Join In a lively discussion among five leaders of the CEO Circle regarding managing nonprofits for excellence and connecting people to opportunities across America. this episode, we feature members of the CEO Circle who are the CEOs of community development and justice organizations. They are leaders in their fields working to create new ways for communities to enrich where people live and connect them to the opportunities they need. Listen in to learn how to leverage your experience as a leader of color in community development to better serve communities of color.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of strengthening and realigning communities of color to bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis
• How to leverage your personal experiences as resources as a CEO of color
• How to find better recruitment methods to help with diversity in the housing and community development sector
• How to economically grow America by changing our systems to create racial equity and inclusion

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Leonard Zax is the CEO of the Hamilton Partnership, a nonprofit organization that led the effort to create the Paterson Great Falls National Park in his hometown of Paterson New Jersey. He has degrees in law and city planning from Harvard University and has worked for more than thirty years on community development projects across the country. In this episode, Leonard talks about his extensive role at HUD and his contribution to the preservation and revitalization of cities. Listen in to learn the importance of designing cities in a way that protects them from natural disasters like storms and hurricanes. You will also learn the importance of preserving new cities’ uniqueness across the country.

Takeaways:

• Why you shouldn’t have a strategic plan for your life and instead allow its serendipity
• Learn what it takes to develop large complex projects that can transform a city, neighborhood, or reservations

Having genuine hope to continue transforming our cities uniquely for today and the future

www.TrailBlazersImpact.com

David Engel shares his successes and challenges working in affordable housing for decades and the concern he still expresses for the industry. He has a unique perspective since he worked in research at HUD, not production. His thoughts on the impediments to affordable housing and what is needed for the future are important take-aways! Listen in to learn the importance of making workforce housing affordable to cater to workers who otherwise can’t afford homes. You will also learn how zoning has over the years constricted housing supply leading to unaffordable houses in many areas.

Key Takeaways:

• How shared housing can reduce housing cost for the low-income population
• Why housing affordability should be prioritized in growth economies
• How to innovate the housing sector and make housing sustainable and affordable

As President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council, Jeff Finkle is a recognized leader and authority on economic development. In this episode, Jeff talks about his role as an assistant secretary at HUD in the mid-80s and his contribution to economic development. One of the many things you will learn in this interview is how to create a foundation which serves people in need. Jeffrey talks about his time at HUD, how economic development is going to become even more important in the future and gives some great advice to young people ready to start a career. Listen in to learn about the internal and external challenges that organizations face in their day-to-day operations. You will also learn the importance of having education, practice, and patience in your career of choice before seriously venturing into it.

www.TrailBlazersImpact.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl_bUBBV4BieMfshU9xWyPQ

Ep. 74 – Alison Gross weaves a fascinating story of handling global events in Monte Carlo to coordinating the Maccabi  games and a world sailing race in the U.S. She started a business during COVID and explains how the new normal will be different but will adapt. She then talks about adaptive reuse and how cities like New York will change. And she talks about the 5 reasons for optimism for 2021, thinking about which things will make the largest economic impact, starting with the COVID passport. Listen in to learn the importance of articulating your business message realistically and sustainably. You will also learn how to adapt your business to the changes brought by the pandemic to enjoy success going forth.

Key Takeaways:

• How to be courageous enough to chase after your career dreams
• How to build your business upon thought-leadership to better reach your clients
• Take a personal responsibility towards making a difference in climate change

www.TrailBlazersImpact.com 

Lisa L. Walker has discovered the way to both succeed as an attorney while satisfying her other passion, impacting lives. Housing Development Law Institute, referred to as HDLI fills a unique need – a one-stop shop for attorneys in affordable housing. Both housing authorities and private real estate owners rely on HDLI as the go-to place for the latest developments in the affordable housing world.

www.TrailBlazersImpact.com

As senior vice president for affordable housing initiatives at the Mortgage Bankers Association, Steve O’Connor is rolling out affordable housing initiatives in several cities. Steve’s role in the association is to build partnerships to address affordable housing and create more homeownership opportunities for low income and minority consumers.

Key Takeaways:

• How to innovate and take responsible risks to find the hardest to reach consumers
• The need for creating more homeownership opportunities for low income and minority consumers
• How to have valuable public interest conversations by collaborating as different groups
• How to make a difference in affordable housing by working together
• Find your authentic purpose and create relationships for support to propel you

www.TrailBlazersImpact.com 

Stanley Marcuss explains the negative effects of the adverse consequences of international trade. Listen to his story on Adlai Stevenson and why foreign corruption is still rampant in international marketplaces.

Key Takeaways:

• The differences and similarities between government-led and private-led redevelopments
• How to harness the knowledge of other people to be able to work together and find solutions
• How to compromise to maintain peace in the world today
• How to embrace your ability to be flexible when it comes to your career

In this episode you’ll discover:

Stanley’s experience working with Governor Adlai Stevenson [2:58]

The many legislation on trade issues promulgated during Adlai Stevenson’s time [5:07]

Why foreign corruption is still rampant in international marketplaces [8:09]

Understanding the Anti-Boycott law that seeks to protects Israel’s trade interests with the US [8:54]

How Antidumping and Countervailing Duties create a level playing field on international trade [10:14]

The meaning of US-China delegation to enable trade between the two countries [13:12]

The challenges of adverse consequences of international trade [14:53]

How the US engages in protectionism through trade tariffs imposing [17:11]

The social-economic consequences between government-led and private-led redevelopment [19:56]

How luck played in the success of Stanley in his diverse career [26:45]

The many challenges facing the world today [29:20]

Two things you should know before committing to a career in international trade [31:32]

www.TrailBlazersImpact.com