In 1910, Madam C.J. Walker opened her factory on the near west side of downtown Indianapolis, now the home of the Historic Walker Theatre. She became America’s first self-made female millionaire, establishing the area as a vibrant hub of innovation. Today, this legacy continues with the 16 Tech Innovation District, a 50-acre community dedicated to world-changing innovation and economic opportunity. In this episode, we are joined by Emily Krueger, President and CEO of 16 Tech, to discuss the critical role of physical space in fostering innovation and community, and to explore the future of the near west side of downtown Indianapolis.

Emily shares insights on how to weave entrepreneurship into your full-time job, the evolution and story of Indianapolis’ innovation district, and the importance of building community through physical spaces. We also delve into the necessity of MBAs for entrepreneurs, comparisons between politics and entrepreneurship, and what a Chief of Staff does. Additionally, Emily explains the differences in ROI between the public and private sectors, how universities are collaborating with 16 Tech, and highlights success stories from the district. This episode offers a comprehensive look at how strategic physical spaces can drive innovation and community development, with 16 Tech serving as a prime example.