Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob Ryan

Have you ever stopped to wonder who is actually responsible for making a great city... great?We often celebrate entrepreneurs who build remarkable companies, but what about the entrepreneurial thinkers who build and rebuild remarkable communities?In this episode, I sit down with Kathleen Rawson, President and CEO of the Hollywood Partnership, for a fascinating conversation about what it really takes to care for one of the world's most recognizable neighborhoods. From public-private partnerships and economic development to civic leadership, tourism, community pride, and the everyday details that most of us never notice, Kathleen shares why thriving places don't happen by accident—they're intentionally built through collaboration, persistence, and a relentless belief that tomorrow can be better than today.Whether you're leading a business, a nonprofit, a city, or simply care about the place you call home, this conversation is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn't confined to startups. Sometimes the greatest entrepreneurial challenge is bringing people together around a shared vision and having the patience to build something that will outlast you.Feel free to follow and engage with Kethleen here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-rawson-lpm-10a65a5/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodpartnershipWebsite: https://hollywoodpartnership.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

What if the strongest networks in the world aren't built by asking for more—but by giving first?This week on Entrepreneurial Thinkers, I sit down with Justis Mendez, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of OneSixOne Ventures, for one of the most thoughtful conversations we've had about leadership, relationships, resilience, and the power of community. While Justis has quickly become one of the country's rising young venture capitalists, what fascinated me most wasn't the companies he's invested in—it was the philosophy that shapes the way he approaches people, opportunity, and life itself.Together, we explore how hardship can become fuel, why trust is often the greatest competitive advantage, and how creating the right environments can unlock extraordinary people and ideas. From growing up amid adversity to helping founders build companies through connection rather than transaction, Justis shares a perspective that reaches far beyond venture capital. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurial thinking begins long before anyone starts a company.Feel free to follow and engage with Justis here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justis-mendez-a78453b6/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justismendez?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Website: https://www.onesixone.ventures/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

What if the future of work isn’t about getting a job—but learning how to create jobs? In this episode of *Entrepreneurial Thinkers*, our host Rob Ryan sits down with Logan Herzog, Executive Director at RISE, an entrepreneurship program based in north western Indiana, to unpack the state of entrepreneurship education in the U.S. and why traditional schooling may be falling short for the next generation. Together, they explore how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining entrepreneurship, the real-world skills young people need to thrive in their careers, and how community-driven programs are empowering emerging entrepreneurial thinkers across the Midwestern USA and beyond. Logan also draws surprising parallels between entrepreneurial ecosystems in the U.S. and Latin America—and shares practical insights for anyone looking to turn ideas into action.Feel free to follow and engage with LOGAN here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-herzog-6526b09a/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logan.herzog/Website: https://raisingtheregion.org/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction05:37 The State of Entrepreneurship Education in the U.S.09:50 Radically Different Approaches to Teaching Entrepreneurship11:26 Geographic Influences on Entrepreneurship Education13:38 Engagement of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Entrepreneurship19:58 Understanding Rise: Mission and Structure23:56 Partnerships and Community Engagement26:37 Success Stories from Rise's Alumni30:49 The Economic Engine of the Midwest33:44 Reimagining Urban Spaces and Community Engagement35:52 Cultural Connections: Midwest and Latin America40:37 Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems46:06 Activating Entrepreneurial Communities50:33 Defining Great Entrepreneurship51:58 Skills for the Aspiring Entrepreneur