The InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast

The InNOLEvation® Mindset Host Mark McNees interviews Joanne Gallagher, founder and CEO of SOAR (Strategic Optimization and Research), a Tallahassee-based management consulting firm offering professional credential training in project management, change management, agile, and new AI/generative AI courses, as well as consulting engagements with large firms. Gallagher shares her path from Montreal and work at Deloitte and KPMG in health and human services transformation to moving to Tallahassee during her husband Glenn’s illness and naming SOAR in tribute to his wish to see her “soar.” They discuss the unexpected infrastructure burdens of entrepreneurship, workforce development needs, and the growing value of targeted micro-credentials. The conversation centers on AI’s impact on jobs and education. 00:00 Welcome And Introductions 00:24 What SOAR Does 01:32 From Canada To Consulting 02:58 Why Tallahassee 04:35 Loss And Meaning Of SOAR 08:39 Jumping To Entrepreneurship 10:38 Founder Story And FSU 16:39 Microcredentials And Skill Gaps 18:15 AI In Education And Work 19:49 Feedback Loop AI Gamification 22:15 Frameworks And Future Skills 26:48 Layering Credentials In Degrees 32:37 Workforce Development Pivot 35:19 Iteration And Project Frameworks 37:02 Student Feedback Loop 38:06 Cloning Your Teaching Voice 39:30 AI In State Government 40:56 Custom Apps Replace SaaS 42:35 Jobs Wealth And Anxiety 45:09 Advice For New Graduates 48:36 AI As A Power Tool 53:52 Policy Data Centers Ethics 01:01:49 Skills Gap Micro Credentials 01:11:42 Mindset And Founder Lessons 01:15:12 Podcast Wrap Up

Student host Sean Gulledge welcomes FSU content creator Maxson Adams @maxson_main and videographer Alex to the InNOLEvation® Mindset podcast to discuss how Maxson started making content about a month prior and how they collaborate. Maxson explains his approach to standing out on Instagram and TikTok by prioritizing watchability over posting consistency, using sound effects and fast cuts, and keeping visuals centered so UI elements don’t block key actions. He shares the origin of his “asking out college girls until one says yes” series, including escalating rejections and incidents like being pepper-sprayed, punched, and slapped, while Alex describes getting participant permission and maintaining consistent framing. They discuss algorithm fundamentals, learning sound design and editing with a CapCut mentor, a generally collaborative creator community, the risks of manufactured “beef,” Maxson’s brand-deal standards, focus on growth, and upcoming series with FSU athletes. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:24 Meet Maxon and Alex 01:46 Content Process and Style 03:25 Asking Out College Girls Series 05:52 Filming and Framing Tips 07:38 Beating the Algorithm 09:12 Editing and Sound Effects 10:41 Collabs and Creator Community 13:16 Friend Group Drama Lessons 15:21 Brand Deals and Values 18:50 Goals and Future Series 21:59 Advice and Closing Plugs 24:54 Wrap Up and Goodbye