Connect 3.0: Building the Front Door to San Diego’s Innovation Economy featuring James Zanewicz

Connect 3.0: Building the Front Door to San Diego’s Innovation Economy featuring James Zanewicz

In this special episode of The Connect Current, Tre Braquet flips the script and interviews Connect CEO James Zanewicz about the vision behind Connect 3.0 and the future of San Diego’s innovation ecosystem. The conversation explores how Connect is evolving beyond events to become a front door, connective platform, and amplification engine for founders, investors, universities, companies, and civic leaders across the region. James breaks down the organization’s Pathways, Proof, and Platform framework, why ecosystem access matters more than ever, and how partners can think differently about visibility, relationships, and long-term innovation impact in San Diego.

What Prebys Ventures Looks for in San Diego Founders featuring Mike Krenn

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Mike Krenn, Managing Director of Prebys Ventures, to explore what investors are really looking for in founders and early-stage companies. The conversation dives into how Prebys Ventures is approaching investment in San Diego’s innovation economy, what makes a company truly investable, and where founders most often struggle when raising capital. Mike also shares practical insight on how entrepreneurs can present themselves more effectively, build stronger investor conversations, and better position their companies for long-term growth and impact.

How Founders Can Connect with SDSU’s Research and Innovation Engine featuring Hala Madanat

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Hala Madanat, Vice President for Research and Innovation at San Diego State University, to explore how universities can play a larger role in helping founders build and scale companies. The conversation dives into SDSU’s growing strengths across AI, National Security, technology, workforce development, and applied research, along with how startups can better engage with university talent, research, and partnerships. Hala also shares her perspective on connecting innovation to real-world impact and why stronger collaboration between academia, startups, and industry is critical to San Diego’s future innovation economy.

Turning Experience Into Action featuring Will Bright

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Will Bright, Founder and CEO of Saferide.ai, to explore how personal experience can shape meaningful innovation. Will shares the journey that led to building a company focused on safety and mobility, and how lived insight can translate into real world solutions. The conversation highlights what it takes to turn an idea into action, the challenges of building with purpose, and the role of technology in creating safer, more connected communities. This episode offers a grounded look at how founders can transform personal perspective into lasting impact.

Leading the AI Upskilling Race and the Future of Leadership

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Holly Smithson, CEO of Athena, to explore how leaders are navigating one of the largest workforce transformations in decades. As AI rapidly reshapes how work gets done, Holly shares what it takes to upskill teams, stay competitive, and lead responsibly through change. The conversation dives into where organizations are falling behind, what effective AI adoption actually looks like, and the growing responsibility leaders have to develop talent while protecting long term value. This episode offers a clear, practical lens on leadership in an AI driven world.