Episode 106: Three Things to Know If You Want to Be a Point Leader | Tim Cowden, Kansas City Area Development Council

• March 25, 2021

“We are always learning and applying it forward. “ —Tim Cowden

Is leading your own organization on your list of future career goals? Tim Cowden joins Carla Sones to dive into the lessons learned on the path to point leadership, such as getting the courage to put your hat in the ring for that CEO job and how energy has to be managed to stay fresh.

Tim talks about the three big things that encompass the CEO role in economic development, and discusses how he applies each rock in his day-to-day life. His insights on navigating not just one but two separate state political systems in his role are helpful for those trying to build stronger relationships with their elected leadership.

And, of course, while we were able to talk with Tim, we also asked about how him and his team are structuring their marketing outreach which has been so bold and intentional in bringing folks to Kansas City. Buckle up, today’s episode is one to bookmark!

Bio:

Tim Cowden is the president and CEO at Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC), where he leads the strategic direction and vision for the Kansas City Area Development Council from global positioning for the KC market to KCADC investor and client relationships. The KCADC team drives new corporate attraction in partnership with economic development leadership across the 18-county, two state Kansas City region. Tim has more than 30 years of experience in economic development, including senior positions in Texas, Utah, and Kansas City. He has been with KCADC since 1998.

Cowden and his team successfully work with a variety of business types reflecting the diverse strengths of the Kansas City region. These include investments focused on advanced manufacturing, corporate headquarters, shared services operations, information technology, logistics/distribution, and animal, bio and life sciences.

KCADC is a three time #1 “Best in Class” Regional Economic Development Organization according to the Development Counsellors International “Winning Strategies” survey of national site location consultants, conducted every three years.

He graduated with a B.A. degree from the University of Oklahoma. Tim is married to Monique and they have four children: Sarah, Joe, Anna, and Jack.

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

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