leadership

Episode 143: How Do the Real and Perceived Pains of Change Affect Your Team?
Episode 143: How Do the Real and Perceived Pains of Change Affect Your Team? 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“You have to understand what you’re asking of people when you’re asking them to change.” –Ronald Heifetz

What is it about change that has people digging their heels in and holding onto the status quo? Are you able to get yourself on the balcony to understand the dynamics at play? When navigating hurdles that may cause change, are you able to diagnose the problem properly?

Today, Faye Davis and Carla Sones dive into all this and more. After a really long season of big change (thanks, COVID), change fatigue is a real problem for leaders, yet the ball has to keep rolling. A key component of leadership is understanding the types of challenges that may present themselves. Are the hurdles you’re experiencing technical or adaptive in nature?

The most common failure in leadership is a diagnostic failure: treating adaptive challenges through technical work. While technical hurdles have a clear solution and process, adaptive work requires leaders to build new knowledge and capabilities in people to solve. In a world heavy with challenges requiring changes, today’s episode aims to empower leaders to sit, listen, and plan rather than act preemptively. Tune in now to hear more from Carla and Faye!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 142: Are You Taking the Time to Show That Details Matter? | Jennifer Conoley, Florida’s Great Northwest
Episode 142: Are You Taking the Time to Show That Details Matter? | Jennifer Conoley, Florida’s Great Northwest 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“I truly believe the details matter.” –Jennifer Conoley

Have you ever gone to a meeting that is polished and flows smoothly? You know someone took the time to make sure all of the details were put together. There is something to be said when you meet someone and you know they are prepared for your time.

Today, Faye Davis talks with Jennifer Conoley from Florida’s Great Northwest about the importance of the detail. When Jennifer has a new prospect she makes sure to do her research before hand and has experienced the benefits of that extra step. When things are buttoned up perfectly, more success comes as a result. Jennifer also gives ideas on how to bring convenience and details into meetings to have those ‘wow’ moments.

Jennifer is one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. We get a chance to hear her perspective on workforce and retaining talent. We all know one of our main struggles is finding workers, so we look for hidden talent and getting the word out that there are great jobs in our areas. Tune in to listen today!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 141: 5 Reasons Why Disagreements Fuel Innovation and Creativity
Episode 141: 5 Reasons Why Disagreements Fuel Innovation and Creativity 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“The growth of knowledge depends entirely upon disagreement.” –Karl Popper

When someone disagrees with you, do you perceive that as angry or unkind? Have you experienced a better outcome at the end of conflict? How do we enter into an uncomfortable space in the hope something more rich will come from it?

Today, Faye Davis talks with Carla Sones about the innovation and creativity that comes from disagreement. During the reading of What If by Steve L. Robbins, Carla was struck by how much energy our brains use – 20% of our daily total! Our brains actively try to avoid finding better solutions because they don’t want to go through the time and energy of walking through conflict. When we choose to spend the energy to enter into disagreement, our teams end in a better space.

Better work outcomes, opportunities for growth, built trust, inclusive environments and innovation are just a few examples of the benefits we reap from walking through hard conversations. As point leaders, we can rise and navigate our teams into safe spaces to have these dialogues. Debate and opinions are healthy ways to being our best team. Listen today to learn more!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 140: Do You Let Feedback Drive Your Actions to Becoming Better? | David Leezer, Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce
Episode 140: Do You Let Feedback Drive Your Actions to Becoming Better? | David Leezer, Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Our biggest competition, first and foremost, is ourselves. We have to understand our strengths and weaknesses.” –David Leezer

Do you ever wonder why you didn’t get the project? Do you know possible short comings in your sites? How do you bounce back when you don’t land the job?

On this episode, Faye Davis talks with David Leezer of Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce about the power of innovation and feedback. We all know the pain of being runner up to a new project, but David gives practicals on how to get the next job. Being willing to not only get feedback on why you didn’t get the project, but also being willing to do something with that feedback is why Wichita Falls has been a busy place this last year. When we remember that economic development is a long game, we thrive.

David is one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. This title is well deserved from his innovation and ability to shift in his work. We get to hear more about how David and his team are actively creating new opportunity for his region and the awesome ways to take advantage of remote work. Tune in to hear more!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 139: How to Coach Your Team Through the Lens of Their Strengths
Episode 139: How to Coach Your Team Through the Lens of Their Strengths 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Picturing the use of strengths connects people to self-belief, which in turn makes goal achievement feel easier. It is a self-affirming cycle that leads to faster growth.” –Shelley Winter

When you have coaching conversations, are you and your direct reports on the same page? Or do you feel like sometimes you’re speaking different languages, like both your and their messages aren’t quite landing? Do you feel well-equipped to handle the coaching of others?

A few weeks ago, we aired an episode that talked about how we use Gallup Strengths in our organization. The response was amazing, but one of the most asked questions from the responses was “so how do Gallup Strengths help with coaching of team members?” Great question. Coaching other leaders is hard, especially coaching with the goal of improving performance.

Join Carla Sones and Faye Davis for a deeper dive on coaching with strengths in mind. Learn how a shared language to name needs in work life can be a game changer for both parties trying to reach a goal of increased productivity, and how to steer clear of our innate tendency to look at our weaknesses and rather bring attention to the things we do really well in order to accelerate our team’s impact and influence. Tune in now to hear more!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 138: How Can You Get Your Foot in the Door with Your Target Industry? | Gilberto Salinas, Kerr Economic Development Corporation
Episode 138: How Can You Get Your Foot in the Door with Your Target Industry? | Gilberto Salinas, Kerr Economic Development Corporation 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“The future is entrepreneurial. Imagine being able to work with a company in its infancy stage, and in five to 10 years the company becomes one of the most forward thinking enterprises challenging and changing the world.” –Gilberto Salinas

Have you identified a specific industry that you’d like to focus on attracting to your region? Do you have a plan for getting your foot in the door? And what about the inevitable supporting industries that come along with your main target?

Today’s interview touches on answers to all those questions and more. Join Faye Davis as she talks with Gilberto Salinas, Executive Director at the Kerr Economic Development Corporation. Gil shares a little about how he got his foot in the door with his target industry, and why that’s been keeping him extra busy. Gil also talks about his rebel entrepreneur-like approach to economic development, and how he harnesses the power of no to stay true to his community’s vision and needs.

Gil is recognized as one of  North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers in 2021. Come listen in as Gil and Faye’s conversation dives into alternate streams of revenue, getting your community involved, and so many other things!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 137: Mid-Year Check In: Are You on Track With Your Goals?
Episode 137: Mid-Year Check In: Are You on Track With Your Goals? 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger.” –Serena Williams

The first half of 2021 might have felt like it flew by in less than the blink of an eye. Think back to the beginning of the year; did you set goals? Do you know where you and your organization stand on those?

As we cruise right into Q3 of 2021, now is a great time to reflect back and make sure you’re on track. Setting aside time to dive into your progress will help you gain clarity around trends and make adjustments where needed. One very important question to ask is whether the goal is still relevant? If so, are you on track? If not, why is it now irrelevant and how should it be adjusted?

Carla Sones and Faye Davis dive into all of this and more on today’s podcast. Carla also shares insights on managing energy and why economic developers need to take care of their own before being able to show up whole for others.  Listen in now for more insights and thought-provoking dialogue to end your week strong!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 136: Are Your Upskilling Certification Timelines Too Long to Be Impactful? | Barry Broome, Greater Sacramento Economic Council
Episode 136: Are Your Upskilling Certification Timelines Too Long to Be Impactful? | Barry Broome, Greater Sacramento Economic Council 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Inclusion in economic development is an important conversation as we look to digitally upskill people who may not have had the opportunity.” –Barry Broome

How is your region looking at improving digital skills of your labor force? Is there a realization brewing that some training program time lines are simply too long to be impactful?

Today Carla Sones has an awesome conversation with Barry Broome, President and CEO at the Greater Sacramento Economic Council. Barry’s brain child, the Digital Upskill program, was recently featured by Sundar Pichai (CEO at Google) for its impactful and yet short time frame in which folks are earning a legitimate Google IT certification. Barry shares how they formulated the program, how they reduced costs yet increased impact, and how it’s reshaping their talent pipeline strategy.

Barry also dives into how economic development is changing to focus more on equity and inclusion, and he shares the process that’s leading up to growing the right industries that fundamentally support increased equity. He dives into how the economic development funding model changed to allow people to jump from unrest to middle class.

Barry is one of this year’s North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers and this interview really shows how innovative and in tune he is with what the future holds for economic developers. Tune in now to hear more!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 135: 3 Ways to Ramp up Enthusiasm in the Workplace and Tips to Get There
Episode 135: 3 Ways to Ramp up Enthusiasm in the Workplace and Tips to Get There 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have you ever been on a project with someone who is excited about the opportunity? Could you feel your own excitement growing as you were around them? Somehow that energy was contagious!

On today’s episode, Faye Davis talks with Carla Sones about enthusiasm in the work place. This seemingly simple concept has more effect on productivity, attentiveness and work ethic than you might think! When we change our mindset in our work from having to do work to getting to do that work, we see a drastic change. Carla shares with us 3 ways to increase enthusiasm to not only enjoy our work, but also reap the benefits of others enthusiasm, as well.

Carla also shares practical tips on growing that excitement. Just because a concept is simple, does not always mean it’s easy. AJT community is helping to create unity and cohesiveness among economic developers to share in the spirit of enthusiasm. For more information, reach out to Nick Riashi at nick@consultantconnect.org to get plugged in to our virtual community.

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai

Episode 134: How Can Patience and Tenacity Yield Tremendous Career Growth Results? | Brian Sillitto, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Episode 134: How Can Patience and Tenacity Yield Tremendous Career Growth Results? | Brian Sillitto, Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce 150 150 America's Jobs Team

“Don’t get discouraged; there is a time and a season for everything. You’ve got a lot of runway when you’re young.” –Brian Sillitto

Today’s world is incredibly dependent on instant gratification. Younger generations tend to have a lower threshold of boredom and an increased need for constant entertainment. With the rise of all things on-demand (and thus less opportunities to practice patience), it’s no surprise that career growth goals in younger generations are ambitious and expected on a shorter time line.

Brian Sillitto, Executive Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, joins Carla Sones for today’s interview. Brian has been with his organization for over 17 years, having steadily grown his impact and influence over time, and he’s got some great advice for emerging leaders who are chomping at the bit to grow their careers. Brian also dives into placemaking, as he shares a little bit about how Columbus, GA is attracting a large number of Millennials and how his organization is involved.

Brian is recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers for his dedication to the industry, his passion for his community, and the successful attraction of new investment to his region. He’s got some top notch insights on everything from career to shovel-ready sites; tune in now to hear more!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai