In this episode of Untapped with UpSmith, hosts Wyatt Smith and Alex Hudgens welcome Jessica Peltz-Zatulove, founding partner of Hannah Grey VC. The discussion delves into the skilled worker shortage, the impact of technology and AI on the trades, and the evolving characteristics of the Gen Z workforce– including how to best attract and empower Gen Z skilled workers. Jessica touches on her work with female founders and women in venture capital, offering insights into the opportunities in the field. Jessica also shares her personal journey from Minnesota to New York, including an entertaining story from her childhood about her early passion for business. Tune in to learn more about the work that Hannah Grey VC is doing and Jessica’s vision for the future!
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:03 Jessica's Background and Early Life
04:27 Journey to New York and Early Career
11:03 Founding Hannah Grey VC
15:02 The Skilled Worker Shortage
18:45 Gen Z in the Workforce
24:43 Early Stages and Company Focus
25:05 Leveraging Technology for Employee Experience
26:45 AI Applications in Business
30:58 Empowering Female Founders
34:58 Rapid Fire Questions
Jessica's references:
How GenZ is Becoming the Toolbelt Generation [ Ссылка ]
Understanding GenZ in the Workforce: Key Characteristics and Challenges [ Ссылка ]
The New Challenge of Engaging Younger Workers [ Ссылка ]
A Time We Never Knew (Anemoia) [ Ссылка ]
StrictlyVC Podcast [ Ссылка ]
More about the show:
UpSmith is on a mission to address skilled worker shortages by building technology to help trades companies win and skilled workers thrive. Visit upsmith.com to get in touch and learn more today!
The Untapped with UpSmith podcast helps business owners focus on answering critical questions for the people they serve, solving problems to expand workforce productivity and grow their businesses.
On Untapped, you’re getting real talk and real help– we’re bringing you industry experts and inviting guests to share perspectives on what they're building– we’ll even workshop their business challenges in real time.
Expect practical advice, inspiring ideas, and even some fun– we promise. Ideas build the future… and the future is bright. Join us on Untapped with UpSmith!
More about the hosts:
Wyatt Smith is founder and CEO of UpSmith, a technology company on a mission to combat America’s skilled worker crisis. Before UpSmith, Wyatt led business development for Uber Elevate, Uber’s aerial ridesharing business unit. At Uber, Wyatt led a team responsible for 25+ commercial partnerships across the air mobility value chain, generating more than $5B in private sector investment. Prior to Uber, Wyatt served as a consultant at McKinsey. He began his career as a corps member with Teach for America, receiving the 2013 Sue Lehmann Award as a national teacher of the year. Wyatt holds an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School and a BS from Vanderbilt University. Wyatt grew up on a family-owned cattle ranch in rural Alabama. He and his family live in Dallas.
Alex Hudgens is a highly-recognized speaker and Emmy-nominated journalist, known best for her work on NBC’s Access Hollywood. From red carpets on international television to national conventions, expos, and college campuses, Alex has worked with companies like AT&T, Chase, QVC, COMPLEX, The James Beard Foundation, and more. Starting her own consulting practice, Alex has developed the brands of several venture-backed startups and serves as UpSmith's resident storyteller. Alex’s dad, grandpas, and uncles are all tradesmen– storytelling about skilled workers is close to her heart. She is a St. Louis native and a proud graduate of Vanderbilt University-- Go 'Dores! Alex and her family live in NYC.
