Episode 223

The Power of Powerlessness with Michael Hecht

June 15th, 2026

27 mins 24 secs

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population growth defense and aerospace energy sector maritime economy business environment post-katrina recovery coalition-building regional economic development greater new orleans inc. new orleans economic development econdev eco devo

About this Episode

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., about the deeper economic story behind a region best known for food, music, culture, and Mardi Gras.

Michael explains how New Orleans’ economy is rooted in maritime, energy, defense, aerospace, and industrial innovation, and why long-term recovery after major disruption requires sustained leadership, trust, humility, and coalition-building.

The conversation covers GNO Inc.’s approach to business environment work, the “power of powerlessness,” regional trust-building across 10 parishes, the importance of focusing resources on sectors with real strategic fit, and why economic developers should study history and political science if they want to create lasting change.

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