Talent Scout with Dave Neff is a podcast spotlighting Indiana’s next generation of leaders who are shaping the future of business, community, and civic life. Hosted by Dave Neff—known for his gift in building authentic relationships that create meaningful value—the show features candid conversations with emerging changemakers across industries. With a focus on mentorship, intentional networking, and statewide impact, Talent Scout offers a platform for rising talent to share their stories, values, and vision for Indiana, while inspiring listeners to invest in leadership that lasts. Presented by JDA Worldwide.
Ronald Nored on Faith, Leadership & the Butler Way
Butler men’s basketball head coach Ronald Nored joins Dave Neff on Talent Scout to share how faith, mentorship, and relationships shaped his journey—from Butler’s back-to-back national championship appearances to coaching in the NBA and returning to lead his alma mater.
Ron opens up about losing his father at 13, the high school coaches who helped him keep going, and why Brad Stevens became his coaching hero. He shares the daily habits that keep him grounded as a husband, father of four, and head coach, along with lessons in authenticity, delegation, and earning players’ trust from his NBA coaching career.
Looking ahead at Butler, Ron explains his vision for a team that is connected, competitive, and prepared—and how he plans to preserve the Butler Way while navigating NIL, the transfer portal, and recruiting. He also offers advice for early-career professionals and shares why a successful program should leave people saying, “I want to do that all over again.”
17 Sept 2026
Mark Fisher on Indiana Housing, Leadership & the Power of Showing Up
How can Indiana protect its housing affordability advantage—and what does it take to build a meaningful career?
In this episode of Talent Scout, Mark Fisher, CEO of the Indiana Association of Realtors, joins us on location at the Indiana 250 Awards inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
From growing up in Bloomington and playing rugby at Indiana University to working in Ireland and shaping public policy at the Indy Chamber, Mark shares the experiences and mentors that shaped his leadership journey. He also explains how housing supply, affordability, and homeownership connect to Indiana’s ability to attract young families and grow its economy.
For young professionals, Mark offers a direct challenge: “Must be present to win.” Hear his perspective on working in person, becoming a trusted problem-solver, and learning from the opportunities right in front of you. Plus, he discusses his community involvement and why he wants Indianapolis to think bigger about its future.
3 Sept 2026
Joel Zawacki on Indianapolis Indians Growth, Leadership and the Next 30 Years of Victory Field
Indianapolis Indians executive Joel Zawacki has spent nearly 20 years helping grow the Triple-A club while reshaping how it serves downtown Indianapolis. His career has moved from partnership activation and sales to strategy, venue planning, brand development and community impact.
Zawacki, vice president and chief commercial officer for the Indianapolis Indians, traces his path from a Michigan City childhood built around neighborhood baseball to the University of Indianapolis and internships in minor league baseball and with the Pacers. He explains how the Indians grew corporate partnership revenue from about $1 million to more than $5.5 million, why long-term relationships matter more than rate cards, and how a sports organization can create value for fans, partners and its city.
The conversation also covers the business model behind a Triple-A team, the Indianapolis Indians' role in bringing hundreds of thousands of people downtown, and the next phase of Victory Field. Zawacki discusses the organization's brand refresh, plans for future ballpark improvements and the growth of Indianapolis Indians Charities, including Indy RBI and SWING at Victory Field. He also reflects on the mentors who gave him opportunities, the lessons he learned from a failed event and why he believes relationships compound into what he calls social capital.
His leadership advice is simple and specific: bet on yourself, be responsive, be generous with your time and become someone people want at the table. He closes by explaining how losing his father and raising two young boys changed his definition of success, moving it away from personal legacy and toward passing strong values to his children.
Talent Scout is hosted by Dave Neff. Learn more about JDA Worldwide at jdaworldwide.com.
Who has been a guest on Talent Scout with Dave Neff
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Olivia West
Jason Vansickle
Michael Kaltenmark
Sarah Myer
Kyle Albrecht
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
7 ratings
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Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Talent Scout with Dave Neff
Who hosts Talent Scout with Dave Neff?
Dave Neff host the show. Published by IBJ Media.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Talent Scout with Dave Neff take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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