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WE ARE AMERICA’S JOBS TEAM.

America’s future relies on people like you to foster a dynamic economy. It’s a big responsibility, but you are not alone in shouldering the weight. You are part of America’s Jobs Team!

You know—as do we—that the business of creating jobs is hard work, requiring more than just a little bit of elbow grease. You’ve got to have: deep industry knowledge; community and workforce familiarity; an ability to form deep relationships and create unity; perseverance; and the drive to keep growing.

Over the years, the Consultant Connect team has seen many amazing economic development warriors battling for their communities. We are connecting with these fellow community champions to dive into how they got to where they are, what lessons they have learned along the way, and what inspires them daily. We firmly believe that when leaders get better, communities thrive!

Listen to the America’s Jobs Team podcast below, or find it on iTunes.

Sign up to receive America’s Jobs Team directly to your inbox!

Episode 028: Margaret O’Riley | Duke Energy
 Episode 028: Margaret O’Riley | Duke Energy 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Margarety O’Riley, business recruiter for Duke Energy, joins Nick Riashi on today’s show. Margaret shares insight on why tariffs are challenging economic development right now. She talks about why the ability to collaborate alongside people with competing interests is crucial to leadership, as well as why she tries…

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Episode 027: Gray Swoope | VisionFirst Advisors
 Episode 027: Gray Swoope | VisionFirst Advisors 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Gray Swoope, president and CEO at VisionFirst Advisors, talks shop with Carla Sones. Gray talks why he sees today’s constant bombardment of noise as an obstacle to trust, and how curiosity can be a double-edged sword. He dives into the danger of complacency and how often he thinks…

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Episode 026: James Chavez | South Carolina Power Team
 Episode 026: James Chavez | South Carolina Power Team 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: America’s Jobs Team is back after an amazing Independence Day holiday! On this week’s show, Nick Riashi interviews James Chavez, president and CEO at South Carolina Power Team. James shares some very personal stories with deep leadership lessons. His authenticity and thoughtfulness shine through the entire interview, particularly…

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Episode 025: Kimm Lauterbach | REDI Cincinnati
 Episode 025: Kimm Lauterbach | REDI Cincinnati 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO at REDI Cincinnati, talks with Nick Riashi about leadership. Kimm talks about how you’ll know it’s time to move on, and she shares some amazing insight about the importance of determination and compassion. Kimm candidly talks about the struggles in today’s work environment,…

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Episode 024: Chris Strayer | Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
 Episode 024: Chris Strayer | Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Chris Strayer, senior vice president at Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, talks with Nick Riashi about his insights on the importance of building the right team, as well as always being open to guidance and mentorship. Chris shares his thoughts on why having a plan is one of…

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Episode 023: Mike Harvey | Northwest Arkansas Council
 Episode 023: Mike Harvey | Northwest Arkansas Council 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Mike Harvey, chief operating officer at Northwest Arkansas Council, joins Carla Sones on today’s episode. Their conversation dives into the advice Mike has for people that are in a leadership position for the first time, as well as why Mike thinks today’s pace of work can be a…

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Episode 022: Danny Chavez | McKinney Economic Development Corporation
 Episode 022: Danny Chavez | McKinney Economic Development Corporation 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Today, Danny Chavez of McKinney Economic Development Corporation joins Nick Riashi on the podcast. Danny talks about how keeping an open mind is vital to staying relevant in today’s fast-paced world, and why it’s so important to make sure you have all the information before making decisions. He…

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Episode 021: Vivian Howard | A Chef’s Life
 Episode 021: Vivian Howard | A Chef’s Life 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Ron Kitchens had the chance to do an interview with Vivian Howard of the TV show “A Chef’s Life.”  Vivian’s determination to make the community where she grew up a better place to live is incredible. In today’s interview, she shares how she went from wanting nothing more…

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Episode 020: Ashley Cagle | Wake County Economic Development
 Episode 020: Ashley Cagle | Wake County Economic Development 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Ashley Cagle from Wake County Economic Development joins Nick Riashi to talk about her journey in economic development and leadership thus far. Ashley shares her advice on how to continue finding the thrill in your job, as well as how she sets boundaries that allow her to be…

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Episode 019: Kenny McDonald | Columbus 2020
 Episode 019: Kenny McDonald | Columbus 2020 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Kenny McDonald from Columbus 2020 joins Carla Sones to talk about all things leadership. Kenny and Carla discuss how the onslaught of information in today’s world can be a challenge, and what Kenny admires most about his team. He shares several great leadership lessons, and talks about how…

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