The Michigan Opportunity
Through dynamic discussion, The Michigan Opportunity markets the state and promotes Michigan as a world-class business location. The podcast serves as a forward-thinking voice for Michigan as a conduit to global trends and applications in the new global economy.
SubscribeThe Michigan Opportunity Podcast
PreviousEpisodes
Justine Johnson, Senior Vice President & Chief Mobility Officer, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification
As Senior Vice President & Chief Mobility Officer, Justine Johnson leads the state’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification in working across state government, academia and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing dynamic mobility and electrification policies and supporting the startup and scale up of emerging mobility technologies and businesses.
Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, VP of Customer Experience for Consumers Energy
Listen to Lauren Youngdahl Snyder as she discusses electric vehicles, renewable energy and efficiency. Consumers Energy, a subsidiary of CMS Energy, is an investor-owned utility that provides natural gas and electricity to 70% of Michiganders and serves customers in all 68 of the state's Lower Peninsula counties.
Lydia Michael, Owner of Blended Collective, Author of Brand Love and Kevin Ketels, Assistant Professor Global Supply Chain Management, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University
Lydia Michael and Kevin Ketels explore the growing world of international marketing, branding and supply chain evolution. Blended Collective is a multicultural marketing and brand consultancy focused on the core values of authenticity, culture, and diversity. Kevin Ketels of Wayne State University, walks us through the changing world of supply chains and the growth of electrification and EV’s.
Special Episode: CAR MBS 2023
Join us from the Grand Traverse Resort for a special podcast about CAR MBS (Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars). Hear from industry leaders as they discuss the future of the global automotive industry.
Our guests include: Mark Garrison of Center for Automotive Research (CAR), Kevin Green and students Terrick Thomas & Candace Jones of Focus: Hope, Tom Manganello of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Christine Roeder from the Detroit Regional Partnership GEM program, Kathleen Hickey of Auto/Steel Partnership and World Auto Steel, Jay Johnson of Behavioral Elements and Patrick Weldon of Polaris.
Steven Dyokas, Director of the U.S. APEC Host Secretariat within the U.S. Department of State
Steven Dyokas, Director of the U.S. APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) Host Secretariat within the U.S. Department of State, discusses the historic visit to Detroit, and all the elements to this unique global organization. Hear how Michigan’s private, public, NGO, and higher education sectors are helping drive that agenda with mobility, manufacturing, international trade border crossings, energy transition, health, digitization, and much more.
Special Episode: Mackinac Policy Conference 2023 Day 2
Join host Ed Clemente for a special The Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Island for day two of the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hear from Michelle Grinnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Maureen Donahue Krauss, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Partnership. Ed also chats with Lisa Lunsford, CEO of GS3 and Glenn Stevens, Executive Director of MICHAuto and VP Automotive & Mobility Initiative, as well as Jennifer Hayes, Senior VP Operations & Policy, at Invest Detroit, Linzie Venegas, President, The Ideal Group and Michele Economou Ureste, Executive Director, Workforce Intelligence Network.
Matt Johnson, Manager of ESG and External Affairs, Eagle Mine
Join Matt Johnson as he discusses the world renowned Eagle Mine, located in the Upper Peninsula. Learn how the world of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) is a growing effort; from countries and governments around the world visiting the remote mine, to how it is leading the way to find precious metals for battery manufacturing and electric vehicles.
Jim Saber, President & CEO NextEnergy
Listen to Jim Saber, President & CEO of NextEnergy, discuss the current and future use of energy. NextEnergy is based in Detroit’s growing innovation district with access to a microgrid, smart home, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and more, demonstrating and piloting technologies in real-world environments to gather data and diverse user-experiences.
Mujeeb Ijaz, Founder and CEO of Our Next Energy (ONE)
Listen to Mujeeb Ijaz, Founder & CEO of Our Next Energy (ONE), discuss the future of batteries at ONE and the company’s goals of doubling the range of electric vehicles. Also hear about his extensive career and how his company holds over 30 U.S. patents in the field of battery technology and energy management systems.
Diana Páez is Senior Director, Energy & Mobility at the William Davidson Institute
Hear Diana Páez discuss the William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan and the institute’s mission on growing the intersection of energy & mobility, helping innovators, entrepreneurs and more. Also hear about her work with the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification as well as her unique career path and globe-trotting history.
About the Host: Ed Clemente
Ed Clemente joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in 2020 as the Senior Advisor for Trends and Development.
From 2012-2020, Clemente served as a two-term governor appointed Hearing Commissioner for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). Executing over 7,000 judicial Orders/Decisions, over the tenure of service. Prior joining the MLCC, Clemente launched Michigan’s Energy Innovation Business Council (EIBC) establishing it as 501c3 and 501c6 entity and serving as its first President.
Ed Clemente was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2004 representing parts of southern Wayne County. During his three terms in the State House (2004-2010) he led task forces on electric vehicles, biosciences, film industry, Brownfield restoration, economic development, quality of life and advanced energy. Before his tenure as a public official, Clemente held several leadership roles at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce, including President and Director Economic and Business Development. He also previously chaired the Economic Development Committee of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and was elected as a Trustee for Wayne County Community College District, serving four terms.
Clemente has earned degrees from Ferris State, Michigan State University and Sienna Heights Universities. Clemente was awarded with a prestigious fellowship to the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and The National Judicial College for Administrative Law. He graduated from several political leadership development programs, including Leadership Detroit, Michigan Political Leadership Program, and Leadership 21. He is a previous small business owner and has taught at Northwood University. Additionally, he hosts a “Critical Conversations” podcast and is a member of the Workforce Advisors for Wayne County Community College. Ed serves on the Board of Directors for Global Ties Detroit and the Motor Cities National Heritage Area. An avid traveler, Ed has visited more than 80 countries and territories, 150+ UNESCO World Heritage sites, many to play rugby tournaments, others for professional exchange and some for just intellectual curiosity.
The Michigan Opportunity is brought to you by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). In collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, MEDC markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.