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Southwest Michigan First

Episode 050: Jill Bland | Southwest Michigan First
 Episode 050: Jill Bland | Southwest Michigan First 150 150 America's Jobs Team

This Week on America’s Jobs Team Podcast:

Carla Sones sits down with Jill Bland, managing partner at Southwest Michigan First. Jill shares impactful, personal stories about how she landed in economic development and who her role model was those first years of her career. Jill talks about the necessity of accepting that we cannot solve all the problems on day one (or even year one), and why she places great value in bringing all points of view to the table.

A lifelong resident of Michigan and graduate of Western Michigan University, Jill has been part of the Southwest Michigan First team since its inception in 1999. Jill has been contributing to the region’s economic growth efforts for over 33 years in various local government and economic development roles. In addition to accelerating the region’s existing company base, Jill is focused on creating governmental collaborations. Her excellent leadership at Southwest Michigan First and throughout the community was recognized in 2016 when she was named a Silver Stevie Winner in the category of Female Executive of the Year by the Stevie® Awards for Women in Business.

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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.

Ron is the senior partner and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First. He also leads Consultant Connect and is a trustee of Western Michigan University. Ron is author/co-author of three books, including his most recent release Uniquely You, and he speaks globally on leadership, creating thriving, engaged, multi-generational teams and entrepreneurial cultures. Ron blogs and podcasts at ronkitchens.com and can be found on Twitter @ronkitchens.

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