web01.fireside.fm Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:57:30 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Leadership” https://podcast.econdevshow.com/tags/leadership Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level. en-us episodic Actionable economic development strategies and stories Dane Carlson Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level. no econ dev, economic development, ed Dane Carlson show@econdevshow.com 206: The Fifth Season of Economic Development with Juliet Abdel https://podcast.econdevshow.com/206 7519f5e0-5dd5-4d1a-970f-4267ae3cd331 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 Dane Carlson 206 The Fifth Season of Economic Development with Juliet Abdel full Dane Carlson A wide-ranging conversation with Juliet Abdel on leading a modern regional economic development organization, embracing international investment, and protecting people from burnout in a high-pressure profession. 32:33 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Juliet Abdel, President and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, to talk about building a regionally focused, globally minded economic development organization. Drawing on Cedar Rapids' "fifth season" advantage (time, accessibility, and quality of life) Juliet shares how the region leverages industry clusters, international relationships, and leadership discipline to compete. The conversation blends practical economic development strategy with candid insights on burnout, boundaries, and leading people well in a demanding field. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat quality of life as a competitive asset, not a marketing afterthought. Focus attraction efforts on industry clusters that naturally complement what already exists locally. International business development does not require a global city, only consistent relationship-building. Cast a clear vision so teams understand the "why," not just the tasks. Protect staff health by modeling boundaries, especially around after-hours communication. Build attraction strategies around regional strengths, not generic wish lists. Encourage team members to say no when capacity or clarity is missing. Leverage peer networks aggressively. Most good ideas already exist somewhere else. Recognize burnout as an organizational risk, not a personal weakness. Remember that economic development works best when personal well-being and professional performance reinforce each other. Special Guest: Juliet Abdel. econdev, economic development, eco devo, economic development, Cedar Rapids, international investment, Midwest economy, leadership, burnout, workforce strategy, industry clusters, chambers of commerce, quality of life In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Juliet Abdel, President and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, to talk about building a regionally focused, globally minded economic development organization.

Drawing on Cedar Rapids' "fifth season" advantage (time, accessibility, and quality of life) Juliet shares how the region leverages industry clusters, international relationships, and leadership discipline to compete.

The conversation blends practical economic development strategy with candid insights on burnout, boundaries, and leading people well in a demanding field.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat quality of life as a competitive asset, not a marketing afterthought.
  2. Focus attraction efforts on industry clusters that naturally complement what already exists locally.
  3. International business development does not require a global city, only consistent relationship-building.
  4. Cast a clear vision so teams understand the "why," not just the tasks.
  5. Protect staff health by modeling boundaries, especially around after-hours communication.
  6. Build attraction strategies around regional strengths, not generic wish lists.
  7. Encourage team members to say no when capacity or clarity is missing.
  8. Leverage peer networks aggressively. Most good ideas already exist somewhere else.
  9. Recognize burnout as an organizational risk, not a personal weakness.
  10. Remember that economic development works best when personal well-being and professional performance reinforce each other.

Special Guest: Juliet Abdel.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Juliet Abdel, President and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, to talk about building a regionally focused, globally minded economic development organization.

Drawing on Cedar Rapids' "fifth season" advantage (time, accessibility, and quality of life) Juliet shares how the region leverages industry clusters, international relationships, and leadership discipline to compete.

The conversation blends practical economic development strategy with candid insights on burnout, boundaries, and leading people well in a demanding field.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Treat quality of life as a competitive asset, not a marketing afterthought.
  2. Focus attraction efforts on industry clusters that naturally complement what already exists locally.
  3. International business development does not require a global city, only consistent relationship-building.
  4. Cast a clear vision so teams understand the "why," not just the tasks.
  5. Protect staff health by modeling boundaries, especially around after-hours communication.
  6. Build attraction strategies around regional strengths, not generic wish lists.
  7. Encourage team members to say no when capacity or clarity is missing.
  8. Leverage peer networks aggressively. Most good ideas already exist somewhere else.
  9. Recognize burnout as an organizational risk, not a personal weakness.
  10. Remember that economic development works best when personal well-being and professional performance reinforce each other.

Special Guest: Juliet Abdel.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 186: The Power of Collaboration in Economic Development with Stacie LoVan of the Greater Des Moines Partnership https://podcast.econdevshow.com/186 0f9c85ff-d729-431d-a150-bd18bec4b63a Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 186 The Power of Collaboration in Economic Development with Stacie LoVan of the Greater Des Moines Partnership full Dane Carlson An inside look at how the Greater Des Moines Partnership leverages collaboration to drive regional growth, with insights from Stacie LoVan. 24:07 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, about the transformative power of collaboration in economic development. Stacie shares how Greater Des Moines has built a culture of regional cooperation, implemented workforce and quality-of-life initiatives, and set bold goals for 2025. Their conversation highlights best practices that other communities can adopt, from aligning diverse stakeholders to creating momentum through shared vision. Whether you’re a veteran practitioner or new to the field, this episode offers actionable strategies for strengthening your own community through collaboration. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways For Economic Developers Prioritize collaboration over competition: regional growth accelerates when communities work together instead of against one another. Define a clear, shared vision: goals like Greater Des Moines' 2025 plan keep stakeholders aligned and motivated. Leverage workforce initiatives as anchors: workforce preparedness is often the deciding factor for business attraction and retention. Balance quality-of-life improvements with economic strategies: housing, amenities, and placemaking are as critical as incentives. Build a culture of trust among partners: successful collaboration depends on consistent communication and reliability. Celebrate small wins: incremental progress builds credibility and keeps stakeholders engaged in long-term efforts. Engage the private sector early: businesses can provide funding, advocacy, and momentum for regional initiatives. Invest in regional branding: a unified message makes a region more competitive nationally and globally. Be adaptable to change: collaboration requires flexibility when balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders. Apply DSM's model to your community: while every region is unique, the principles of shared vision, trust, and collaboration can be replicated anywhere. Special Guest: Stacie Lovan. econdev, economic development, eco devo, economic development, communities, collaboration, innovation, leadership, communication, growth, strategy, practitioners, challenges In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, about the transformative power of collaboration in economic development. Stacie shares how Greater Des Moines has built a culture of regional cooperation, implemented workforce and quality-of-life initiatives, and set bold goals for 2025. Their conversation highlights best practices that other communities can adopt, from aligning diverse stakeholders to creating momentum through shared vision. Whether you’re a veteran practitioner or new to the field, this episode offers actionable strategies for strengthening your own community through collaboration.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

10 Actionable Takeaways For Economic Developers

  1. Prioritize collaboration over competition: regional growth accelerates when communities work together instead of against one another.
  2. Define a clear, shared vision: goals like Greater Des Moines' 2025 plan keep stakeholders aligned and motivated.
  3. Leverage workforce initiatives as anchors: workforce preparedness is often the deciding factor for business attraction and retention.
  4. Balance quality-of-life improvements with economic strategies: housing, amenities, and placemaking are as critical as incentives.
  5. Build a culture of trust among partners: successful collaboration depends on consistent communication and reliability.
  6. Celebrate small wins: incremental progress builds credibility and keeps stakeholders engaged in long-term efforts.
  7. Engage the private sector early: businesses can provide funding, advocacy, and momentum for regional initiatives.
  8. Invest in regional branding: a unified message makes a region more competitive nationally and globally.
  9. Be adaptable to change: collaboration requires flexibility when balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
  10. Apply DSM's model to your community: while every region is unique, the principles of shared vision, trust, and collaboration can be replicated anywhere.

Special Guest: Stacie Lovan.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, about the transformative power of collaboration in economic development. Stacie shares how Greater Des Moines has built a culture of regional cooperation, implemented workforce and quality-of-life initiatives, and set bold goals for 2025. Their conversation highlights best practices that other communities can adopt, from aligning diverse stakeholders to creating momentum through shared vision. Whether you’re a veteran practitioner or new to the field, this episode offers actionable strategies for strengthening your own community through collaboration.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

10 Actionable Takeaways For Economic Developers

  1. Prioritize collaboration over competition: regional growth accelerates when communities work together instead of against one another.
  2. Define a clear, shared vision: goals like Greater Des Moines' 2025 plan keep stakeholders aligned and motivated.
  3. Leverage workforce initiatives as anchors: workforce preparedness is often the deciding factor for business attraction and retention.
  4. Balance quality-of-life improvements with economic strategies: housing, amenities, and placemaking are as critical as incentives.
  5. Build a culture of trust among partners: successful collaboration depends on consistent communication and reliability.
  6. Celebrate small wins: incremental progress builds credibility and keeps stakeholders engaged in long-term efforts.
  7. Engage the private sector early: businesses can provide funding, advocacy, and momentum for regional initiatives.
  8. Invest in regional branding: a unified message makes a region more competitive nationally and globally.
  9. Be adaptable to change: collaboration requires flexibility when balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
  10. Apply DSM's model to your community: while every region is unique, the principles of shared vision, trust, and collaboration can be replicated anywhere.

Special Guest: Stacie Lovan.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 182: Engineering Economic Success: A Systems Approach to Development with Jason El Koubi https://podcast.econdevshow.com/182 fb4d665f-762c-440e-95ae-f19be8214f5d Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 182 Engineering Economic Success: A Systems Approach to Development with Jason El Koubi full Dane Carlson VEDP President Jason El Koubi shares insights on bringing an engineering mindset to economic development leadership, the importance of passion in the profession, and building strong teams through diverse perspectives. 35:05 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, to explore the intersection of analytical thinking and economic development leadership. Jason discusses how his engineering background shapes his systems-thinking approach to economic development, the value of hiring talent from competitive states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio, and the importance of continuous learning in the profession. He emphasizes the critical role of passion, ethics, and effective communication in economic development work, while sharing insights from his recent 360-degree evaluation and his commitment to ensuring positive economic growth across all regions of Virginia. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Jason El Koubi. econdev, economic development, eco devo, economic development, Virginia, engineering mindset, systems thinking, leadership, VEDP, passion, 360-degree evaluation, team building, professional development In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, to explore the intersection of analytical thinking and economic development leadership.

Jason discusses how his engineering background shapes his systems-thinking approach to economic development, the value of hiring talent from competitive states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio, and the importance of continuous learning in the profession.

He emphasizes the critical role of passion, ethics, and effective communication in economic development work, while sharing insights from his recent 360-degree evaluation and his commitment to ensuring positive economic growth across all regions of Virginia.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Jason El Koubi.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson sits down with Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, to explore the intersection of analytical thinking and economic development leadership.

Jason discusses how his engineering background shapes his systems-thinking approach to economic development, the value of hiring talent from competitive states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio, and the importance of continuous learning in the profession.

He emphasizes the critical role of passion, ethics, and effective communication in economic development work, while sharing insights from his recent 360-degree evaluation and his commitment to ensuring positive economic growth across all regions of Virginia.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Jason El Koubi.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 171: Leading Virginia's Largest Economy with Victor Hoskins https://podcast.econdevshow.com/171 cfeaccfc-98d6-4451-b5c1-8bfe1a022887 Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 171 Leading Virginia's Largest Economy with Victor Hoskins full Dane Carlson Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, shares his journey from Wall Street to securing Amazon HQ2 and attracting $3 billion in capital investment to Virginia's largest economy. 25:41 no In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, who oversees Virginia's largest economy and leads a team that has secured approximately $3 billion in capital investment. Victor shares insights from his unique career spanning both public and private sectors, including his instrumental role in securing Amazon HQ2 during his time at Arlington Economic Development. With candid reflections on his education at MIT, experience in private equity, and passion for creating economic opportunity, Victor reveals his philosophy that has helped companies create over 38,000 jobs in Fairfax County – a place he describes as "where companies come to dent the universe." Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Victor Hoskins. econdev, economic development, eco devo, Economic development, public-private partnerships, leadership, real estate, finance, community development, MIT, Boston Redevelopment Authority, Wall Street, professional growth In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, who oversees Virginia's largest economy and leads a team that has secured approximately $3 billion in capital investment. Victor shares insights from his unique career spanning both public and private sectors, including his instrumental role in securing Amazon HQ2 during his time at Arlington Economic Development. With candid reflections on his education at MIT, experience in private equity, and passion for creating economic opportunity, Victor reveals his philosophy that has helped companies create over 38,000 jobs in Fairfax County – a place he describes as "where companies come to dent the universe."

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Victor Hoskins.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, who oversees Virginia's largest economy and leads a team that has secured approximately $3 billion in capital investment. Victor shares insights from his unique career spanning both public and private sectors, including his instrumental role in securing Amazon HQ2 during his time at Arlington Economic Development. With candid reflections on his education at MIT, experience in private equity, and passion for creating economic opportunity, Victor reveals his philosophy that has helped companies create over 38,000 jobs in Fairfax County – a place he describes as "where companies come to dent the universe."

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Victor Hoskins.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 153: Sandy Dubay Created Her Own Path in Economic Development https://podcast.econdevshow.com/153 e55956f7-f9d5-4b6d-aca5-9d0973e509ae Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0600 Dane Carlson 153 Sandy Dubay Created Her Own Path in Economic Development full Dane Carlson Sandy Dubay shares her journey from traditional economic development to founding her own consulting firm and creating the EDO Breakthrough Podcast. 29:25 no In this episode of the Sandy Dubay opens up about her unexpected path from traditional economic development to entrepreneurship, sparked by a life-changing moment when she was pregnant with her first child and a friend's suggestion led her to establish her own consulting practice, which has now grown to a team of eight people over 22 years, while also discussing her passion for educating new economic developers through her her EDO Breakthrough Podcast. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Sandy Dubay. econdev, economic development, eco devo, entrepreneurship, economic development, education, podcasting, mentorship, career transition, consulting,, leadership, professional development In this episode of the Sandy Dubay opens up about her unexpected path from traditional economic development to entrepreneurship, sparked by a life-changing moment when she was pregnant with her first child and a friend's suggestion led her to establish her own consulting practice, which has now grown to a team of eight people over 22 years, while also discussing her passion for educating new economic developers through her her EDO Breakthrough Podcast.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Sandy Dubay.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Sandy Dubay opens up about her unexpected path from traditional economic development to entrepreneurship, sparked by a life-changing moment when she was pregnant with her first child and a friend's suggestion led her to establish her own consulting practice, which has now grown to a team of eight people over 22 years, while also discussing her passion for educating new economic developers through her her EDO Breakthrough Podcast.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Special Guest: Sandy Dubay.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> 24: "Talent Optimization" with Ben Nelson https://podcast.econdevshow.com/24 5a82af2d-1fa5-4224-acd8-7a00b05d66a4 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 01:00:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 24 "Talent Optimization" with Ben Nelson full Dane Carlson Ben Nelson is the founder and CEO of Radix leadership. He specializes in helping leaders and organizations build high performing teams that achieve their goals by aligning their purpose and their people to deliver on performance. He's also the executive director of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation in Wisconsin. 30:44 no Ben Nelson is the founder and CEO of Radix Leadership (https://radixleadership.com). He specializes in helping leaders and organizations build high performing teams that achieve their goals by aligning their purpose and their people to deliver on performance. He's also the executive director of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation (http://kcedc.org/) in Wisconsin. Special Guest: Ben Nelson. econ dev, economic development, talent optimization, leadership Ben Nelson is the founder and CEO of Radix Leadership. He specializes in helping leaders and organizations build high performing teams that achieve their goals by aligning their purpose and their people to deliver on performance. He's also the executive director of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation in Wisconsin.

Special Guest: Ben Nelson.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]> Ben Nelson is the founder and CEO of Radix Leadership. He specializes in helping leaders and organizations build high performing teams that achieve their goals by aligning their purpose and their people to deliver on performance. He's also the executive director of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation in Wisconsin.

Special Guest: Ben Nelson.

Sponsored By:

Links:

]]>