FORWARD is the visionary blueprint for Northeastern Minnesota's most ambitious leaders. Beyond the standard press release talking points to document the "Oral History" of our region’s community and economic evolution. We sit down with the architects, builders, and decision-makers who are actively shaping the future of the Northland. Our goal is to capture the strategic thinking, the invisible friction, and the legacy-defining moves that are driving our region forward.
OVERVIEW:
Bethany Owen, CEO of Allete, shares insights on leading a legacy energy company through a major transition, balancing reliability, affordability, and sustainability while engaging diverse stakeholders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The strategic and cultural foundations shaping Allete's transition efforts
How stakeholder engagement and diverse perspectives guide decision-making
Long-term vision for regional energy infrastructure and community sustainability
Leadership mindset for future infrastructure innovation
Critical investment strategies to ensure regional resilience and growth
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FORWARD Presented by Story North
20 Apr 2026
Breaking the Doom Loop with Shawn Herhusky
OVERVIEW:
In this episode, Kevin Jacobsen interviews Shawn Herhusky about rural revitalization, community development, and how small towns can spark change without waiting for external funding. They discuss the Revive Virginia project, strategies for local action, and the importance of demographic challenges.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Revive Virginia project as a model for small town revitalization
Strategies for starting community change without large grants
Addressing demographic challenges in rural areas
Subscribe to the FORWARD Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3PSqMgH (https://bit.ly/3PSqMgH)
FORWARD Presented by Story North
9 Mar 2026
The Logistics of Dignity with Shaye Morris
OVERVIEW:
In this conversation, Shaye Morris discusses her leadership role at Second Harvest Northland, focusing on the complexities of managing a vast supply chain that distributes 11 million meals across 15 counties. She highlights the impact of the pandemic and inflation on hunger in the region, the importance of infrastructure and partnerships in fighting food insecurity, and the need for dignified access to food. Morris emphasizes community engagement and the necessity of listening to those in need to drive meaningful change.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
New infrastructure allows for better food distribution strategies.
Partnerships are essential for reaching communities effectively.
Community compassion keeps leaders grounded in their mission.
Subscribe to the FORWARD Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3PSqMgH (https://bit.ly/3PSqMgH)
FORWARD Presented by Story North
9 Mar 2026
Architecting Systemic Resilience with Deyona Kirk
OVERVIEW:
In this conversation, Deyona Kirk shares her transformative journey from surviving harm to designing healing, emphasizing the importance of resilience, faith, and community empowerment. As a developer in a challenging system, she discusses the barriers she faced and the lessons learned about power dynamics. Deanna highlights the significance of self-care and mentorship in her work, particularly in addressing housing instability and fostering generational wealth. She advocates for innovative solutions to improve housing quality in her community, urging collaboration and creative thinking among stakeholders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Self-care is essential for effective leadership.
- Lived experience is as valuable as formal education.
- Creative solutions are necessary for affordable housing challenges.
Subscribe to the FORWARD Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3PSqMgH (https://bit.ly/3PSqMgH)
FORWARD Presented by Story North
9 Mar 2026
Building the System of Trust with Katie Hagglund
OVERVIEW:
In this conversation, Katie Hagglund, the executive director of the Union Gospel Mission in Duluth, discusses the challenges of addressing homelessness in the region, the need for systemic change, and the vision for a new mission engagement center. She emphasizes the importance of community collaboration, dignity for guests, and the necessity of trust in moving forward.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Storytelling is vital for translating experiences into policy change.
Building trust among community stakeholders is necessary for progress.
The goal is to create a community that actively engages with its challenges.
Subscribe to the FORWARD Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3PSqMgH (https://bit.ly/3PSqMgH)
FORWARD Presented by Story North
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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1 ratings
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