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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 both your community and within your leadership capabilities.

Over the years, the Consultant Connect team has seen many amazing economic development heroes reach incredible goals, and we know these winning moments happen because of continuous learning, evolving and innovation. Join us each week for in-depth interviews and relevant leadership development topics to help economic developers grow. We firmly believe that when leaders get better, communities thrive!

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

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

Episode 042: Karla Moran | Salt River Project
 Episode 042: Karla Moran | Salt River Project 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Karla Moran, economic development project manager at Salt River Project, joins Carla Sones for today’s show. Karla shares her insights on the challenge in staying focused and aligned with stakeholders, and why she sees being humble and grounded as imperative leadership characteristics. She also shares her insights on…

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Episode 041: Courtney Ross | Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
 Episode 041: Courtney Ross | Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Courtney Ross from the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce joins Carla Sones on today’s show. The two of them dive deep on being a working mother, why economic development was the perfect fit for Courtney, and how Courtney’s father inspired her. Courtney also shares insight on the characteristic…

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Episode 040: Grady Fitzpatrick | Greater New Orleans Inc.
 Episode 040: Grady Fitzpatrick | Greater New Orleans Inc. 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Grady Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of business development at Greater New Orleans, Inc. joins Carla Sones on the podcast today. Grady dives into the danger of the ego trap and why empathy is so important. He shares insight about why he is a firm believer in being fair…

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Episode 039: Brian Anderson | Wabash Valley Power Alliance
 Episode 039: Brian Anderson | Wabash Valley Power Alliance 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Brian Anderson from Wabash Valley Power Alliance joins Nick Riashi for an interview. Brian talks about the importance of letting people shine in their lane, and throughout the interview it’s clear that Brian has a passion for helping others become better leaders. He talks about the 3 Ds…

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Episode 038: Gregg Simon | Metro Atlanta Chamber
 Episode 038: Gregg Simon | Metro Atlanta Chamber 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Today, Gregg Simon joins Nick Riashi on the podcast. The two of them dive deep on Gregg’s insights on the dangers of information inaccuracy and poor judgment on social media. Gregg also shares why honesty is always the best policy and why passion for your cause and mission…

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Episode 037: Dan Breen | Jones Lang LaSalle
 Episode 037: Dan Breen | Jones Lang LaSalle 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Dan Breen, managing director of location economics at Jones Lang LaSalle, joins Carla Sones to talk leadership. The two of them dive deep on why Dan believes it’s so important to be adaptable and agile in today’s world, as well as the importance of diplomacy. Dan talks about…

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Episode 036: Philip Marschall | Navigator Consulting
 Episode 036: Philip Marschall | Navigator Consulting 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Philip Marschall (partner, Navigator Consulting) talks leadership with Carla Sones. Together, they dive deep on today’s information overload, the challenge of adapting marketing to different international markets, and whose leadership style Philip admires. Philip also shares his insights on arrogance and selfishness, and why staying open to new…

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Episode 035: Steve Johnson | Alliance STL
 Episode 035: Steve Johnson | Alliance STL 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Steve Johnson, president and CEO at Alliance STL, talks leadership with Nick Riashi. Steve shares why alignment within a team can be such a challenge, and how unquestionable integrity is a leader’s strongest asset. His authentic take on leadership development and advice for emerging leaders are both must-hear…

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Episode 034: Mike Bennett | Avenue Advisory Group
 Episode 034: Mike Bennett | Avenue Advisory Group 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Mike Bennett, founding partner at Avenue Advisory Group, joins Nick Riashi. Mike dives deep on the importance of empowering others, as well as how the New Zealand All Blacks have taught him powerful lessons about humility and staying grounded. He also shares why he’s adamant about owning his…

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Episode 033: Tracye McDaniel | TIP Strategies
 Episode 033: Tracye McDaniel | TIP Strategies 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Tracye McDaniel, president at TIP Strategies, joins Nick Riashi. They dive deep into the impact of technology and AI on today’s workforce, as well as why Tracye believes a 100-day plan is so important. She also shares her insights on mentors and why resilience and hope are defining…

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