General Archives

Navigating the AI Era: How West Michigan Can Turn Disruption into Opportunity

By Kevin Stotts, President, TalentFirst When WOOD TV recently explored how “West Michigan industries mull how to navigate AI,” the conversation underscored a defining moment...

TalentFirst Industry Deep Dives: Where West Michigan’s Talent Strategy Gets Real

West Michigan’s talent market is shifting in ways that will set the trajectory for growth over the next decade. Retirement risk is accelerating. Hiring is...

Solving the Talent Constraint: Skills, Agility, and the CEO Imperative

West Michigan—and the nation—are at an inflection point. Retirements will outpace new entrants for the next two decades, creating a high demand for fresh talent...

AI and the Future of Work in West Michigan: A Catalyst, Not a Replacement

AI is no longer a distant concept — it’s here, reshaping industries and redefining how people work. From advanced manufacturing and healthcare to financial services...

Meet the Experts Joining our Inclusive Leadership Development Event

We’re pleased to announce the lineup for our Inclusive Leadership Development event, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, March 12 at Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof Center in...

A Q&A with DEI Leader Dr. Sandra Upton, Keynote for Our March 12 Event

Dr. Sandra Upton, founder and Chief DEI Strategist with Upton Consulting Group, will be the keynote speaker for our Inclusive Leadership Development event, 9-11 a.m....

DEI Strategist Dr. Sandra Upton to Share Insights for Lasting Change

With her new book, “Make It Last: A Roadmap and Practical Strategies for How to Do DEI Work,” Dr. Sandra Upton poses a straightforward but...

The State of DEI on MLK Day: Our Actions Speak Louder Than Words

If anyone understood the power of language, it was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr....

DEI: The Ethos of the New Workforce

We have all heard the proverb “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” by Thomas Reid. This proverb means that regardless of...

Continuing the Commitment to Cultivating Inclusive Workplaces Across West Michigan

West Michigan’s population is increasing in diversity across race and ethnic identities. Our region is expected to experience a 4% population growth (JPG) in the...