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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 032: Kathy Mussio | Atlas Insight
 Episode 032: Kathy Mussio | Atlas Insight 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Kathy Mussio of Atlas Insight talks with Carla Sones about her journey from the music industry to site selection. Kathy dives deep on the importance of culture and hiring the right people, as well as why listening is such an important skill to have as a leader and…

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Episode 031: Ron Kitchens | Southwest Michigan First
 Episode 031: Ron Kitchens | Southwest Michigan First 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Ron Kitchens, ceo and senior partner at Southwest Michigan First joins Carla Sones. Ron shares his insights on the need for learning faster than ever before, and why fearful leadership can quickly derail a career. Ron also has great advice relating to the distinction between coveting vs. calling.…

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Episode 030: Justin Bickle | Columbus 2020
 Episode 030: Justin Bickle | Columbus 2020 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Justin Bickle, managing director of client services and project management at Columbus 2020, talks leadership with Nick Riashi. Justin dives into why empathy and awareness are key skills in his leadership style. He also talks about how being unaccepting to change is a hindrance to good leadership, though…

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Episode 029: Josh Bays | Site Selection Group
 Episode 029: Josh Bays | Site Selection Group 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast: Josh Bays, partner at Site Selection Group, joins Carla Sones on today’s show. Josh and Carla talk about the effect of the intense divisiveness in today’s society, and why Josh believes having a heightened sense of self-awareness is a pivotal quality for people in a leadership position. Josh…

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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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