economic development

Episode 008: Ben Jones (City Utilities of Springfield, MO)
Episode 008: Ben Jones (City Utilities of Springfield, MO) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Nick Riashi and Ben Jones share a conversation. Ben is the Manager of Economic Development for City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri. During today’s podcast, he shares how his time in the armed forces, and particularly the impact of an amazing captain, has shaped his leadership style. Ben also talks about the challenge presented by the speed of change in today’s world, and what the three E’s of leadership—ego, empathy, and energy—mean to him.

Ben has served in his role at City Utilities for seven years, but his career in economic development spans over two decades. In addition to his time at City Utilities, Ben worked in Lebanon and Montgomery City, both in Missouri. Prior to entering economic development, he served a tour with the United States Army and the Missouri Army National Guard.

Episode 007: Misti Martin (Cherokee Office of Economic Development)
Episode 007: Misti Martin (Cherokee Office of Economic Development) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Carla Sones talks with Misti Martin, president of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. Misti shares her insights on why appreciation is so important to her and how today’s pace-of-work can be a challenge. Misti shares thoughts on wisdom she gleaned from mentors over the years, why she thinks it’s beyond important to find a mentor who will challenge you, and how she knows it’s time for someone to move on from their current role.

Misti Martin is a native of Georgia and has over 25 years of experience in the economic development field. She has served as the president of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development since 2004. Misti has been featured as one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40” and as a “Notable Georgian.” Tune in now to hear more from Misti!

Episode 006 | Beth Doughty (Roanoke Regional Partnership)
Episode 006 | Beth Doughty (Roanoke Regional Partnership) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Ron Kitchens interviews Beth Doughty, executive director at the Roanoke Regional Partnership, about her leadership journey and the knowledge she has gained over the years. Beth shares her insights on the importance of creativity and how her art history major has been an asset over the years. She talks about how exposure to diversity and new ideas makes her a better, more collaborative leader. Beth shares a multitude of golden wisdom nuggets on today’s episode, tune in now to hear more!

Beth has twice been executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership from 1991 to 1999 and since March 2008. She also serves as executive of the Roanoke Outside Foundation and executive director of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority. After a start in advertising, she has spent more than 25 years in economic development, helping to create more than 14,000 jobs and $1 billion of investment for the Roanoke Region of Virginia.

Episode 005 | Tim Cowden (Kansas City Area Development Council)
Episode 005 | Tim Cowden (Kansas City Area Development Council) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Nick Riashi talks with Tim Cowden about all things leadership. Tim shares wisdom about staying relevant in today’s fast-paced world, and how ego and selfishness can wreck a career. Tim firmly believes that he is only as strong as the team he leads. Today’s podcast is jam-packed with great leadership advice! You can follow Tim’s insights on Twitter @TimCowden

Tim Cowden is the president and CEO at Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). He’s been with KCADC for over 20 years, with a total of 30 years of economic development experience. Tim leads the strategic vision and direction for the KCADC team which serves the bi-state, 18-county region surrounding Kansas City.

Episode 004 | John Longshore (Global Location Strategies)
Episode 004 | John Longshore (Global Location Strategies) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Nick Riashi is joined by John Longshore to discuss John’s leadership journey. John is a Principal and VP of Innovation at Global Location Strategies, where he has spent his time for the past six years. He has led numerous projects across North America and Europe, and the projects he has worked have totaled over $10 billion in capital investment and thousands of jobs.

John and Nick talk about how generational differences affect today’s workplace and how he sees the talent challenge playing out. John shares his insights for people looking to step into a leadership position for the first time, particularly for Millennials, and he talks about how humility and vulnerability are such powerful traits to have, especially as a leader. Follow John on Twitter at @johnlongshore and tune in now for more great leadership wisdom!

Episode 003 | Ann Petersen (Cushman & Wakefield)
Episode 003 | Ann Petersen (Cushman & Wakefield) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Nick Riashi and Ann Petersen discuss Ann’s leadership journey through the years. Ann is a Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield, where her primary responsibilities include negotiation with state and local economic development officials and implementation of incentives. Ann also provides complex financial analysis to her clients which include 10-year P&L cash flow modeling of each project, and she utilizes her legal background to provide creative savings solutions to her clients through legal analysis, tax legislation and letter rulings.

On today’s episode, Ann shares insight on why ego is dangerous and how keeping an open mind to learning is crucial to successful leadership. Tune in now to hear Ann’s advice on when it’s time to move on and find out which language she’s learning to speak!

Episode 002 | Chris Schastok (CBRE)
Episode 002 | Chris Schastok (CBRE) 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Carla Sones talks with Chris Schastok, First Vice President at CBRE. Chris is one of the national leaders of CBRE’s Location Strategy & Incentives practice. He has over 12 years of experience in aligning location decisions with business strategy and represents clients in various areas, including corporate headquarters, manufacturing, and distribution center projects.

Today, Chris shares some wonderful wisdom with the listening audience including his thoughts on the 24-hour social media cycle and why it’s so important to let people learn on their own. Listen in for a dynamic interview with Carla and Chris, and tune in next week for another episode of America’s Jobs Team!