Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joe LaChapell, VP of IT at M2 Technology, as he shares his journey from aspiring teacher to tech leader. With over 20 years of experience in warehousing leadership, Joe offers unique insights on team building, leveraging individual strengths, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Discover how Joe's background in coaching basketball translates to effective IT leadership, including his philosophy that "kids don't care what you know until they know you care" - a principle that applies equally in the corporate world. Learn why focusing on team strengths rather than weaknesses is crucial for success, and how this approach can transform your management style.

Joe delves into the concept of "practice days" in the business world, explaining how to create opportunities for skill development and innovation within your team. He also shares strategies for identifying great company culture during your job search, offering valuable tips for anyone looking to make a career move.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom on:

• Navigating career transitions and finding your true calling
• Building and leading high-performing teams in the tech industry
• Cultivating a strength-based approach to management
• Creating unexpected business opportunities by exploring your passions at work
• Balancing technical skills with people-focused leadership
• Identifying positive workplace culture during the interview process

Whether you're an IT professional, a leader in any field, or someone looking to make a career pivot, you'll find actionable insights on personal growth, team management, and career development. Joe's unique perspective, blending sports coaching with tech leadership, offers a fresh take on what it means to lead effectively in today's fast-paced business environment.

Tune in for a masterclass in leadership that transcends industry boundaries, proving that the lessons learned on the basketball court can be just as valuable in the boardroom.

Dive into the unique IT challenges faced by video and photo professionals with Tony Reale, founder of Creative Edge Productions and NextWaveDV.

In this episode of IT Unplugged, discover essential strategies for managing massive file sizes, implementing robust backup systems, and navigating the complexities of modern creative workflows.

Tony shares invaluable insights on balancing high-tech needs with budget constraints, leveraging cloud services effectively, and protecting creative assets from cybersecurity threats. Learn about practical tools that streamline client communication and project delivery, and hear real-world examples of IT challenges in the creative industry.

Whether you're a videographer, photographer, graphic designer, or any professional dealing with large media files, this episode offers crucial knowledge for safeguarding your work and optimizing your technical setup.

Explore the evolving role of Chambers of Commerce in the digital age with David Vander Bloomen, CEO of the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce.

In this insightful episode of IT Unplugged, discover how local business organizations are leveraging technology to enhance member engagement, support small businesses, and drive community growth.

David shares innovative strategies for balancing high-tech solutions with high-touch relationships, approaches to cybersecurity education for small businesses, and his vision for the future of chambers in an increasingly digital world.

Learn about practical tech implementations, from video newsletters to networking platforms, and understand the challenges and opportunities facing community organizations today.

Whether you're a business leader, community stakeholder, or tech professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, business, and community development.