Innovate or Evaporate with Toph Day

Manny Ohonme’s first pair of shoes changed his life—and he’s been on a mission ever since. In this unforgettable episode, Manny shares how a single act of kindness sparked a global movement that’s now put shoes on over 12 million feet across 113 countries. As founder of Samaritan’s Feet and CEO of World Shoe, Manny fuses nonprofit grit with scalable innovation. Toph and Manny dive deep into the staggering health consequences of being shoeless, the power of servant leadership, and how Manny’s next mission—training thousands of shoe entrepreneurs—is poised to uplift entire economies. From street kid in Lagos to global social entrepreneur, Manny’s story is proof that the power of one can ripple across the world. Takeaways One act can change everything: A single pair of shoes gifted to Manny at age 9 inspired a global mission that’s now reached over 12 million people. Scaling impact through innovation: Manny’s pivot from nonprofit to manufacturing with World Shoe shows how business models can fuel massive social change. Local manufacturing, global reach: With a factory in Ghana producing 5 million shoes annually, Manny is proving that Africa can be a hub of global innovation. Entrepreneurship as empowerment: Manny is raising $1M to launch 100 shoe entrepreneurs—building a new economy from the ground up. A model of servant leadership: The act of foot washing isn’t just symbolic—it’s central to how Manny connects dignity with delivery. Vision meets execution: What started as a goal to give away 10 million shoes is now a blueprint to reach 600 million—and beyond. Keywords #InnovateOrEvaporate #TophDay #PodcastDrop #NewEpisode #MannyOhonme #SamaritansFeet #WorldShoe #SolePurpose #ImpactEntrepreneur #ServantLeadership #SocialImpact #GlobalHealth #AfricaRising #MadeInAfrica #BusinessForGood #ZeroShoelessPeople #ScaleImpact #ShoesThatChangeLives #PhilanthropyToProfit #FootwearInnovation #EntrepreneurshipInAfrica #NonprofitLeadership

Before Sweetwater became a billion-dollar brand, it was a one-man recording studio in the back of a VW bus. In this episode, Toph sits down with founder Chuck Surack to explore the relentless, often surprising journey behind one of the most trusted names in music retail. From programming early CRM systems to flying across the country to deliver sounds to Stevie Wonder, Chuck shares timeless lessons in customer obsession, quiet leadership, and doing the right thing — always. Whether you're scaling a startup or reinventing your legacy, this is an episode you’ll play on repeat. Takeaways Build trust by doing what doesn’t scale. Chuck’s philosophy: test every guitar, warranty everything, and treat the customer like family. It’s old-school — and it works. Empower every employee to act. At Sweetwater, even the front desk has the green light to replace a keyboard. That’s how you build a culture of ownership. Crisis? What crisis? In 2008, Chuck told his team, “We’re not participating in this recession.” They doubled down while competitors froze — and came out stronger. Legacy lives at home. From free music lessons for underserved kids to reshaping Fort Wayne’s economy, Chuck’s impact is rooted in local investment. Innovation starts with listening. Whether it’s to your gut, your customers, or your community — the best business ideas don’t shout. They whisper.

At RALLY Innovation Conference, Toph sat down with Tia White, a trailblazing AI and machine learning executive whose journey from a small-town upbringing to the forefront of tech innovation is nothing short of inspiring. Tia shares her story of breaking barriers, her self-taught skills in Python, and her rise to leadership roles at Capital One and beyond. In this episode, they explore the disruptive power of AI, the future of software development, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in technology. Tia also emphasizes the need for responsible AI practices and her vision for empowering the next generation through STEAM education. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or just curious about AI’s potential, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. Takeaways Tia White emphasizes that AI is accessible to everyone, not just the elite. Overcoming adversity can foster resilience and determination. Education can pivot career paths in unexpected ways. A human-centered approach is essential in product development. AI tools are already disrupting traditional developer roles. Embracing AI is crucial for staying relevant in the workforce. AI can enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. Leaders must adapt to AI or risk being left behind. Responsible use of AI is vital to prevent societal issues. Diversity in tech is necessary to combat bias in AI systems. Sound Bites "It's not for the elitist." "I think there's a place for everyone." "It's great for the customer." "We have to use it responsibly." Keywords AI, machine learning, career development, technology, innovation, education, diversity, responsible AI, Tia White, overcoming adversity

What does it take to build a creative career—from scratch—twice? In this episode of Innovate or Evaporate, actress, producer, and entrepreneur Lisa Varga joins Toph Day for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of the entertainment industry, the evolution of storytelling, and the business behind the camera. Lisa opens up about her early dreams, her Hollywood breakthrough, and the personal sacrifices that reshaped her path. From acting in iconic shows like Homeland to launching her own production company in the Midwest, Lisa’s journey is a raw and riveting look at creativity, resilience, and reinvention. You’ll hear why the future of content demands original voices, what investors should understand about film financing, and how innovation is rewriting the rules of Hollywood.

Kylen Granson is a tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles—but his impact extends far beyond the end zone. After being under-recruited in high school, breaking nearly every bone possible, and walking away from a Division I scholarship, Kylen fought his way into the NFL through sheer discipline and self-belief. Now, he’s using his platform to tackle one of the country’s biggest silent crises: childhood literacy. In this episode, Kylen shares the story behind KG’s Kids, the nonprofit he founded to spark a love of reading and support dyslexic students. We talk growing up with a teacher mom, reading Percy Jackson on a match-for-screen-time deal, and how one moment of vulnerability can change a life. This isn’t just a football story—it’s about building the kind of legacy that lasts long after the lights go out.

From Olympic hopeful to underground poker queen to federal felony charges — Molly Bloom has lived more lives than most. In this episode of Innovate or Evaporate, Molly sits down with Toph Day to talk about the epic highs and brutal lows of her journey. They dive deep into personal transformation, reinvention, high-stakes risk, and how to recover your identity after public failure. From mindset shifts to media narratives, Molly opens up about reclaiming power through storytelling, entrepreneurship, and unwavering self-awareness. You’ll hear the real story behind Molly’s Game, what it’s like to negotiate with Hollywood icons like Aaron Sorkin, and why learning to silence your inner critic is as important as any business strategy. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about failure, grit, mindfulness, poker, power, and building something from nothing. If you’ve ever had to rebuild — this one’s for you.

In this conversation, Kevin O'Leary shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights from Shark Tank, and thoughts on geopolitics and technology. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in business, the American Dream, and the need for innovation in various sectors. O'Leary also discusses productivity strategies, particularly the significance of focusing on key tasks to maximize efficiency. Takeaways Storytelling is essential in business and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs often start multiple ventures throughout their careers. The American Dream is America's number one export. Competition drives innovation and success in technology. Hiring should be a slow process to ensure the right fit. Financial hygiene is crucial for business success. AI will play a significant role in the future of business. Focusing on three key tasks each day enhances productivity. The balance of signal and noise is vital for effective execution. Investing in great entrepreneurs can lead to significant rewards.

What if imagination was your most underused business tool? In this episode, award-winning producer and bestselling author Dete Meserve joins us to explore how storytelling shapes innovation and why vulnerability, creativity, and play aren’t just for kids. From crafting billion-dollar hits to building new kinds of audience engagement, Dete shares how the future of storytelling is being written across platforms, industries, and generations. Takeaways The magic of innovation lies in cross-sector collaboration. Vulnerability fosters openness and collaboration in creative processes. Storytelling has evolved beyond traditional media to include various forms. Balancing structure and freedom is essential in the creative process. Adults can reclaim their creative genius through play and imagination. Technological advancements have transformed the nature of work in film. Remote collaboration has opened up new opportunities for talent. Storytelling can now span multiple platforms and formats. Engaging with audiences requires rethinking traditional storytelling methods. Creativity thrives in an environment of freedom and joy. Sound Bites "Creativity and innovation is play." Keywords storytelling, innovation, vulnerability, creativity, technology, film production, collaboration, imagination, children's media, cross-sector collaboration

In this milestone 20th episode of Innovate or Evaporate, we sit down with cultural icon and hip hop pioneer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of RunDMC. But this isn’t just a story about music—it’s about reinvention, mental health, and the power of using your platform for purpose. From changing the sound of a generation to confronting his own internal battles, DMC opens up about staying relevant in a world that never stops moving. He shares how vulnerability became his superpower, why creativity is a business, and what drives his mission to empower the next generation through storytelling and service. Whether you’re a founder, artist, or changemaker—this episode is a raw, inspiring reminder that true innovation starts within. Takeaways Culture moves when people do. DMC broke more than records, he broke barriers. Reinvention is essential: what got you here won’t get you there. Mental health isn’t a side conversation. It’s central to leadership. Creativity is a business, and legacy is built with intention. Staying relevant requires purpose, courage, and evolution. Keywords Darryl McDaniels, RunDMC, DMC, hip hop, music industry, authenticity, adoption, therapy, pop culture, collaboration, sneakers, comic books

What happens when an engineer-turned-founder decides to tear up the rulebook on how modern software gets built? In this episode, Toph Day sits down with Sean Hise, CEO of Crafted, to explore the rise of "vibe coding," the future of AI-assisted product development, and why building faster and scaling smarter is more critical than ever. Sean shares how he built Crafted from a hallway conversation into a national force in tech innovation, with clients ranging from USA Football to MISO and beyond. From flag football in the 2028 Olympics to modernizing the electric grid — this one is a masterclass in innovation, disruption, and letting it rip. Takeaways 💥 1. Vibe Coding is Real — and It’s Changing the Game AI-assisted coding is no longer theoretical. Sean walks through how tools like Cursor, Claude, and Lovable are enabling developers to build production-grade software faster than ever — and why the best engineers are embracing it, not resisting it. 🏗️ 2. Don’t Just Disrupt Your Tech — Disrupt Your Entire Business Model It’s not enough to modernize your stack. Sean challenges founders to rethink the entire concept of their SaaS platform. Could your product be delivered better as a workflow? An API? A services business? 🧠 3. The Real Moat? Distribution and Proprietary Data In an age where anyone can spin up an MVP overnight, the lasting advantages are increasingly tied to how you reach users and what unique data you own — not the tech itself. 🌎 4. Modern Innovation Requires Community & Context Whether you’re choosing a tech stack or launching an AI tool, Sean emphasizes the importance of leveraging the broader developer community and deploying proven tools already running in production. 🔥 5. From USA Football to MISO: Tech is Reshaping Every Sector Crafted is working on projects that span Olympic sports, national energy infrastructure, and collegiate athletics. The message? No matter your industry, the time to evolve is now — or evaporate. Keywords AI-assisted coding, vibe coding, Sean Hise, Crafted, tech innovation, software development, startup disruption, AI product strategy, Cursor, Claude, Lovable, micro-SaaS, API-first, USA Football, 2028 Olympics, MISO, NIL tech, data infrastructure, scaling smarter, modern tech stack, AI tools for founders, Elevate Ventures, Rally Innovation, Innovate or Evaporate. #VibeCoding #AI #Innovation #SoftwareDevelopment #TechLeadership #StartupGrowth #ProductStrategy #Founders #Crafted #AItools #Cursor #Claude #Lovable #Olympics2028 #USAFootball #NIL #MISO #ElevateVentures #InnovateOrEvaporate #Podcast

What if startup investing wasn’t just for the 1%? In this episode of Innovate or Evaporate, Toph Day sits down with Gerry Hays — five‑time founder, venture professor at Indiana University’s Kelley School, and CEO of Doriot — to unpack a revolutionary idea: venture staking. Gerry’s been on a decades‑long mission to open access to early‑stage capital, and now with the launch of Doriot and his Qualified Accredited Investor (QAI) curriculum, he’s building a platform that could reshape who gets to play and win in startup investing. We explore: Gerry’s journey—from painting houses in college, through teaching 6,000 students, to scaling What venture staking is—and how it lets anyone buy an option to invest in promising startups late Why friends-and-family funding is a broken $60B problem How Bloomington, Indiana is emerging as a hub for financial innovation Whether you care about entrepreneurship, wealth-building, or financial inclusion, this episode offers a bold vision for the future of venture. Takeaways Startup Investing Needs a Rewrite: Traditional VC is inaccessible to most. Venture staking, a concept pioneered by Gerry Hays, offers a radically more inclusive model—letting everyday people buy the right to invest in startups later, rather than being priced out early. Personal Lessons, Real Stakes: Gerry lost his first $25K trying to invest in a hazardous waste company—and that "fool’s tax" informed everything he built after. From law to real estate tech, he’s experienced the full cycle of startup wins and losses. The QAI Curriculum: Gerry developed the Qualified Accredited Investor exam to help serious retail investors prove they understand venture mechanics. It’s like a Series 7 for startup investing—and it’s sitting at the SEC, waiting for approval. Venture Capital ≠ Venture Community: Family-and-friends rounds are often toxic. Venture staking aims to replace them with a community-driven system—funding founders early while creating future investment access for those who helped at the start. Small Dollar, Big Impact: With venture stakes starting at just $10, this model removes barriers to entry and aligns investors around long-term commitment—not quick flips. It's built for real people, not just professional financiers. From Bloomington to the World: Doriot and its venture staking model are being built in Indiana. Gerry believes the next era of capital innovation doesn’t need to come from Sand Hill Road—it can come from the heartland. The Future Is Option-Oriented: The big idea? In startup finance, the option to invest later is more valuable than making a blind bet early. Venture staking codifies that logic into a platform—and could change startup investing forever. #InnovateOrEvaporate #VentureStaking #StartupInvesting #FinancialInclusion #GerryHays #Doriot #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #QAI #DoriotUniversity #Crowdfunding #StartupFunding #AngelInvesting #DisruptVC #FutureOfFinance

In this conversation, Shelly Zalis, CEO and founder of The Female Quotient, shares her journey of building a global community and the importance of collective action in empowerment in the workplace. She discusses the challenges of leadership, the significance of emotional intelligence, and the need for cultural belonging in organizations. Shelly emphasizes the importance of education, kindness, and the power of collaboration in creating change. The conversation highlights the necessity of challenging the status quo and the role of women in shaping the future of leadership and innovation. Sound bites "Power the pack." "No risk, no regret." "Confidence is beautiful." Takeaways The Female Quotient started as a passion project, evolving into a global movement. Collective action among women can create significant change in the workplace. Empowerment should come from within, not from external validation. The importance of collaboration over competition in achieving success. Cultural belonging is essential for a thriving workplace environment. Education should include life lessons and kindness as core values. Women in leadership roles can inspire future generations. Emotional intelligence is a critical skill in leadership. Challenging the status quo is necessary for progress. Creating opportunities for women can lead to a more equitable society. Keywords women empowerment, leadership, community, collective action, gender equality, innovation, workplace culture, emotional intelligence, education, global perspectives

Reuben Brigety II — former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa — joins Toph Day for a powerful conversation on leadership, diplomacy, and building in the global arena. From commanding missions abroad to launching Busara Advisors, Inc. with a Series A out of the gate, Brigety is redefining what commercial diplomacy looks like in the 21st century. They dig into why Africa — a $3 trillion economy poised to house 25% of humanity by 2050 — is the growth story every global business leader should be paying attention to. Reuben also shares lessons from war zones, ambassadorial pressure, and the strategic mindset that led him to create a firm purpose-built to help Fortune 100s and African enterprises alike go further, faster. Takeaways Africa is the Growth Story — By 2050, Africa will house 25% of the world’s population. It’s a $3T economy today and scaling fast — U.S. companies can’t afford to sit this out. Commercial Diplomacy Is the Future — With Busara Advisors, Inc., Brigety is bringing geopolitical strategy, local insight, and executional muscle to companies navigating African markets. Built Like a Startup — Unlike legacy advisory firms, Busara launched as a C-corp, raised a Series A in 10 weeks, and built a 14-person team across Atlanta, D.C., and five African capitals — all within months. Diplomatic Mindset, Founder Focus — From representing the U.S. abroad to solving complex business problems, Brigety shows how leadership and innovation are deeply linked. Do It With Integrity — “Grow jobs, add value, spread dignity” isn’t a slogan — it’s Busara’s internal compass. Purpose and profitability don’t have to be opposites. Keywords #AfricaBusiness #GlobalStrategy #CommercialDiplomacy #Innovation #Leadership #Startups #ForeignPolicy #Geopolitics #Entrepreneurship #BusaraAdvisors #EconomicGrowth #EmergingMarkets #ImpactBusiness #Diplomacy #UAE #Fortune100 #InvestInAfrica #InnovateOrEvaporate

Jeanna Q. Liu didn’t just leave Wall Street — she reinvented what it means to grow something from the ground up. As founder and CEO of Cowbell Plant Co., Jeanna turned her background in global investment banking into a playbook for sustainable, capital-efficient entrepreneurship. In this episode of Innovate or Evaporate, we talk about: How she scaled a physical product from prototype to thousands of units — with zero outside funding The myths of the venture-backed model (and why most companies should skip it entirely) The emotional science of houseplants, and why her tech is quietly creating better lives at home Takeaways Most startups misunderstand the real math of venture capital — and over-raise too soon. Great consumer products often come from personal pain points, not flashy tech. Distribution — not perfection — is the true goal. The Cowbell story proves hardware isn’t dead. It’s just underserved. Plants are the new pets. And we’re only beginning to understand the emotional impact of biophilic design. Keywords #JeannaQLiu #CowbellPlantCo #InnovateOrEvaporate #VentureCapital #Bootstrapped #HardwareStartups #BiophilicDesign #PlantCare #SustainableLiving #StartupJourney #ProductDevelopment #FemaleFounder #MergersAndAcquisitions #DistributionStrategy #DTC #Entrepreneurship #StartupGrowth #ElevateVentures #TophDay #SelfWateringTech

From college hoops to calling the Olympics, Zora Stephenson’s path to NBC Sports is a story of bold moves, relentless preparation, and authentic connection. In this conversation, Zora shares what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-changing media world and why humanizing athletes is the real future of sports storytelling. Takeaways Zora's experience at the Olympics showcased the emotional connection of live sports. The sports industry is evolving with the rise of women's sports and increased attendance. Live events provide a unique experience that cannot be replicated through screens. The future of sports broadcasting will continue to focus on live experiences and audience engagement. Keywords innovation, sports, broadcasting, play-by-play, Olympics, Zora Stevenson, women's sports, authenticity, storytelling, media

In this bonus episode, Toph Day interviews Tarek Glenn, a Super Bowl champion and co-founder of Dream Alive. They discuss the broader concept of innovation beyond technology, emphasizing the importance of mindset and personal experiences. Tarek shares insights on how he innovated in sports training, the evolution of technology in athletics, and his transition from football to philanthropy. The discussion highlights the significance of experiential learning and mentorship in empowering the next generation, as well as the role of community engagement in fostering opportunities for youth.   Takeaways   ●     Innovation is not limited to technology; it encompasses various fields. ●     A unique mindset and personal experiences drive innovation. ●     Cross-training can provide athletes with a competitive edge. ●     Specialization in sports may hinder overall development. ●     Technology has evolved significantly in sports, impacting performance. ●     Hydration and core health are foundational to athletic success. ●     Philanthropy and community engagement are vital for athletes post-career. ●     Experiential learning exposes youth to real-world opportunities. ●     Mentorship can transform young people's perspectives on their futures. ●     Giving back fosters a sense of dignity and empowerment. Stories and experiences break down societal paradigms. ●     Access to educational institutions can feel distant for many. ●     Scaling impact requires careful consideration of growth strategies. ●     Technology can enhance accessibility in education. ●     Building community ecosystems is essential for success. ●     Intentional connections can leverage relationships for greater impact. ●     Athletes need education on investment opportunities. ●     Understanding one's value is crucial for athletes. ●     Failure is a necessary part of the learning process. ●     Asking the right questions can lead to innovation.   Sound Bites ●     "Stories break down paradigms." ●     "It's about the interconnected ecosystem." ●     "Failure is a part of the process."       Keywords   innovation, sports, technology, mentorship, philanthropy, Dream Alive, youth empowerment, experiential learning, athlete mindset, community impact, stories, paradigms, Dream Alive, community, athletes, investment, education, growth, failure, innovation

In this conversation, Tooh Day interviews Gary Brackett, a former NFL player and entrepreneur, discussing his journey from being undrafted to becoming a Super Bowl champion. They explore themes of personal growth, the importance of failure, the evolution of sports technology, and the challenges of navigating the NIL landscape in college sports. Brackett shares insights on entrepreneurship, the significance of grit and perseverance, and how he defines success beyond financial metrics.   Sound Bites ●     "Success is not just money." ●     "You have to kill your ego." ●     "Run your own race." ●     "The way to get more is to do less." ●     "Stop trying to time the market."   Takeaways   ●     Failure is a stepping stone to success. ●     Success is defined by personal fulfillment, not just money. ●     Grit and perseverance are essential for personal growth. ●     The importance of finding a supportive community. ●     Technology has transformed the sports industry significantly. ●     NIL has created both opportunities and challenges in college sports. ●     Self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional development. ●     Managing success by calendar prioritizes time with family. ●     Ego can hinder personal and professional growth. ●     High-margin businesses allow for more flexibility in decision-making. I seek my happiness by eliminating my desires rather than satisfying them. ●     You can't be a four or five, six as a leader and a seven, eight, nine as a team. ●     Vulnerability is just, again, like, die into your ego. ●     The way to get more is to do less. ●     Stop trying to time the market. ●     What I leave for my kids than what I leave in them. ●     You don't get help because you're weak, you get help because you want to remain strong. ●     Fall down seven times, stand up eight. ●     There's going to be a point in time where we're probably going to make a mistake. ●     You never knew you could love so deep.   Keywords   Gary Brackett, NFL, entrepreneurship, sports technology, personal growth, failure, NIL, grit, perseverance, innovation, happiness, desires, leadership, personal growth, vulnerability, innovation, legacy, self-reflection, overcoming obstacles, mindset

In this episode, Jill Malandrino, host of Nasdaq’s TradeTalks, shares her journey from the trading floor to the forefront of financial media. Recorded on the expo hall floor of the 2024 RALLY Innovation Conference, Jill opens up about the evolution of the markets, the rise of retail investors, and how technology and storytelling are reshaping how we understand finance. She reflects on the early days of covering fintech, the value of diverse perspectives in media, and the importance of showing up with curiosity and empathy in an increasingly complex world. Whether you’re an investor, an entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to make sense of today’s economic headlines, this episode offers powerful insights from someone who’s been reporting at the intersection of innovation and capital markets for over two decades. Takeaways Financial media must evolve to meet new generations of investors. Curiosity is key to navigating complex, fast-moving industries. Technology has changed the speed and tone of market reporting. Retail investors are more influential than ever before. Authenticity and storytelling are powerful tools in finance. Diversity in financial media leads to more nuanced reporting. Nasdaq is more than a stock exchange—it’s a platform for innovation. Entrepreneurs must understand capital markets to scale effectively. Building trust is essential in both media and finance. Keywords Jill Malandrino, Nasdaq, TradeTalks, financial media, innovation, fintech, stock market, retail investors, capital markets, entrepreneurship, storytelling, women in finance

In this episode, Brooke Wyatt shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a social media powerhouse in New York City. Joined by her agent, Logan Watkins, Brooke opens up about the evolving landscape of influencer marketing and how she transitioned into influencing. They explore the importance of authenticity, the strategies brands should consider when working with influencers, and the need for influencers to provide value to their audience. Brooke also discusses the mental health toll of constant engagement, the significance of vulnerability in content creation, and how she’s learned to balance success with staying true to herself. This conversation is a masterclass in adapting to a fast-changing media landscape and building a career on your own terms. Takeaways Influencers are reshaping marketing dynamics, rivaling traditional celebrities. Brooke's journey into influencing was organic and passion-driven. Engagement metrics are crucial for brands when selecting influencers. Authenticity and relatability are key to successful content creation. Influencers must balance brand partnerships with personal authenticity. The influencer landscape is evolving with platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Vulnerability in content helps build stronger connections with audiences. Brands should focus on understanding their target consumers before engaging influencers. Content should provide value, whether through education or entertainment. The future of influencer marketing may require diversifying income streams. Keywords Brooke Wyatt, influencers, marketing, social media, authenticity, content creation, brand partnerships, consumer behavior, TikTok, Instagram, influencer management

In this conversation, President Pam Witten of Indiana University discusses her journey in higher education, her vision for IU 2030, and the importance of student success, research, and collaboration across disciplines. She highlights the recent success of IU's football program, her background in telemedicine, and the strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the university's impact on the state of Indiana and beyond. The conversation explores the innovative strides being made at Indiana University, focusing on the university's growth, partnerships, and the impact of AI on education. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students and the university's commitment to creating a supportive ecosystem for startups. Additionally, the conversation addresses the need for disruption in higher education to remain relevant and affordable for all students. Takeaways Pam Witten is the first female president of Indiana University. The success of IU's football program is a result of strategic planning and investment. Student success is the primary focus of IU's strategic plan. Research funding at IU has increased by 28% in the last three years. IU aims to be a leader in health outcomes and economic development in Indiana. Collaboration between IU and IU Health enhances research and training opportunities. The university is focusing on innovative areas like microelectronics and bio health sciences. A new budget model is being implemented to foster collaboration and innovation. The Faculty 100 initiative aims to hire faculty who cross disciplines. Pam Witten emphasizes the importance of a pragmatic approach to strategic planning. People from all over the country want to come to IU. We need to make Bloomington a wonderful place. The Lilly Endowment provided a $60 million grant for development. AI tools are changing how students learn and engage with education. Students are already using AI tools in their learning processes. The university is creating an ecosystem for student startups. We need to make it easier for faculty to innovate. The IU Innovates initiative is gaining traction with student participation. There's a strong push for entrepreneurship among students. The future of higher education requires disruption and adaptation. Keywords Pam Witten, Indiana University, higher education, telemedicine, student success, research and development, IU Health, innovation, college athletics, strategic planning, Indiana University, innovation, student entrepreneurship, AI in education, partnerships, higher education disruption