Kory Dogs
November 8, 2024
In a recent interview, Coach Kory Dogs welcomed Kathy Henrich, the CEO of MKE Tech Hub Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inclusively doubling tech talent in Southeast Wisconsin. Kathy shared her journey from growing up in Dubuque, Iowa, to building a successful career in the tech industry, which spans over 30 years. After joining IBM through a chance encounter during her college years, she eventually moved to Wisconsin, where she has taken on leadership roles in various organizations. Under her guidance, MKE Tech has expanded significantly, launching initiatives such as startup incubators and apprenticeship programs aimed at fostering a diverse tech talent pipeline.
Kathy highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving economic growth and driving innovation within the region. MKE Tech focuses on four main pillars: attracting tech talent and businesses, building a diverse talent pipeline, growing the innovation ecosystem, and facilitating collaborative opportunities. She emphasized that the organization’s future efforts will center on preparing for the impact of artificial intelligence and leveraging partnerships to address workforce challenges. Kathy’s journey and insights reflect her belief in the transformative power of teamwork and strategic partnerships for creating opportunities and advancing the tech community in Milwaukee.
Podcast Transcript:
Kory Dogs: Hello, everyone! This is Coach Kory Dogs from ActionCoach, and I’m thrilled to have Kathy Henrich, CEO of MKE Tech, with us today.
Kathy Henrich: Hi, Kory! Actually, we use “MKE” because it’s the airport code, representing Southeast Wisconsin.
Kory: Great! Kathy became CEO of MKE Tech in January 2020. MKE Tech is a nonprofit organization focused on inclusively doubling tech talent in the Milwaukee area to foster regional growth and create life-changing job opportunities. Since its launch, the coalition has expanded from six founding members to over 125, collaborating to attract diverse tech talent, enhance the innovation ecosystem, and strengthen community connections. Under Kathy’s leadership, MKE Tech has introduced initiatives such as a startup incubator, corporate internships, apprenticeships, and talent attraction programs. With over 30 years in the tech industry, Kathy has led significant sales organizations and has extensive consulting experience. She holds a Master’s in Workforce Talent Development from Louisiana State University and a Data-Driven Consulting certificate from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Additionally, she serves on several boards, including M3 Insurance and nonprofit organizations. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the Notable Women in STEM by Biz Times Media and as a Wisconsin Titan 100. Welcome, Kathy!
Kathy: Hi, Kory! It’s great to be here.
Kory: Let’s start with your background. Where did you grow up, and how did you end up in Milwaukee?
Kathy: I grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, and went to the University of Northern Iowa. My journey is quite interesting; while working for the dean at UNI, I became fascinated with IBM when they came to sell their products. Determined to work there, I sent letters to numerous managers and interviewed over 50 times before finally joining IBM. This led me to Wisconsin, marking the beginning of my 30-year tech career.
Kory: Sounds like a case of being in the right place at the right time!
Kathy: Exactly!
Kory: What about your family and hobbies?
Kathy: I’m married with three adult children, and I love outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
Kory: Any funny family stories?
Kathy: I can’t think of a specific one, but my family often laughs about how much I dance. I dance everywhere, even in the kitchen, and my kids join in!
Kory: That’s wonderful! Can you share how MKE Tech Coalition came about and when you realized it would be successful?
Kathy: Our origin is unique. The idea was initially conceived by Northwestern Mutual’s CEO, who rallied other partners like Advocate Aurora. When the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition was announced in October 2019, I joined as the first CEO in January 2020, just weeks before the pandemic. Surprisingly, this situation helped us accelerate our growth because everyone was eager to collaborate and envision a brighter future.
Kory: Can you tell us more about MKE Tech’s mission and what you do?
Kathy: Our nonprofit aims to inclusively grow the tech ecosystem in Southeast Wisconsin, focusing on long-term economic growth and creating transformative opportunities. We have four strategic pillars: attracting tech talent and businesses, building a diverse talent pipeline, fostering innovation (especially in AI), and facilitating catalytic collaborations for significant regional projects.
Kory: How young is early talent in the IT industry?
Kathy: We start with early exposure programs in K-12, but our main focus is preparing career-ready talent.
Kory: Can you share an inspiring story from your journey?
Kathy: My grandfather, born in 1907, was a significant influence. He never treated me differently because I was a girl; we gardened and fixed things together, which instilled in me the belief that I could do anything.
Kory: What’s been your biggest learning as a business leader?
Kathy: The power of collaboration. A small nonprofit can’t change a region alone; it takes a strong vision and aligned resources. Successful partnerships require admitting weaknesses and leveraging each other’s strengths.
Kory: What challenges have you faced, and who helped you through them?
Kathy: This work often goes unrecognized, requiring a lot of stakeholder management. Peer networks, including my involvement with TECNA and the National Talent Collaborative, have been vital for sharing strategies and gaining support for our initiatives.
Kory: If you could thank three key people in your journey, who would they be?
Kathy: While I won’t name specific individuals, I believe a diverse board of directors is crucial for any organization. They provide valuable perspectives and can help refine ideas and concepts.
Kory: What’s next for MKE Tech?
Kathy: We’re focusing on AI and preparing our businesses to adopt this technology for productivity and competitiveness. We’ve initiated several programs, including AI internships and an extensive upskilling program. Collaborating on federal opportunities, especially in sectors like biohealth and smart manufacturing, will also be significant for us.
Kory: With technology evolving rapidly, how do you stay ahead?
Kathy: Southeast Wisconsin’s tech landscape is intertwined with traditional industries, offering unique opportunities to transform sectors by combining physical and digital innovations.
Kory: What advice do you have for business leaders trying to do everything on their own?
Kathy: You can’t do it all alone. It’s vital to identify your strengths and seek partnerships to complement your capabilities. Self-reflection on your goals and seeking collaboration is key to success.
Kory: You’ve had an impressive journey, Kathy! Any shout-outs for those who helped you along the way?
Kathy: I’m grateful to everyone who believed in me, especially during pivotal moments in my career.
Kory: If someone wants to learn more about MKE Tech or contact you, how can they do that?
Kathy: You can visit our website at mketech.org, specifically mketech.org/ai for AI-related programs. There’s also choosemketech.org for more information about Milwaukee’s tech scene. I’m also available on LinkedIn.
Kory: Thanks for joining us today, Kathy!
Kathy: Thank you, Kory!