Indiana 250: Off the Record with Nate Feltman

In this episode of Indiana 250: Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Anne Hathaway, president and CEO of Hathaway Strategies and the first woman to chair the Indiana Republican Party. Hathaway reflects on her journey from small-town Illinois to the White House, where she served as director of scheduling for Vice President Dan Quayle and later chief of staff at the Republican National Committee. She discusses how she built her political career through risk-taking, relationships and service, and how she is helping train future women leaders through the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series. Hathaway also shares her take on modern political discourse, the future of women in leadership and why she believes saying yes and showing up can transform a career.

In this episode of Indiana 250: Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Suzanne Jaworowski, Indiana’s secretary of energy and natural resources. Secretary Jaworowski reflects upon her background in marketing research and political communications which launched her into national energy leadership roles, including serving as chief of staff in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy and later with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. She shares experiences on her work leading a 65-country nuclear policy coalition, her role on the Trump transition team, and her current priorities in Gov. Mike Braun’s administration. The conversation also explores Indiana’s energy future, the state’s plans to integrate small modular nuclear reactors, and the importance of building out infrastructure to meet growing demand from industries like AI and data centers. Jaworowski also discusses the role of public service and why she believes confidence and a willingness to try can take you farther than credentials alone.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Amish Shah, CEO of Elkhart-based Kem Krest, a supply chain optimization company serving Fortune 100 clients across automotive, heavy duty and power sports. He reflects on leaving investment banking to join the family business, the influence of his immigrant father, and the lessons of building a company for the long haul. Shah also shares his passion for Elkhart County, from creating a Business Hall of Fame and Junior Achievement programs to serving on supplier councils and industry boards, and why he champions Indiana as a place to build and grow.  Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

In this episode of Indiana 250: Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Jimmie McMillian, senior corporate counsel and chief diversity officer at Penske Entertainment. McMillian shares his journey from growing up on Chicago’s South Side to leading diversity efforts at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the NTT IndyCar Series. He discusses how trauma and mentorship shaped his path through law school, private practice and ultimately to Penske. McMillian details his efforts toward expanding workforce and supplier diversity, using the Speedway as a hub for youth engagement, and building trust through intentional mentorship and inclusive leadership.  Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner. Their discussion looks at her career path from a high school business teacher in Madison to leading the state’s $10 billion education system. Secretary Jenner details her efforts to modernize Indiana’s education system from building a pipeline of skilled teachers and revamping the high school diploma to spearheading a $170 million investment in literacy and expanding access to apprenticeships. Jenner also offers insights into Indiana’s stance on federal education reform, the role of soft skills in workforce readiness, and how her leadership is rooted in urgency and personal mentorship.  Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Pete Yonkman, president of Cook Group and its subsidiary Cook Medical. Based in Bloomington, Cook is Indiana’s 3rd largest private company and a key player in the life sciences sector. Yonkman shares insights on what it takes to be a medical innovator and why Cook’s 57 medical firsts were all born from collaboration. He also discusses a unique partnership with Goodwill that brought a manufacturing facility, and new opportunity, to a historically underserved Indianapolis neighborhood. A Crown Point native and IU Maurer law grad, Yonkman reflects on his wide-ranging interests from supporting NIL initiatives and local nonprofits to producing a film at West Baden Springs Hotel.    Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Marisol Sanchez, executive vice president, general counsel, and board member of Endress+Hauser USA. Marisol shares her journey from growing up in Puerto Rico, earning a business degree at the University of Puerto Rico, relocating to Indiana through an exchange program with what was then Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, attending the IU Maurer School of Law, to ultimately becoming a key leader at the U.S. division of a global industrial automation company. Marisol also discusses her experience clerking for Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall Shepard, moving into private practice, and then launching the in-house legal department at Endress+Hauser.  Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with one of Indiana’s most dynamic entrepreneurs, Justin Christian, founder and CEO of BCforward, one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States. A New York native, Justin came to Indiana to study music at DePauw University before shifting to computer science, which led to a job at Eli Lilly and Co. before he launched his own IT consulting firm. He and his business partner started BCforward with just $1,500, growing it into a global enterprise now with 5,000 employees. Justin discusses his path to entrepreneurship, his leadership philosophy, and the importance of diversity in business. He also shares how he and his wife, Darrianne, support their community through initiatives like the Justin and Darrianne Christian Center for Diversity and Inclusion at DePauw University.  Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman speaks with Scott Dorsey, co-founder and managing partner of High Alpha, a leading venture capital firm based in Indianapolis that creates and funds B2B SaaS companies. Dorsey shares his journey as founder of ExactTarget, a pioneering digital marketing company. ExactTarget's meteoric rise included developing its unique "Orange Culture," going public on the New York Stock Exchange, and being acquired by Salesforce for $2.5 billion in 2013. The conversation delves into the challenges and successes of building a successful business, Dorsey’s passion for fostering entrepreneurship, and his efforts to strengthen Indiana’s tech ecosystem through High Alpha. He also discusses his commitment to education through his nonprofit Nextech and the importance of civic engagement.   Facebook: facebook.com/IBJMediaGroup X: x.com/ibj_media Instagram: Instagram.com/ibjmedia LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ibjmedia IBJ Media: https://www.ibjmedia.com/ Indiana 250 website: https://www.indiana250.com/

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Chuck Surack, founder of Surack Enterprises and Sweetwater Sound. Chuck shares his journey from touring the country as a saxophonist and keyboard player with several bands and then eventually starting Sweetwater Sound, one of the world’s largest retailers of musical instruments and audio equipment. After selling a controlling interest in Sweetwater in 2021, Chuck has focused on various entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropy.  Today Surack Enterprises includes companies in aviation, real estate development, hospitality, eyecare and sports.  Chuck has been a major player in the redevelopment of Fort Wayne's downtown and a supporter of music education in Northeast Indiana.  Chuck also shares his thoughts on the decision to close Indy’s downtown heliport and the future of professional soccer in Indiana.   Facebook: facebook.com/IBJMediaGroup X: x.com/ibj_media Instagram: Instagram.com/ibjmedia LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ibjmedia IBJ Media: https://www.ibjmedia.com/ Indiana 250 website: https://www.indiana250.com/

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Dr. Richard DiMarchi, Indiana University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences.  A distinguished scientist and entrepreneur,  Dr. DiMarchi’s groundbreaking diabetes research while at Eli Lilly and Company laid the foundation for the new class of obesity drugs that today are transforming lives worldwide.  Since his retirement from Lilly, Dr. DiMarchi has co-founded six biotech companies, including MBX Biosciences which recently went public.  With more than 100 U.S. patents and numerous accolades, including an induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Dr. DiMarchi shares insights into his career journey, the impact of mentorship, the future of biotechnology, and the essential role of diversity and innovation in advancing medical research.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Bob Hicks, chairman and managing partner of Taft Law Firm.  Bob takes a deep dive into the strategies and philosophy that have shaped Taft’s growth from 400 lawyers to over 1,000 under his leadership.  A Hoosier native, Bob talks about growing up in Indianapolis, his decision to pursue both an accounting and law degree, mentors who have impacted his leadership philosophy, and his early career experiences as a business lawyer working for a high growth company and how that experience shaped his growth mindset.   Bob also shares his thoughts on the future of big law and how will AI impact the legal profession.    Check out and subscribe to the video version of the podcast here

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Herb Simon, owner of Pacers Sports Entertainment and a legend in the real estate development industry. Herb discusses his storied career, from founding Simon Property Group with his brother Melvin to rescuing the Indiana Pacers. He shares his experiences being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and reflects on the growth of both the NBA and WNBA franchises under his ownership. Herb also talks about his contributions to the revitalization of downtown Indianapolis and the impact of having Caitlin Clark join the Indiana Fever.    Check out and subscribe to the video version of the podcast here

After a fantastic season one, we are taking a few weeks break while we ramp up for Off the Record Season two. The Season two Off the Record show will now be available in video and will feature our new IBJ Media podcast studio. We have some amazing guests joining us in season two. You won’t want to miss our season opener with Herb Simon, owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and recent inductee into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Listen to full length episodes that we highlighted from Season One Off the Record with Mike Pence  Off the Record with Mung Chiang Off the Record with Jim Ryan Off the Record with Pam Whitten

After a fantastic season one, we are taking a few weeks break while we ramp up for Off the Record Season two. The Season two Off the Record show will now be available in video and will feature our new IBJ Media podcast studio. We have some amazing guests joining us in season two. You won’t want to miss our season opener with Herb Simon, owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and recent inductee into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Listen to full length episodes that we highlighted from Season One   Off the Record with Mitch Daniels Off the Record with Jim Morris  Off the Record with Karrah Herring  Off the Record with Dennis Murphy

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Vanessa Green Sinders, President and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Vanessa takes a deep dive into her extensive background in public affairs and executive leadership roles including her time working for two U.S. Senators and the non-partisan organization Campaign to Fix the Debt. Now leading the state’s largest business advocacy group, Vanessa discusses what it means to be the first female leader of the Indiana Chamber, the IN Prosperity 2035 economic vision plan, and what she views as Indiana’s ongoing opportunities and challenges.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman sits down with Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director and CEO of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. Born to Cuban immigrants in Brooklyn and raised in Miami, Mario opens up about his upbringing and unique perspective as a first generation American.  The discussion takes a deep dive into Mario’s incredible journey from captaining boats to his extensive leadership experience in the aviation industry.  Celebrating ten years at the helm of the Indianapolis International Airport, Mario shares what sets this IND apart, the team's community-driven approach, and upcoming projects like the new airport hotel. Mario also gives insights into the challenges of airport leadership particularly in the face of natural disasters such as his experience during Hurricane Katrina while in New Orleans and navigating the COVID pandemic.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Jefferson Shreve, an accomplished entrepreneur and the Republican nominee for Indiana's 6th congressional district. Shreve discusses his path from founding Storage Express in 1993 to selling it to Extra Space Storage, Inc. in 2022.  He also shares how his educational background in political science, international diplomacy, and agribusiness has prepared him for the job he is currently pursuing in Congress.  The discussion also touches on Shreve’s motivations for entering politics, his experience serving on the Indianapolis City County Council, his challenges in the mayoral race, and his current congressional campaign.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman sits down with Marianne Glick, a prominent Indianapolis philanthropist, businesswoman, and artist. The discussion revolves around the Glick family’s philanthropic initiatives, including the impactful TeenWorks program, the Housing Foundation, Glick Training Associates, and her recent gift and involvement with the Founders College at Butler University. Marianne shares insights into her upbringing, her first experiences in her family’s business, and her path to continuing her family's legacy. Marianne also discusses her passion for art, and her contributions to public art in Indianapolis including the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the Glick Peace Walk.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with the 48th Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence. The discussion takes a deep dive into Pence’s extensive career in politics, highlighting key moments from his years in congress, as governor of Indiana and as Vice President of the United States.  He discusses in-depth the defining days and hours leading up to his certification of the 2020 election results, as well as his experiences working with President Donald Trump.   We also delve into the current state of the Republican party and its future.  The conversation also touches on Vice President Pence's personal life, his proudest moments in office and his experiences with the Secret Service. Vice President Pence shares his guiding principles and leadership lessons that couldn’t be more timely given today’s tumultuous political environment.