This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with Ross Larson, a software engineer with Madison-based Paradigm and board member for Forward Festival.
He previews this year’s event series, which focuses on Wisconsin’s tech sector and entrepreneurs with more than 50 individual events held Aug. 17-21 in the Madison area.
“It’s made by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs,” Larson said, noting the events include “bringing together people, networking, hands-on learning, conversations, workshops, making connections. Trying to be the community that we want to be.”
He noted several events are related to AI — ranging from the AI Summit being held at 100State to programs focused on how to best leverage the technology. But many gatherings have a different focus such as government contracting, patents, the environment and more.
“There’s a wide variety of different subjects, because every entrepreneur is different and so not every entrepreneur’s needs are going to be the same,” Larson said.
In addition to hosting a discussion on how to avoid burnout for solo startup founders and business owners, he’ll be moderating a fireside chat during Forward Festival about AI and inclusivity featuring insights from tech leaders on how the technology is transforming the industry.
“It is a revolution … that is hitting and helping people in different ways and at different angles, and I wanted to bring people together for a kind of frank and honest discussion about that,” he said.
Larson highlights the importance of connecting with the human side of entrepreneurship, noting the issue of mental health and burnout in this space doesn’t always get much attention.
“Sometimes that labor has a cost, and we wanted to ensure that the people that are working so hard to make these things happen … that they’re trying to do that in a way that is sustainable,” he said.
As part of Forward Festival, WisPolitics is holding an Aug. 19 luncheon at the Madison Club, featuring a conversation with WEDC Secretary and CEO John Miller.
See details on all events and register here.
Listen to the podcast below, sponsored by UW-Madison:
