Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

IU President Pam Whitten: “It’s Our Time to Step Up”

Pam Whitten calls it her dream job, comparing the night before she was announced as president of Indiana University to Christmas Eve as a child, “when you anticipated something pretty wonderful happening.” The first female president in IU’s more than 200-year history opens up about her path to the presidency, student-centered leadership and her budding friendship with Mitch Daniels.

Evan Bayh: From Shirkieville to the Senate, a Life of Service

Evan Bayh was destined for a life in politics and he wasted little time in making his mark, taking office as Indiana’s 46th Governor at the age of 33. In this episode, the son of legendary Senator Birch Bayh talks about a visit to New Hampshire that sparked his political passion, a covert vice presidential discussion over hamburgers with Barack Obama and life beyond politics.

Mark Miles: Big Ideas, Big Events, Big Impact

He has led some of the biggest and most consequential events in Indianapolis history in a career that has taken him around the globe. But Indiana has always been home for Penske Entertainment Corp. Chief Executive Officer Mark Miles. In this episode, the Wabash College grad takes us inside the memorable events that have shaped Indy, recalls an unforgettable encounter with Fidel Castro and hints at a big event he’d like to one day see in Indiana.

Mario Andretti: Hall of Famer Still Going Full Throttle

From an Italian refugee camp to the pinnacle of motorsports, Mario Andretti has led a life of excitement and accomplishment.  And his need for speed started at a very young age. In this episode, the only man to win the Indy 500, Daytona 500 and Formula One World Championship opens up about immigrating to the United States, his love for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a movie that started it all.

Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons: ‘It Only Takes One’

He is leading a transformation at the world’s second-largest animal health company that includes a vision to make downtown Indianapolis a destination for global talent. In this episode, Elanco Animal Health CEO Jeff Simmons talks about his passion for feeding the world, the power of mentoring and the profound impact of a hailstorm on the family farm. 

Eric Halvorson: From the Small Screen to the Big Box

He was born in France, raised in Minnesota and thought he wanted to be a doctor. But Eric Halvorson’s life, and career path, would all change with a move to Indianapolis. The popular former news anchor talks about succeeding a legend, the future of TV news and life after TV in the grocery business.

IPS Superintendent Alessia Johnson: “God Put Her on this Earth to be an Educator”

Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson was destined to be an educator. Growing up in Evansville she watched her mother teach, volunteering to grade papers and spending time in her classroom and at school events. In this episode, she talks about her path to becoming the first black woman to lead Indiana’s largest school district and how her passion for education has been put to the test.

Mayor Tom Henry: Family Focus Fuels Fort Wayne

Tom Henry’s roots are firmly planted in Fort Wayne, where he grew up with 16 brothers and sisters! The fourth term mayor talks about the dramatic transformation in the city’s downtown, the importance of leadership and how his parents led him to a life of public service.

Dr. Deborah Curtis: Chicago Girl Comes Full Circle at ISU

Deborah Curtis arrived in Terre Haute to teach music, and once there, her passion for education was ignited. But little did this Chicago native realize that after getting her PhD. from Indiana State University she would one day come back to lead the institution. In this episode she talks about coming home, her mission to reduce the achievement gap and why she wants to “dispel the language” that ISU is a well-kept secret.

Voice of the Colts Matt Taylor: When Preparation Meets Opportunity

It’s a job he’s been preparing for his entire life. Matt Taylor vividly remembers as a 10-year-old his animated play-by-play sessions in the basement of his family home. It was the start of a love affair with football and broadcasting that would shape his life---from state champion at Roncalli High School to linebacker at Franklin College to his dream job as the voice of the Indianapolis Colts. In this episode, Taylor talks about paying dues, seizing opportunities and the day he found out he was getting the big chair. And did I mention he does an unbelievable Don Fischer impression?