them
every day. You can see those shelters on our Red
(04:49):
Cross app which is a really phenomenal thing for people
to be able to have and have access to, especially
those that are in the impact zones, are in the
evacuation zones, but the map is just covered with little
Red Cross bubbles that show all over the state of
Florida where we have evacuation shelters supporting folks. So sheltering
(05:09):
is definitely a high need for volunteers. But if you're
maybe not so client facing and would prefer to be
in the behind the scenes roles, we have many of
those as well, and those are supporting our logistics teams,
and so we have several different types of logistics training
that we're going to be doing. And then you know, Scott,
we ask folks to deploy for two weeks when they
(05:32):
go out be able to get themselves down there, get
their feet underneath them, get a good understanding of what
it is they're doing, and really be able to serve
for a concerted period of time before coming back. And
we know not everybody can do that, and so some
of the other training that we're even doing is what
we call disaster action team training, and that is for
(05:53):
folks who say, you know what, I still want to help,
I want to be able to do something. I want
to do my part, but I cannot do a t
weak deployment. So what can I do? And what that
is is we have folks every single day, all around
the country who are supporting people in their own hometowns
with home fire responses.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yeah, I know, I didn't even think about that, Nikki.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
It doesn't always have to be a disaster to help
folks out like this.
Speaker 7 (06:19):
Absolutely you probably will. You guys covered it on the news,
the apartment fire at York Towers. We had over fifteen
people and a couple pets staying in a shelter helping
to support those that were impacted by that apartment fire.
And we do home fire response every single day of
the year, and we have folks all over the country,
all over the Commonwealth of Kentucky who are standing shoulder
(06:43):
to shoulder with someone in that loss. And the reality is,
you know, staring into the void of what was your home.
It doesn't matter if it was destroyed by a fire
or a flood or a hurricane. That loss is still
the same, right, that loss of safety, that loss of security,
that loss of everything that you know, all your memories,
(07:05):
everything you knew. And we do that every day. And
so if you're not able to go and help people
who have lost everything on the grand scale like a hurricane,
we would encourage you to come and help us do
that here on a daily basis, because folks here need
that shoulder to lean on and need that word of
comfort and care and compassion just as much. We are
(07:26):
offering those trainings as well for people to engage with us.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
Fantastic conversation as always with Nikki Saladay. She is the
local American Red Cross Regional Disaster off Sir Nikki, I
assume you've been on some of these involunteered some of
these arenas. What does that feel like to you as
an individual when you're able to reach out, as you mentioned,
stand shoulder to shoulder with somebody and provide them with
that comfort, however short term it might be.
Speaker 7 (07:50):
I hate to say it this way, but it's a
real gift to be able to support and to care
for people in that moment in need. I think every
one of us can think back on times in our
lives where we've needed it's someone. Maybe it's not for
this exact same reason, but we've needed someone to stand
there with us, to be with us, to support us,
to care for us, to let us know that we're
not alone. It's a blessing to be able to give
(08:11):
that back to other people when they need us as well.
That is the beautiful thing about humanity, and I think
that is when we are at our best, is when
we are able to be a blessing to others and
be able to receive that blessing as well.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
Fantastic conversation again. One of my favorite peeps in all
the landin is Nikki Saladay. She is the American Red
Cross Regional Disaster officer here locally. We're talking about their
special Virtual Heroes Needed Volunteer Training program. They're ramping up
obviously because of the hurricanes. But as you heard Nikki say,
it doesn't have to just be when there's a hurricane,
(08:44):
there is a year long, I mean all year long
need for volunteers, as we saw recently with the high
rise fire here in Louisville. The one thing that you're
known for obviously, and we'll talk about it while we
have You always need blood. What type is in most
demand and where can folks don't it if they want
to get out and help in that way.
Speaker 7 (09:00):
Absolutely, we definitely always need blood. Again, that is a
chronic need. People are always needing that help and support
and so oh blood is the universal donor that is
always our highest need donation. And then you can go
on Redcross dot org to search for a blood drive.
We have a Red Cross Blood Donor app that will
(09:21):
give you can type in your zip code and see
what blood drives are going to be coming up in
your area. You can also go if you're in the
Louisville area, you can go to our downtown office and
I'm five tennich Chestnut and donate there. It's a fixed site,
so they are open every day for donations. But really
encourage folks to find a blood drive in their area
(09:43):
by going on the app or the website, and you
can also call one eight hundred Red Cross to find
a blood drive in your area, but encourage you to
sign up. Set an appointment. Goes whole lot faster when
you do, and then definitely give blood every donation and
save up to three lives.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Wow.
Speaker 7 (10:02):
Wow, and you can give every fifty six days.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Nikki Saladay joining US American Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer
here locally and Nikki, let's say an organization ahead of
an organization is listening to us right now and they
would like to host a blood drive, whether it's commemorating
a special occasion, what have you.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Can folks do that as well? Can they reach out
to you for that?
Speaker 7 (10:20):
They can definitely reach out to our Blood Donor Services
team and talk about what that could look like and
when they might be able to get something on a
calendar in order to do that. The nice part Scott
is blood drives are needed year round and donations are
needed year round, So even if the schedule is really
packed this particular month or a in a particular month,
(10:42):
there is always a need and I know that our
Blood Services team would be more than happy to have
that conversation with them.
Speaker 1 (10:47):
And again, great conversation with Nikki Saladay she's the American
Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer, and we're talking, of course
about their special Virtual Heroes Needed Volunteer training program ramped
up obviously because of the urgent need due to the Hines,
but also here locally as we saw in the most
recent high rise fire as well. And before we let
you go, Nikki, i'd be remiss always financial donations are welcome.
(11:09):
What are ways folks can help out financially should they
choose to go that route?
Speaker 7 (11:13):
Absolutely, you know, the only way we're able to do
what we are able to do in any capacity, Scott,
is through the generosity of donors and mobilizing volunteers. You know,
when you're seeing folks out on disasters wearing that red vest,
ninety plus percent of them are volunteers who have sacrificed
their time to be able to be out there and
to go and it's just a beautiful blessing. And so
(11:34):
in the same way, the funds that we do this
with are done through donors. People saying I've got a buck,
I've got five bucks, I've got five million dollars, right
reaching into their pockets, pulling that out and saying, here's
here's what I have and here's what I want to
give and here's how I want to help, and so
people can again same same way you can sign up
to donate blood, same way to encourage folks to sign
(11:57):
up to volunteer. But you can do that through going
to one eight hundred Red Car. You can text nine
O nine nine. You can text Red Cross to nine
O nine nine, or if you want it to go
specifically to Helen or to Milton, you can type Helen
to nine O nine nine or Milton nine O nine
to nine for a ten dollars donation on your cell phone.
You can also go online to Redcross dot org and
(12:20):
be able to give there. You can also stop by
our offices and drop those off as well, but prefer
that you do that either online. You can mail in
a check. There's tons of ways curry your pigeon.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
Right, Nikki Saladay the American Red Cross, she is the
regional disaster Officer and again special virtual heroes needed. Their
volunteer training program is underway. And just before we let
you go, Nikki just want to remind folks again it's
not necessarily you don't have to be someone who's necessarily
handing out blankets, which you need folks to do, but
(12:54):
you're looking for folks from all different types of backgrounds
to help in a variety of different positions.
Speaker 7 (13:00):
Absolutely, we are you know, and I tell our team
often imagine that it's you right close your eyes and
imagine that you're staring into the void of what once
was your home. You're scared, you're alone, you don't know
what's going to be next. Now, imagine that someone comes
alongside you, put their arm around you and says, I'm
here and I'm with you, and I've got you. Yeah,
(13:20):
that's what we get to do every day. That is
what our volunteers do in a tangible way. That is
what a blood donation does. In a physical way. You
don't see that person, but you're putting your arm around them.
And that's what your money does as well. That's what
a donation does, is it gives us that opportunity to
stand with those folks, to put our arm around him
and say I'm here and I'm with you.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
That is outstanding.
Speaker 7 (13:39):
Well.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Always great to catch up with you again.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
Nikki Saladay, American Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer and for
more information, Nikki, give that website.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
One more time.
Speaker 7 (13:48):
Redcross dot org.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Beautiful, easy enough, Nikki, Thank you so much.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
Thank you, Scott, Thank you so much for the opportunity
to be on again today.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Again.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
Thank you to Nikki Saladay. Regional Disaster obcer with the
American Red grun Us here in the Kentucky region, and
for more information, simply reach out to Redcross dot org.
Coming up with more and more workers concerned about technology
while replacing their jobs, We'll take a look at some
research that says AI may not be the boogey man
we'd like to think it is. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and
(14:18):
you're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 6 (14:22):
All right, son, time to put out this campfire. God,
we learned about this in school. Oh did you now? Okay,
what's first?
Speaker 3 (14:28):
Smokey Bear said, too, First round it with a bucket
of water, then stir it with a shovel.
Speaker 6 (14:33):
Wow, you sound just like him, Yang said, if it's
still warm, then do it again. Where can I learn
all this?
Speaker 3 (14:41):
It's all on smokeybear dot com with other wildfire prevention tips,
because only you can prevent wildfires.
Speaker 6 (14:48):
Brought to you by the USDA for Service, your state Forester,
and the ELS.
Speaker 1 (14:53):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well as
dot workers went on strike on both coasts, with the
main issue being automation and of course technology is affecting
all of our jobs. In twenty twenty four, part of
that equation is generative AI and it's impacting the job
market as employers and employees are struggling to meet the
rapid changes. A new study closing the gap upskilling and
(15:14):
reskilling in an AI era reveals key insights on how
employers and employees are adapting to an AI driven workplace
and what can be done to better meet those future demands.
Joining us to talk about this is at least A Wade.
She is the president and CEO of Devere University. Alice,
thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 5 (15:33):
Thank you for having me you.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
Bet first of all, Lise. For those who are unfamiliar,
what exactly is generative AI.
Speaker 5 (15:40):
It takes on many many learnings jen AI can be considered.
Think of chatbots for handling routine sort of queries. Think
of personalized recommendations through open AI sources. Think of anything
that's sort of a powered technology that utilizes human inputs
(16:02):
to then generate automated feedback that's good explanation.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Alisa A.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
Whtt is joining us a president CEO of Debryeh University,
and we're talking about, well, how employers and employees can
help themselves in this new I guess age of artificial intelligence.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
At least, what did we learn from this study?
Speaker 5 (16:18):
First and foremost taking a step back and just understanding
why we conducted this study. We are realizing that JENAI
machine learning, as you stated, Scott, it's completely transforming the
way we work. Debrye University wanted to get some more
information on what employers and employees, you know, think about
GENAI in the workplace and AI in the workplace, and
the study actually revealed some key findings, one being that
(16:41):
fifty percent of workers believe AI is actually going to
make their jobs easier, with many acknowledging the importance of
reskilling to leverage AI appropriately. It's also leaving behind another
fifty percent of workers. The study also found that there's
a lack of proper training in adopting AI technology in
the workplace. In fact, when you think about that lack
of proper training, I want to highlight a key point
(17:03):
in the study. Employers and employees have very different views
on AI proficiency. Employers believe thirty two percent of their
employees are considered novices or beginners when it comes to
AI technology and the proficiency of usage. Only three percent
of employees actually characterize themselves as novices. Actually, forty nine
percent of employees are like now, you know what, I'm
(17:23):
intermediate or advanced when it comes to using AI technology.
So there's a clear disconnect in how employers and employees
view things.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
Alisa Watt is joining us. She is the president and
CEO of Devine University. They have aren't with a new
study now closing the gap up skilling and reskilling in
an AI era. And it's clear, at least as we
just were talking about, it's not going away anytime soon.
So what can folks do who are listening now, who say, Okay, I.
Speaker 2 (17:50):
Know AI is not going away. I know I got
to embrace this.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
What are some of the things they can do now
to help them further along, not just personally, but maybe
in a career somewhere.
Speaker 5 (17:59):
Great question. I'm going to give you a two sided
answer here. Sure, I'll start with employees. I think employees
need to be proactive about seeking opportunities to upskill and
reskill in terms of using AI. You know, if people
want to switch and move into careers that will be
essential to programming AI, developing AI tools and technology, they
(18:21):
can you know, definitely sort of reskill and find ways
to get into sort of software development programs that will
help them get the knowledge necessary to do that type
of work. The other side of this, I said two sided,
is what employers need to do. You know, employees lack
the time to leverage upskilling opportunities, So I think employers
need to create space for employees and implement AI integration strategies,
(18:42):
including comprehensive training for all employees, to better position their
organizations to remain competitive in an AI driven era. I
think there's benefits to that.
Speaker 6 (18:51):
A few one, A.
Speaker 5 (18:53):
Culture of learning and development will help increase employee engagement,
help increase retention. But then also think about AI and
how it's disrupting the workplace and the discrepancies between employers
and employees in terms of how they view themselves when
it comes to proficiency employees are using AI. Employers may
not know it, don't. We want to train them on
proper usage so that we can mitigate organizational risks associated
(19:16):
with improper usage.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Again, at least a lot is joining us for just
a few minutes here President and CEO of Devine University
on their study closing the gap upskilling and reskilling in
an AI era. And I think at least a big
problem here is a lot of us is for someone
maybe even in the older generations, they view AI as
sort of the boogeyman. And when you take a deep
dive into AI, it's actually very beneficial to businesses and
(19:39):
employees one hundred percent.
Speaker 5 (19:40):
And I think part of the fear is that people
view AI as a replacement of humans. That fear is
very natural because they think, oh, less jobs, How am
I going to be able to find a new career
that's going to view the human as necessary. What I
say to that is, look, we're in tech focused education.
Devane University been around for several years and what we've
(20:02):
seen is tech absolutely does disrupt the workplace, but I've
yet to see it replace humans. It's more about augmenting
their roles, making them faster at the work they're doing,
possibly making organizations more efficient, needing less people to do
some of the work, and keeping their human resources focused
on value added activities. And even from a personal standpoint.
(20:24):
AI has helped plan trips for people, plan restaurants that
they can go to within a city that they're unfamiliar with.
So there's different use cases that aren't necessarily scary, and
so I think leaning into it and making sure that
you're doing your part to stay relevant is going to
be important.
Speaker 1 (20:42):
And having a great conversation with alise A One, she's
president and CEO of AS at least just put the
Tech Center de Vraie University.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
They know a few things about tech.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
They have a new study called closing the Gap up
skilling and reskilling in an AI era. You can check
that out online anywhere you'd like to read it. At
least giving you our tech centered university. What have you
found out and what are you singing? How important is
it now for folks to embrace technology and constantly be
on the cusp and re teach yourself or learn new
(21:11):
things when it comes to tech if they want to
survive in this world.
Speaker 5 (21:14):
It's a great question and an important one. I'm glad
you asked it with AI right now. It's playing a
very large role in how we're doing our work and
how we're operating as a society and employers have more
of a responsibility now more than ever to double down
on offering upskilling and reskilling options because it elevates the
thinking in their organization. It helps close knowledge gaps throughout
(21:35):
their organization. Technology constantly changes. That's the one thing that
I've learned in my career twenty one years at Debry.
I'm constantly watching technology change. I'm constantly watching us reshape
our curriculum to stay ahead of the tech advancements, and
so you know, upskilling and reskillinger are going to be
very important. I talk about lifelong learning all the time,
and I think people need to focus on lifelong learning
(21:56):
opportunities to stay relevant in the workplace. We at Devrie
were with a number of organizations and industries across many
different sectors through our workforce Development or devrye Works organization,
and we specialize in supporting employees and closing skills gaps
through customized training opportunities and solutions. So I'm seeing employers
lean into closing these skills gaps when it comes to technology.
(22:19):
But I think we need to continue to do our part,
especially in this AI era.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
She is Elisa Wadd, President and CEO of Devrye University.
The report is called Closing the Gap Upskilling and reskilling
in an AI Era.
Speaker 2 (22:31):
Atleast this has been a treat for me. I appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Where can folks go if they want to read more
on your report of the good stuff you're doing there
at DEVRAI.
Speaker 5 (22:37):
Thank you for asking so to read more on the report.
Folks can visit our website at Debride dot edu.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Outstanding, Alise, have yourself a great day. I appreciate your.
Speaker 5 (22:45):
Time this morning, you too, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Thank you again to at least a want President and
CEO of Devrye University, and for more information, visit dee
dot edu.
Speaker 2 (22:55):
Coming up.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Maybe AI isn't your thing and you simply want to
start your own business, Well, if you're a veteran, we
may have something for you. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and this
is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 8 (23:08):
Hi, I'm Gary Sonise. Our veterans put everything on the
line to protect our freedom. We may never be able
to repay them for their sacrifice, but we can show
them just how much we appreciate all they've done.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
You can help by.
Speaker 8 (23:20):
Simply sharing your time, lending a warm smile, a supportive hand,
or a sympathetic ear to someone who needs it. Everyone
can do something to make veterans know just how much
we appreciate their service. Please visit www dot volunteer dot
va dot com.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
What will you do?
Speaker 1 (23:37):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Starting a successful business is challenging, no matter who you are,
even where you live. In fact, according to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, only half a business's survive in the
first five years. Veterans, it wasn't always so challenging. Nearly
fifty percent of military vets returning home from World War
Two started their own business. Unfortunately, in twenty four that
numbers down to less than five percent. Still, some cities
(24:03):
offer better opportunities than others, especially for veterans. A new
pen Fed Foundation study reveals the best cities to start
a business as a veteran in. One of them may
be near to us and joining us for just a
few minutes. Is Army veteran Ryan Johnson. He founded his
own company with a West Point classmate that called Bugle.
He's also a graduate of the pen Fed Veteran Entrepreneurial
(24:25):
Program that's an accelerated program for veteran owned businesses to
expand all companies like Ryan's even further. The company joins
veteran business owners and networking events around tables and mentorship opportunities.
So Ryan, welcome and tell us how'd you get started
with Bugle?
Speaker 9 (24:40):
Absolutely so, I spent ten years in the Army as
an infantry officer in Green Beray before getting out to
be able to change the world of volunteering. Although one
in four Americans volunteer annually, there are limited solutions that
make that a simple process. And at Bugle, we believe
that helping others shouldn't be hard, so we're building software
that makes it easy.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
Idled you to partner up.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
Of course, the pen FED Foundation that helps support veteran entrepreneurs.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
So how did pen and fed help you?
Speaker 9 (25:05):
The pen Fed Foundation was instrumental in our success for Bugle.
We believe that if you want to go fast, to
go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.
And the pen Fed Foundation has been incredible with their
resources from education to mentorship to ensure that if there's
something that we don't understand, they're going to connect us
with somebody who's gone before us is going to make
(25:28):
sure that we're successful in our endeavor as well.
Speaker 1 (25:30):
We're talking with veteran Rian Johnson, the co founder of Bugle,
a startup business that makes volunteering easier and more beneficial
to companies. And it's because of organizations like the pen
Fed Foundation, Ryan was able to start his own business
and they want to help other veterans get their business
ideas off the ground. Pen Fed Foundation President Andrea McCarran
joins us as well. And Andrea, what makes veterans so
(25:51):
appealing when it comes to business ownership.
Speaker 10 (25:54):
Well, veterans make fantastic entrepreneurs. They have these qualities that
really serve them well in the business world. They are resilient,
their mission focus, they're adaptable. So our pen Fed Foundation
Veteran Entrepreneur Program selects the best and brightest veteran business
owners from across the United States. We bring them together,
(26:16):
we offer them classes, everything is free of charge, We
pay for their transportation, and then we follow up by
mentoring them throughout the year and in many cases years
to come, because we want to do our very best
to set them up for success.
Speaker 1 (26:32):
And Ran, in just a few minutes that we have left,
what's the best advice you can give to a potential
veteran owner in twenty twenty four.
Speaker 9 (26:38):
My number one thing I'd recommend to entrepreneurs is connect
with other entrepreneurs in order to be able to learn
and see the world through their lens.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
And Andrew, what are some of the best cities for
vets to start a business and what makes them the
best cities? Well?
Speaker 10 (26:54):
Coming in first in our national survey of top cities
for entrepreneurs and veterans in general is Raleigh, North Carolina
number two, the Washington DC area number three, Seattle, Washington.
What we looked at was a number of qualities and
factors liveability. Is there affordable housing in a community, quality healthcare,
(27:16):
good schools. Then we also looked at the economic factors,
if there was job growth, if there are tax incentives
for business owners.
Speaker 1 (27:25):
Those are some great cities, and of course we need
to mention that right here in our own backyard.
Speaker 2 (27:29):
Andrea.
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Coming in just outside the top vive at number six
is northern Kentucky along with the Cincinnati region. Finally, Andre
it where can people go for more information.
Speaker 10 (27:39):
We are just recruiting now for our twenty twenty five cohorts.
We will have three and we would love to get
applications at pen Fedfoundation dot org. That's pen Fed Foundation
dot org. And to experience a real veteran success story
and to make volunteer some easier in your community, go
(28:02):
to Bugle Volunteers dot com.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
Wonderful.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
Thank you so much, Andrea, and thank you again to
veteran Ryan Johnson, co founder of Bugle, and of course
Andrew McCarron with the pen Fed Foundation.
Speaker 2 (28:13):
That's a wrap on this week's Kentucky focus.
Speaker 1 (28:16):
Thank you again to Nikky Saladay, Regional Disaster Officer with
the American Red Cross Kentucky Region.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
Again they need.
Speaker 1 (28:21):
Volunteers for their virtual Heroes needed volunteer program to deploy
in the many areas that need help right now in
twenty twenty four. If you'd like more information, simply visit
red Cross dot org. Also thank you to alease A Wid,
President and CEO of Debrye University who reminds us Ai
isn't the boogeyman.
Speaker 2 (28:39):
We all think it is.
Speaker 1 (28:40):
For more information and how you can learn more, maybe
start a new career, check out devrau. And finally, thank
you to veteran Ryan Johnson, co founder of Bugle, and
Andrea McCarron with the pen Fed Foundation. If you're a
VET and you want more information on starting your own business,
it's real simple. Just visit pen Fedfoundation dot org. I'm
Scott fitzgeralden for all of us, Second Kentucky Focus and
(29:01):
the Kentucky News Network and reminding you to make it
a safe and happy week. I'll talk to you next
time on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kN N.
I'm Scot Fitzgerald and coming up on this week's Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
In the wake of two.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Major hurricanes in our own needed home, the Red Cross
locally is appealing for our health and it's not just
to give blood. We'll tell you about a unique opportunity
for you to get involved. Also, this month, doc workers
walked off the job, threatening our supply chain with a
concern looming over technology replacing their positions. Researches out that
would indicate more AI awareness is needed, not only with
(00:28):
employees but employers. We'll talk with someone who's doing something
about that, and maybe starting your own business is an option. Well,
if you're a VET, we may have an answer. I'm
Scott Fitzgerald and welcome to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:43):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics and history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
If you came across someone struggling with hunger, how would
you recognize them by their clothes, their age, the way
they speak. Would you notice an eight year old girl
who's not excited for.
Speaker 5 (01:11):
A summer break because she may not be having lunch
agon until September.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Or a single father of two who works three cart
time jobs and still can't put enough food on the table.
Or maybe a mother who cleans offices.
Speaker 6 (01:25):
At night hoping to find meeting leftovers to take home
to a hungry family.
Speaker 7 (01:31):
Or a war veteran who's having a.
Speaker 6 (01:33):
Heart time landing a job and getting back on his feet.
Speaker 4 (01:37):
I am the one inned Americans who struggle with hunger.
People you passed by in every day but never knew
were hungry. I am hunger in America.
Speaker 6 (01:48):
Hunger can be hard to recognize. Learn why at I
am Hunger in America dot Org, brought to you by
Feeding America, two hundred food banks strong and the ad Council.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Welcome back to Nickie Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Well went back to back hurricanes slamming the United States.
The American Red Cross is appealing longally for help and
not just to give blood. Joining us to talk about
a unique opportunity, of course, is Niki Saladay. She is
the American Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer. Nikki, thanks for
taking time to talk to us it's such a busy
time for you guys.
Speaker 7 (02:22):
Absolutely, Scott, thanks for having me on the show today.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
So Nikki, can you tell me when was the last
time the Red Cross appealed to folks like they are now?
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Does that come to mind at all?
Speaker 7 (02:30):
It does, but it definitely has been a little while.
I would say one of the busier seasons that we've
had in more recent history where we were in a
similar appeal would have been when we had Hurricanes Harvey, Irma,
and Maria, as well as the California wildfires that were
pretty big that same year that had been twenty seventeen.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
That's right, I forgot about those. Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (02:52):
Just underscores the urgency of what you all do there
at the American Red Cross. Of course, talking with Nicki Saladay,
she is a regional disag master officer here locally. So Nikki,
you're joining us today because you have a unique opportunity
for folks to help out and it's not just about
giving blood.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Talk a little bit about that.
Speaker 7 (03:10):
Yes, absolutely, we are doing what we call a Hero's
Needed program and it does kind of feel like, Scott,
we dost that off every three, four or five years.
We are in great need for volunteers. So we know
we're going to need many, many more, not just this week,
but in the weeks and the months to come, and
so that is where we are issuing this appeal for
volunteers and have launched what we call the Heroes Needed Campaign.
(03:33):
The Heroes Needed Campaign is a really phenomenal opportunity for
folks to be able to go online, sign up and
register to be a volunteer. Our Volunteer Services team will
reach out to them, talk to them about their interest
in volunteering, help get them on a training calendar, and
then we are offering classes just about every day between
now and the end of October for people to be
(03:54):
able to attend online and really within three four hours
they will have the training part of what they need
to be available to deploy to support the hurricanes, the wildfire,
and whatever else may be coming around the corner.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Nikki Saladay is joining us with the American Read Across.
He's the regional disaster officer here in Kentucky and a
unique opportunity. It's not about just giving blood, and Nikki,
when I hear you talk about this, give some examples
if you can, of some of the volunteer services that
you train for that you need.
Speaker 7 (04:27):
Most absolutely, So the ones that we're really focusing on
right now are things like working in a shelter. There
are over two hundred and twenty shelters just in the
areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene, and then we have opened
one hundred or plus evacuation centers. They keep opening them
every day. You can see those shelters on our Red
(04:49):
Cross app which is a really phenomenal thing for people
to be able to have and have access to, especially
those that are in the impact zones, are in the
evacuation zones, but the map is just covered with little
Red Cross bubbles that show all over the state of
Florida where we have evacuation shelters supporting folks. So sheltering
(05:09):
is definitely a high need for volunteers. But if you're
maybe not so client facing and would prefer to be
in the behind the scenes roles, we have many of
those as well, and those are supporting our logistics teams,
and so we have several different types of logistics training
that we're going to be doing. And then you know, Scott,
we ask folks to deploy for two weeks when they
(05:32):
go out be able to get themselves down there, get
their feet underneath them, get a good understanding of what
it is they're doing, and really be able to serve
for a concerted period of time before coming back. And
we know not everybody can do that, and so some
of the other training that we're even doing is what
we call disaster action team training, and that is for
(05:53):
folks who say, you know what, I still want to help,
I want to be able to do something. I want
to do my part, but I cannot do a t
weak deployment. So what can I do? And what that
is is we have folks every single day, all around
the country who are supporting people in their own hometowns
with home fire responses.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yeah, I know, I didn't even think about that, Nikki.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
It doesn't always have to be a disaster to help
folks out like this.
Speaker 7 (06:19):
Absolutely you probably will. You guys covered it on the news,
the apartment fire at York Towers. We had over fifteen
people and a couple pets staying in a shelter helping
to support those that were impacted by that apartment fire.
And we do home fire response every single day of
the year, and we have folks all over the country,
all over the Commonwealth of Kentucky who are standing shoulder
(06:43):
to shoulder with someone in that loss. And the reality is,
you know, staring into the void of what was your home.
It doesn't matter if it was destroyed by a fire
or a flood or a hurricane. That loss is still
the same, right, that loss of safety, that loss of security,
that loss of everything that you know, all your memories,
(07:05):
everything you knew. And we do that every day. And
so if you're not able to go and help people
who have lost everything on the grand scale like a hurricane,
we would encourage you to come and help us do
that here on a daily basis, because folks here need
that shoulder to lean on and need that word of
comfort and care and compassion just as much. We are
(07:26):
offering those trainings as well for people to engage with us.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
Fantastic conversation as always with Nikki Saladay. She is the
local American Red Cross Regional Disaster off Sir Nikki, I
assume you've been on some of these involunteered some of
these arenas. What does that feel like to you as
an individual when you're able to reach out, as you mentioned,
stand shoulder to shoulder with somebody and provide them with
that comfort, however short term it might be.
Speaker 7 (07:50):
I hate to say it this way, but it's a
real gift to be able to support and to care
for people in that moment in need. I think every
one of us can think back on times in our
lives where we've needed it's someone. Maybe it's not for
this exact same reason, but we've needed someone to stand
there with us, to be with us, to support us,
to care for us, to let us know that we're
not alone. It's a blessing to be able to give
(08:11):
that back to other people when they need us as well.
That is the beautiful thing about humanity, and I think
that is when we are at our best, is when
we are able to be a blessing to others and
be able to receive that blessing as well.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
Fantastic conversation again. One of my favorite peeps in all
the landin is Nikki Saladay. She is the American Red
Cross Regional Disaster officer here locally. We're talking about their
special Virtual Heroes Needed Volunteer Training program. They're ramping up
obviously because of the hurricanes. But as you heard Nikki say,
it doesn't have to just be when there's a hurricane,
(08:44):
there is a year long, I mean all year long
need for volunteers, as we saw recently with the high
rise fire here in Louisville. The one thing that you're
known for obviously, and we'll talk about it while we
have You always need blood. What type is in most
demand and where can folks don't it if they want
to get out and help in that way.
Speaker 7 (09:00):
Absolutely, we definitely always need blood. Again, that is a
chronic need. People are always needing that help and support
and so oh blood is the universal donor that is
always our highest need donation. And then you can go
on Redcross dot org to search for a blood drive.
We have a Red Cross Blood Donor app that will
(09:21):
give you can type in your zip code and see
what blood drives are going to be coming up in
your area. You can also go if you're in the
Louisville area, you can go to our downtown office and
I'm five tennich Chestnut and donate there. It's a fixed site,
so they are open every day for donations. But really
encourage folks to find a blood drive in their area
(09:43):
by going on the app or the website, and you
can also call one eight hundred Red Cross to find
a blood drive in your area, but encourage you to
sign up. Set an appointment. Goes whole lot faster when
you do, and then definitely give blood every donation and
save up to three lives.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Wow.
Speaker 7 (10:02):
Wow, and you can give every fifty six days.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Nikki Saladay joining US American Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer
here locally and Nikki, let's say an organization ahead of
an organization is listening to us right now and they
would like to host a blood drive, whether it's commemorating
a special occasion, what have you.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Can folks do that as well? Can they reach out
to you for that?
Speaker 7 (10:20):
They can definitely reach out to our Blood Donor Services
team and talk about what that could look like and
when they might be able to get something on a
calendar in order to do that. The nice part Scott
is blood drives are needed year round and donations are
needed year round, So even if the schedule is really
packed this particular month or a in a particular month,
(10:42):
there is always a need and I know that our
Blood Services team would be more than happy to have
that conversation with them.
Speaker 1 (10:47):
And again, great conversation with Nikki Saladay she's the American
Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer, and we're talking, of course
about their special Virtual Heroes Needed Volunteer training program ramped
up obviously because of the urgent need due to the Hines,
but also here locally as we saw in the most
recent high rise fire as well. And before we let
you go, Nikki, i'd be remiss always financial donations are welcome.
(11:09):
What are ways folks can help out financially should they
choose to go that route?
Speaker 7 (11:13):
Absolutely, you know, the only way we're able to do
what we are able to do in any capacity, Scott,
is through the generosity of donors and mobilizing volunteers. You know,
when you're seeing folks out on disasters wearing that red vest,
ninety plus percent of them are volunteers who have sacrificed
their time to be able to be out there and
to go and it's just a beautiful blessing. And so
(11:34):
in the same way, the funds that we do this
with are done through donors. People saying I've got a buck,
I've got five bucks, I've got five million dollars, right
reaching into their pockets, pulling that out and saying, here's
here's what I have and here's what I want to
give and here's how I want to help, and so
people can again same same way you can sign up
to donate blood, same way to encourage folks to sign
(11:57):
up to volunteer. But you can do that through going
to one eight hundred Red Car. You can text nine
O nine nine. You can text Red Cross to nine
O nine nine, or if you want it to go
specifically to Helen or to Milton, you can type Helen
to nine O nine nine or Milton nine O nine
to nine for a ten dollars donation on your cell phone.
You can also go online to Redcross dot org and
(12:20):
be able to give there. You can also stop by
our offices and drop those off as well, but prefer
that you do that either online. You can mail in
a check. There's tons of ways curry your pigeon.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
Right, Nikki Saladay the American Red Cross, she is the
regional disaster Officer and again special virtual heroes needed. Their
volunteer training program is underway. And just before we let
you go, Nikki just want to remind folks again it's
not necessarily you don't have to be someone who's necessarily
handing out blankets, which you need folks to do, but
(12:54):
you're looking for folks from all different types of backgrounds
to help in a variety of different positions.
Speaker 7 (13:00):
Absolutely, we are you know, and I tell our team
often imagine that it's you right close your eyes and
imagine that you're staring into the void of what once
was your home. You're scared, you're alone, you don't know
what's going to be next. Now, imagine that someone comes
alongside you, put their arm around you and says, I'm
here and I'm with you, and I've got you. Yeah,
(13:20):
that's what we get to do every day. That is
what our volunteers do in a tangible way. That is
what a blood donation does. In a physical way. You
don't see that person, but you're putting your arm around them.
And that's what your money does as well. That's what
a donation does, is it gives us that opportunity to
stand with those folks, to put our arm around him
and say I'm here and I'm with you.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
That is outstanding.
Speaker 7 (13:39):
Well.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Always great to catch up with you again.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
Nikki Saladay, American Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer and for
more information, Nikki, give that website.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
One more time.
Speaker 7 (13:48):
Redcross dot org.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
Beautiful, easy enough, Nikki, Thank you so much.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
Thank you, Scott, Thank you so much for the opportunity
to be on again today.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Again.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
Thank you to Nikki Saladay. Regional Disaster obcer with the
American Red grun Us here in the Kentucky region, and
for more information, simply reach out to Redcross dot org.
Coming up with more and more workers concerned about technology
while replacing their jobs, We'll take a look at some
research that says AI may not be the boogey man
we'd like to think it is. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and
(14:18):
you're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 6 (14:22):
All right, son, time to put out this campfire. God,
we learned about this in school. Oh did you now? Okay,
what's first?
Speaker 3 (14:28):
Smokey Bear said, too, First round it with a bucket
of water, then stir it with a shovel.
Speaker 6 (14:33):
Wow, you sound just like him, Yang said, if it's
still warm, then do it again. Where can I learn
all this?
Speaker 3 (14:41):
It's all on smokeybear dot com with other wildfire prevention tips,
because only you can prevent wildfires.
Speaker 6 (14:48):
Brought to you by the USDA for Service, your state Forester,
and the ELS.
Speaker 1 (14:53):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well as
dot workers went on strike on both coasts, with the
main issue being automation and of course technology is affecting
all of our jobs. In twenty twenty four, part of
that equation is generative AI and it's impacting the job
market as employers and employees are struggling to meet the
rapid changes. A new study closing the gap upskilling and
(15:14):
reskilling in an AI era reveals key insights on how
employers and employees are adapting to an AI driven workplace
and what can be done to better meet those future demands.
Joining us to talk about this is at least A Wade.
She is the president and CEO of Devere University. Alice,
thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 5 (15:33):
Thank you for having me you.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
Bet first of all, Lise. For those who are unfamiliar,
what exactly is generative AI.
Speaker 5 (15:40):
It takes on many many learnings jen AI can be considered.
Think of chatbots for handling routine sort of queries. Think
of personalized recommendations through open AI sources. Think of anything
that's sort of a powered technology that utilizes human inputs
(16:02):
to then generate automated feedback that's good explanation.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Alisa A.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
Whtt is joining us a president CEO of Debryeh University,
and we're talking about, well, how employers and employees can
help themselves in this new I guess age of artificial intelligence.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
At least, what did we learn from this study?
Speaker 5 (16:18):
First and foremost taking a step back and just understanding
why we conducted this study. We are realizing that JENAI
machine learning, as you stated, Scott, it's completely transforming the
way we work. Debrye University wanted to get some more
information on what employers and employees, you know, think about
GENAI in the workplace and AI in the workplace, and
the study actually revealed some key findings, one being that
(16:41):
fifty percent of workers believe AI is actually going to
make their jobs easier, with many acknowledging the importance of
reskilling to leverage AI appropriately. It's also leaving behind another
fifty percent of workers. The study also found that there's
a lack of proper training in adopting AI technology in
the workplace. In fact, when you think about that lack
of proper training, I want to highlight a key point
(17:03):
in the study. Employers and employees have very different views
on AI proficiency. Employers believe thirty two percent of their
employees are considered novices or beginners when it comes to
AI technology and the proficiency of usage. Only three percent
of employees actually characterize themselves as novices. Actually, forty nine
percent of employees are like now, you know what, I'm
(17:23):
intermediate or advanced when it comes to using AI technology.
So there's a clear disconnect in how employers and employees
view things.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
Alisa Watt is joining us. She is the president and
CEO of Devine University. They have aren't with a new
study now closing the gap up skilling and reskilling in
an AI era. And it's clear, at least as we
just were talking about, it's not going away anytime soon.
So what can folks do who are listening now, who say, Okay, I.
Speaker 2 (17:50):
Know AI is not going away. I know I got
to embrace this.
Speaker 1 (17:53):
What are some of the things they can do now
to help them further along, not just personally, but maybe
in a career somewhere.
Speaker 5 (17:59):
Great question. I'm going to give you a two sided
answer here. Sure, I'll start with employees. I think employees
need to be proactive about seeking opportunities to upskill and
reskill in terms of using AI. You know, if people
want to switch and move into careers that will be
essential to programming AI, developing AI tools and technology, they
(18:21):
can you know, definitely sort of reskill and find ways
to get into sort of software development programs that will
help them get the knowledge necessary to do that type
of work. The other side of this, I said two sided,
is what employers need to do. You know, employees lack
the time to leverage upskilling opportunities, So I think employers
need to create space for employees and implement AI integration strategies,
(18:42):
including comprehensive training for all employees, to better position their
organizations to remain competitive in an AI driven era. I
think there's benefits to that.
Speaker 6 (18:51):
A few one, A.
Speaker 5 (18:53):
Culture of learning and development will help increase employee engagement,
help increase retention. But then also think about AI and
how it's disrupting the workplace and the discrepancies between employers
and employees in terms of how they view themselves when
it comes to proficiency employees are using AI. Employers may
not know it, don't. We want to train them on
proper usage so that we can mitigate organizational risks associated
(19:16):
with improper usage.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Again, at least a lot is joining us for just
a few minutes here President and CEO of Devine University
on their study closing the gap upskilling and reskilling in
an AI era. And I think at least a big
problem here is a lot of us is for someone
maybe even in the older generations, they view AI as
sort of the boogeyman. And when you take a deep
dive into AI, it's actually very beneficial to businesses and
(19:39):
employees one hundred percent.
Speaker 5 (19:40):
And I think part of the fear is that people
view AI as a replacement of humans. That fear is
very natural because they think, oh, less jobs, How am
I going to be able to find a new career
that's going to view the human as necessary. What I
say to that is, look, we're in tech focused education.
Devane University been around for several years and what we've
(20:02):
seen is tech absolutely does disrupt the workplace, but I've
yet to see it replace humans. It's more about augmenting
their roles, making them faster at the work they're doing,
possibly making organizations more efficient, needing less people to do
some of the work, and keeping their human resources focused
on value added activities. And even from a personal standpoint.
(20:24):
AI has helped plan trips for people, plan restaurants that
they can go to within a city that they're unfamiliar with.
So there's different use cases that aren't necessarily scary, and
so I think leaning into it and making sure that
you're doing your part to stay relevant is going to
be important.
Speaker 1 (20:42):
And having a great conversation with alise A One, she's
president and CEO of AS at least just put the
Tech Center de Vraie University.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
They know a few things about tech.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
They have a new study called closing the Gap up
skilling and reskilling in an AI era. You can check
that out online anywhere you'd like to read it. At
least giving you our tech centered university. What have you
found out and what are you singing? How important is
it now for folks to embrace technology and constantly be
on the cusp and re teach yourself or learn new
(21:11):
things when it comes to tech if they want to
survive in this world.
Speaker 5 (21:14):
It's a great question and an important one. I'm glad
you asked it with AI right now. It's playing a
very large role in how we're doing our work and
how we're operating as a society and employers have more
of a responsibility now more than ever to double down
on offering upskilling and reskilling options because it elevates the
thinking in their organization. It helps close knowledge gaps throughout
(21:35):
their organization. Technology constantly changes. That's the one thing that
I've learned in my career twenty one years at Debry.
I'm constantly watching technology change. I'm constantly watching us reshape
our curriculum to stay ahead of the tech advancements, and
so you know, upskilling and reskillinger are going to be
very important. I talk about lifelong learning all the time,
and I think people need to focus on lifelong learning
(21:56):
opportunities to stay relevant in the workplace. We at Devrie
were with a number of organizations and industries across many
different sectors through our workforce Development or devrye Works organization,
and we specialize in supporting employees and closing skills gaps
through customized training opportunities and solutions. So I'm seeing employers
lean into closing these skills gaps when it comes to technology.
(22:19):
But I think we need to continue to do our part,
especially in this AI era.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
She is Elisa Wadd, President and CEO of Devrye University.
The report is called Closing the Gap Upskilling and reskilling
in an AI Era.
Speaker 2 (22:31):
Atleast this has been a treat for me. I appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Where can folks go if they want to read more
on your report of the good stuff you're doing there
at DEVRAI.
Speaker 5 (22:37):
Thank you for asking so to read more on the report.
Folks can visit our website at Debride dot edu.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Outstanding, Alise, have yourself a great day. I appreciate your.
Speaker 5 (22:45):
Time this morning, you too, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Thank you again to at least a want President and
CEO of Devrye University, and for more information, visit dee
dot edu.
Speaker 2 (22:55):
Coming up.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Maybe AI isn't your thing and you simply want to
start your own business, Well, if you're a veteran, we
may have something for you. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and this
is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 8 (23:08):
Hi, I'm Gary Sonise. Our veterans put everything on the
line to protect our freedom. We may never be able
to repay them for their sacrifice, but we can show
them just how much we appreciate all they've done.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
You can help by.
Speaker 8 (23:20):
Simply sharing your time, lending a warm smile, a supportive hand,
or a sympathetic ear to someone who needs it. Everyone
can do something to make veterans know just how much
we appreciate their service. Please visit www dot volunteer dot
va dot com.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
What will you do?
Speaker 1 (23:37):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Starting a successful business is challenging, no matter who you are,
even where you live. In fact, according to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, only half a business's survive in the
first five years. Veterans, it wasn't always so challenging. Nearly
fifty percent of military vets returning home from World War
Two started their own business. Unfortunately, in twenty four that
numbers down to less than five percent. Still, some cities
(24:03):
offer better opportunities than others, especially for veterans. A new
pen Fed Foundation study reveals the best cities to start
a business as a veteran in. One of them may
be near to us and joining us for just a
few minutes. Is Army veteran Ryan Johnson. He founded his
own company with a West Point classmate that called Bugle.
He's also a graduate of the pen Fed Veteran Entrepreneurial
(24:25):
Program that's an accelerated program for veteran owned businesses to
expand all companies like Ryan's even further. The company joins
veteran business owners and networking events around tables and mentorship opportunities.
So Ryan, welcome and tell us how'd you get started
with Bugle?
Speaker 9 (24:40):
Absolutely so, I spent ten years in the Army as
an infantry officer in Green Beray before getting out to
be able to change the world of volunteering. Although one
in four Americans volunteer annually, there are limited solutions that
make that a simple process. And at Bugle, we believe
that helping others shouldn't be hard, so we're building software
that makes it easy.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
Idled you to partner up.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
Of course, the pen FED Foundation that helps support veteran entrepreneurs.
Speaker 2 (25:03):
So how did pen and fed help you?
Speaker 9 (25:05):
The pen Fed Foundation was instrumental in our success for Bugle.
We believe that if you want to go fast, to
go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.
And the pen Fed Foundation has been incredible with their
resources from education to mentorship to ensure that if there's
something that we don't understand, they're going to connect us
with somebody who's gone before us is going to make
(25:28):
sure that we're successful in our endeavor as well.
Speaker 1 (25:30):
We're talking with veteran Rian Johnson, the co founder of Bugle,
a startup business that makes volunteering easier and more beneficial
to companies. And it's because of organizations like the pen
Fed Foundation, Ryan was able to start his own business
and they want to help other veterans get their business
ideas off the ground. Pen Fed Foundation President Andrea McCarran
joins us as well. And Andrea, what makes veterans so
(25:51):
appealing when it comes to business ownership.
Speaker 10 (25:54):
Well, veterans make fantastic entrepreneurs. They have these qualities that
really serve them well in the business world. They are resilient,
their mission focus, they're adaptable. So our pen Fed Foundation
Veteran Entrepreneur Program selects the best and brightest veteran business
owners from across the United States. We bring them together,
(26:16):
we offer them classes, everything is free of charge, We
pay for their transportation, and then we follow up by
mentoring them throughout the year and in many cases years
to come, because we want to do our very best
to set them up for success.
Speaker 1 (26:32):
And Ran, in just a few minutes that we have left,
what's the best advice you can give to a potential
veteran owner in twenty twenty four.
Speaker 9 (26:38):
My number one thing I'd recommend to entrepreneurs is connect
with other entrepreneurs in order to be able to learn
and see the world through their lens.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
And Andrew, what are some of the best cities for
vets to start a business and what makes them the
best cities? Well?
Speaker 10 (26:54):
Coming in first in our national survey of top cities
for entrepreneurs and veterans in general is Raleigh, North Carolina
number two, the Washington DC area number three, Seattle, Washington.
What we looked at was a number of qualities and
factors liveability. Is there affordable housing in a community, quality healthcare,
(27:16):
good schools. Then we also looked at the economic factors,
if there was job growth, if there are tax incentives
for business owners.
Speaker 1 (27:25):
Those are some great cities, and of course we need
to mention that right here in our own backyard.
Speaker 2 (27:29):
Andrea.
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Coming in just outside the top vive at number six
is northern Kentucky along with the Cincinnati region. Finally, Andre
it where can people go for more information.
Speaker 10 (27:39):
We are just recruiting now for our twenty twenty five cohorts.
We will have three and we would love to get
applications at pen Fedfoundation dot org. That's pen Fed Foundation
dot org. And to experience a real veteran success story
and to make volunteer some easier in your community, go
(28:02):
to Bugle Volunteers dot com.
Speaker 2 (28:05):
Wonderful.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
Thank you so much, Andrea, and thank you again to
veteran Ryan Johnson, co founder of Bugle, and of course
Andrew McCarron with the pen Fed Foundation.
Speaker 2 (28:13):
That's a wrap on this week's Kentucky focus.
Speaker 1 (28:16):
Thank you again to Nikky Saladay, Regional Disaster Officer with
the American Red Cross Kentucky Region.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
Again they need.
Speaker 1 (28:21):
Volunteers for their virtual Heroes needed volunteer program to deploy
in the many areas that need help right now in
twenty twenty four. If you'd like more information, simply visit
red Cross dot org. Also thank you to alease A Wid,
President and CEO of Debrye University who reminds us Ai
isn't the boogeyman.
Speaker 2 (28:39):
We all think it is.
Speaker 1 (28:40):
For more information and how you can learn more, maybe
start a new career, check out devrau. And finally, thank
you to veteran Ryan Johnson, co founder of Bugle, and
Andrea McCarron with the pen Fed Foundation. If you're a
VET and you want more information on starting your own business,
it's real simple. Just visit pen Fedfoundation dot org. I'm
Scott fitzgeralden for all of us, Second Kentucky Focus and
(29:01):
the Kentucky News Network and reminding you to make it
a safe and happy week. I'll talk to you next
time on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (29:08):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kN N.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!