Talent Scout with Dave Neff Podcast By IBJ Media cover art

Talent Scout with Dave Neff

Talent Scout with Dave Neff

By: IBJ Media
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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.All Rights Reserved Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • Mark Fisher on Indiana Housing, Leadership & the Power of Showing Up

    Mark Fisher on Indiana Housing, Leadership & the Power of Showing Up
    Sep 17 2026
    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.
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    21 mins
  • Joel Zawacki on Indianapolis Indians Growth, Leadership and the Next 30 Years of Victory Field

    Joel Zawacki on Indianapolis Indians Growth, Leadership and the Next 30 Years of Victory Field
    Sep 3 2026
    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.
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    43 mins
  • Erika Nelson Sylvester on AI Compliance, Career Pivots and Authenticx Growth

    Erika Nelson Sylvester on AI Compliance, Career Pivots and Authenticx Growth
    Aug 20 2026
    AI compliance at a fast-growing health care startup requires more than spotting risk. Erika Nelson Sylvester explains how trust, speed and judgment help a legal leader support growth without becoming a blocker. Sylvester, general counsel and head of compliance at Authenticx, traces a career shaped by competition, hard choices and a willingness to change direction. She grew up in the Chicago suburbs, played Division I basketball at Bradley University and describes how a difficult junior season pushed her to seek help from a sports psychologist. Her senior year became her best, a lesson in letting go of pressure and rediscovering why she loved the game. After Valparaiso University School of Law and several years in private practice, Sylvester moved to Cummins, where she worked in audit and legal roles, then to Angi before taking a role at Authenticx. She explains how repeated coffee meetings and professional relationships opened doors, why broad experience matters to her, and what attracted her to the speed of startup life. The conversation also covers Authenticx's use of AI and human listening to analyze health care call-center data, the legal balance between revenue and risk, working in a regulated industry, and why the company's mission of helping people be heard keeps the work meaningful. Sylvester also discusses coaching youth basketball, leadership agility, vulnerability and her advice to younger professionals: do not be afraid to make the hard choice. Talent Scout host Dave Neff talks with Indiana leaders who are making a difference in business, community and civic life. Learn more about JDA Worldwide at jdaworldwide.com.
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    47 mins
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