In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Mung Chiang, President of Purdue University. In their discussion, Chiang discusses his path to Purdue, the university’s impressive commitment to controlling tuition, and the many initiatives that are unfolding under his leadership, including plans for the Indianapolis campus. They delve into the institution's expansion plans, its impressive rankings, and how Purdue’s expertise in tech development and research are assets in Indiana’s economic development efforts. They also touch upon Indiana’s many attributes, including being ranked as the best state to start a business.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with former Indiana Governor and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels. The discussion revolves around Daniels’ illustrious career, including his roles with Senator Richard Lugar, Chief Political Advisor to President Ronald Reagan and Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush. Daniels discusses his work as Indiana's Governor, his transformative tenure at Purdue University, and his insights on the future of Indiana. The conversation also touches on ideas to further Indiana’s economic development and Daniels’ post-Purdue retirement activities.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Dennis Murphy, CEO of IU Health, the largest health system in our state. During the conversation, Dennis shares about his upbringing, the journey that led him to become a healthcare leader, and talks through his experience in a leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dennis gives a detailed update on the transformational IU Health building project downtown as well as long term plans to aid in improving the neighborhood, ultimately leading to a healthier city. The conversation also touches on the role IU Health plays in the health of all Hoosiers, as well as his personal passion for service, and the common thread of a notion of purpose that runs through the IU Health community. Dennis gives his thoughts on what sets Indianapolis, and Indiana, apart from other places he has lived and why he and his family are Hoosiers for life.  

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Earl Goode, chief of staff to Governor Eric Holcomb, and former chief of staff to Governor Mitch Daniels. In only his 2nd interview in his 15 years of public service, Earl opens up about his title as the longest-serving chief of staff in Indiana history as well as the significant role he has played in lasting statewide initiatives.  The conversation also touches on Earl’s personal journey from Kentucky to Indiana, the decisions that led to his career in public service following 39 years in the private sector, and his thoughts and involvement in promoting and supporting next-generation leaders.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Karrah Herring, Indiana's very first Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Officer, appointed in Nov 2020. Karrah takes a deep dive into her role, discusses her team’s accomplishments, and lays out her vision and what she hopes to accomplish in the remaining 14 months of the Holcomb administration. Karrah talks about the importance of systemic change, discusses her interest in education reform, and shares personal anecdotes that help explain her leadership style and core values. The conversation reveals her aspirations for creating an infrastructure that will continue to make Indiana a more inclusive state for years to come.  

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Emil Ekiyor, founder and CEO of InnoPower, Inc. In their discussion, Emil shares his experience moving from Nigeria to the United States alone as a 15-year-old boy and the opportunities that followed, including a college football scholarship and six years playing in the NFL. Emil reflects on the skills he learned through sports that played a key role in starting several businesses and talks about people who helped him develop his leadership style and work ethic. Emil also discusses InnoPower's mission to drive innovation and economic growth in predominantly Black communities and its partnership with TechPoint to increase minority representation in the tech sector. Emil touches on life as a parent and what led him to decide to make Indiana his permanent home following his NFL career.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Rick Fuson, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Anticipating his upcoming 40th anniversary with the Pacers, Rick discusses his most influential mentors and their impact on his leadership style. Rick touches on downtown Indianapolis developments, including Gainbridge Fieldhouse upgrades and the transformative Bicentennial Unity Plaza, as well as the upcoming 2024 NBA All-Star Game as a global showcase and the positive impacts on the city. Rick also shares some of his encounters with notable figures throughout his career, including Magic Johnson, the Dalai Lama, Harrison Ford, and others. Reflecting on the incredible development of our city and state over the years, Rick gives his thoughts on what is needed to continue to drive us forward as a great place to live and work.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Melissa Proffitt, partner in charge of client relations at Ice Miller.  As a prominent community leader, Melissa discusses her extensive involvement in community organizations, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and political engagement. Melissa also talks about growing up in Indiana, why she will never move out of the state, and the impact that her alma mater, Indiana University, had on the trajectory of her career.  She also gives a preview of what’s coming for the Indy Chamber and the important work that is taking place this very week.  

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Pamela Whitten, the 19th president of Indiana University. She discusses her unlikely journey to becoming a university president, her belief that everyone should have the opportunity to attend college and her core values as a leader, which include doing what's right, being innovative and embracing non-traditional ways of thinking. She also talks about IU’s plans to develop its Indianapolis campus now that the school is decoupling from Purdue University and making the school an economic driver for Indianapolis. And she explains how she became a big sports fan.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Brad Chambers about his more than two years as Indiana’s secretary of commerce and his decision to run for office for the first time. Chambers highlights the state's record-setting job creation and investment numbers, which he credits to a focus on quality jobs over quantity, a commitment to telling Indiana's story and an updated economic development toolkit. He also discusses his decision to step down from his role and his plans to run for governor of Indiana.

Off the Record with the Indiana 250 is an upcoming podcast from IBJ Media and will feature the state's most influential business and community leaders. Check back most Thursdays to hear IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman interview some of Indiana's most interesting and successful leaders about their careers, their public service and what they think about living and working in Indiana.