The Catalyst

How to Find Joy and Have More Fun at Work with Paulette Milewski

We spend a massive portion of our lives at work—so why do so many of us treat joy at the office like a luxury? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with dynamic corporate trainer Paulette Milewski to debunk the myth that productivity and fun don't mix. Paulette shares her philosophy on finding "micro-joys" in your daily routine, shifting your mindset on tough days and building genuine, supportive connections with your coworkers.  We explore: * What "enjoying work" actually looks like in the modern workplace. * The science behind how a positive work culture reduces stress and drives success. * How to build your "work tribe" and foster authentic connections. * Simple everyday resets to avoid the afternoon slump. Whether you are working on a manufacturing floor, in a corporate office or from home, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable strategies to bring more energy and happiness to your standard shift. Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iixbwAHidWY] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer * Paulette Milewski [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/paulette-milewski-ef647436-03c2-4506-9009-a44c28ae7b53] - Guest

Dubuque Jobs and Free Training: How GDDC and NICC Partner for Your Success with Jason White

Looking for a high-paying career change in the Greater Dubuque area without spending years in school? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with Jason White, the new President and CEO of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC). Discover how a powerful local partnership is tearing down traditional barriers to education by offering fast-track career certificates, financial assistance and direct connections to top employers. Whether you are an area business owner looking to upskill your team or a job seeker ready for your next big step, learn how you can leverage these free local resources to succeed. Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-_FJ2AYT8U] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer * Jason White [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/jason-white-b1f3b35e-e97d-47a8-810c-060956318e83] - Guest

The Undercover Candidate: Nora Burns on Bridging the Gap Between the Boardroom and the Breakroom

What happens when a Fortune 200 executive goes undercover as a job seeker? In this bonus episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with Nora Burns, founder of The Leadership Experts and keynote speaker for the 2026 NICC Business Summit. Nora reveals startling insights from her "Undercover Candidate" project, where she participated in over 350 job interviews to expose the disconnect between the boardroom and the breakroom. Learn what the interview process reveals about your company and the red flags to look out for as a job seeker. Register for the 2026 Business Summit to hear more from Nora on The Cost of Culture. Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dTTFqP9XRc] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer * Nora Burns [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/nora-burns] - Guest

NICC Summer Camps: Hands-On Career Exploration and Fun for Northeast Iowa Youth

Ready to trade "I’m bored" for "I built a robot"? Join host Amy Lasack on The Catalyst as we dive into the high-energy world of NICC Summer Camps with Krista Walsh-Weitz, Personal Enrichment Program Developer. In this episode, we explore how Northeast Iowa Community College transforms summer break into a launchpad for future careers. From robotics and STEM challenges to creative culinary arts and fashion shows, discover how NICC becomes the district’s biggest playground for future innovators. These programs provide a vital mix of education and entertainment, helping working families solve childcare challenges while young learners build confidence, teamwork and a connection to their community’s college. Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl04_5W1x8o] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer * Krista Walsh-Weitz [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/krista-walsh-weitz] - Guest

The Power of 10: Fast Leadership Lessons from Local Experts

Get an exclusive preview of one of our most popular events, The Power of 10. We’re joined by two local leaders and upcoming event speakers, Rachelle Howe and Molly Grover, to discuss what it really takes to lead in our community today. Tune in for a sneak peek of the rapid-fire wisdom they’ll be sharing on stage, plus actionable tips you can use to grow your own leadership skills right now.   Register Today! Calmar Power of 10 [https://nicc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=105898&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0] Dubuque Power of 10 [https://nicc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=105899] Click here to watch a video of this episode. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDAiKWd3YPs] Follow us on social media: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/neiowacc/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/neiowacc/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/300717/admin/dashboard/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NEIowaCC] Visit nicc.edu [https://www.nicc.edu/] for more information and resources. Creators & Guests * Amy Lasack [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/amy-lasack] - Host * Tessa Hill [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/tessa-hill] - Producer * Ashley Konzen [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/ashley-konzen] - Designer * Travis Hunt [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/travis-hunt] - Producer * Molly Grover [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/molly-grover] - Guest * Rachelle Howe [https://thecatalyst.transistor.fm/people/rachelle-howe] - Guest