Julie Heath grew up in the San Francisco Bay area during the tech boom of the 80s and 90s, and spent over a decade of her career on the East Coast. Despite her cross-country experiences, she proudly calls Indianapolis home and is dedicated to making Indiana even more supportive for entrepreneurs. As the VP of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Julie has a rich background that includes innovating at The Smithsonian and transitioning into the private sector. She was one of the first full-time employees at Boardable, an Indianapolis-based software company and long-time Powderkeg Community member, and later became the Executive Director at The Speak Easy, Indiana’s first collaborative workspace.

In our conversation with Julie, we explore her journey from the public sector to the private sector, and her ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurs in Indiana through her role at IEDC. Julie shares actionable tips for transitioning your career into tech, and highlights what the state of Indiana is doing to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. She provides insights into how Indiana's entrepreneurial community compares to other regions, including Silicon Valley. This episode is filled with practical advice on building meaningful professional relationships and showcases Indiana's commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Join us to learn from Julie's experiences and gain inspiration from her dedication to supporting innovation in the heartland.