The Innovation Economy

The Agile Brand, LLC

Discussing the factors that drive business growth, including how people, processes, platforms, and places work together. The Innovation Economy podcast is presented by The Agile Brand and features three co-hosts talking about unique aspects of business growth and innovation. Adam Chen talks with change makers at organizations on the Intrapreneurs series. Bonnie Habyan talks with brand leaders about leveraging workplace superpowers to drive growth on the Brand the Change series. Greg Kihlström, host of the award-winning The Agile Brand podcast, talks with leaders about the role of place in the future of work. read less
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#13: The role of small business in the local economy with Tara Palacios, Arlington Economic Development
Nov 9 2023
#13: The role of small business in the local economy with Tara Palacios, Arlington Economic Development
When talking about business innovation, a lot of focus is placed on large enterprises, yet according to numbers from the Small Business Administration in January of 2023 99.9% - yes, 99.9% of companies, or roughly 33.2 million businesses are considered small businesses. Today we’re going to talk about the valuable role that small businesses play, as well as how the places that small businesses are located in can help them back. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Tara Palacios, Director of BizLaunch at Arlington Economic Development, based in Arlington County, Virginia. RESOURCES The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. SYNOPSIS The focus of economic development, as discussed in the episode, is to make a meaningful difference in someone's life and assist them in building a sustainable business. The host emphasizes that the goal is not merely to fulfill a requirement, but to genuinely impact individuals and their families. The philosophy is centered around uplifting everyone and creating opportunities for individuals to establish businesses that can support themselves and others. To achieve this, the episode suggests thinking creatively and looking beyond the challenges posed by the pandemic. The host mentions that they are actively exploring new tools and approaches to support economic development. They highlight the importance of forging partnerships with the right organizations, including unconventional ones, to foster meaningful collaborations. An example of such a partnership mentioned in the episode is with Amazon and AWS. Additionally, the episode addresses the challenges faced by small businesses within the context of economic development. The host acknowledges that small businesses often become consumed by day-to-day operations and the constant pursuit of growth. However, they emphasize the significance of staying aware of the changes happening around them, such as redevelopment and new business opportunities. Property owners may choose to redevelop their properties, which can pose challenges for existing businesses. Therefore, economic development efforts should also focus on honoring legacy businesses and finding ways to support them during property development processes. Throughout the episode, the host and guest stress the importance of thinking outside the box and collaborating with diverse organizations for economic development. They emphasize that economic development is not limited to traditional methods, but also involves exploring new tools and approaches. They underscore the need to look beyond the pandemic and identify the lessons learned that can have a lasting impact on economic development. The guest shares their philosophy of making a positive difference in people's lives and helping them build sustainable businesses. They express their motivation to uplift everyone and create opportunities for success. The host agrees and emphasizes the importance of partnering with the right organizations, including new types of organizations, to achieve these goals. One specific example of a partnership mentioned in the episode is with Amazon and AWS. The guest highlights the benefits of this partnership and how it contributes to economic growth and stability. Overall, the episode emphasizes the necessity for economic development initiatives to think innovatively, collaborate with diverse organizations, and explore innovative approaches to create lasting impact and support sustainable businesses. Arlington Economic Development offers a range of resources and tools to support the growth and success of small businesses. One of the programs they have implemented is BizLaunch, which is led by Tara Palacios. BizLaunch aims to provide assistance to small businesses and help them navigate the challenges they face. This includes offering guidance on marketing, economic development, and community engagement. In addition to providing resources, Arlington Economic Development recognizes the importance of digital communication in reaching and supporting small businesses. They have observed a digital divide between older, established businesses and new startups when it comes to adapting to online platforms. While startups were able to pivot and adapt to the digital landscape, older businesses struggled to make the transition. To address this issue, Arlington Economic Development has implemented a program called relaunch. This program aims to bridge the digital divide by providing support and resources to help legacy businesses adapt to the online world. Overall, Arlington Economic Development is committed to fostering a thriving business community in Arlington, Virginia. They acknowledge the vital role that small businesses play in the local economy and understand that supporting these businesses is crucial for the overall economic development of the community. Through programs like BizLaunch and relaunch, they provide the necessary tools and resources to help small businesses thrive and succeed in an increasingly digital world.
#10: Intrapreneurs, rainmakers, and other employees that fuel growth, with Ira Zlotowitz, GPARENCY
Oct 19 2023
#10: Intrapreneurs, rainmakers, and other employees that fuel growth, with Ira Zlotowitz, GPARENCY
Are you an intrapreneur or a rainmaker? Both are critical to help companies grow and thrive, and in this episode of Brand the Change, GPARENCY CEO, successful entrepreneur, and disruptor Ira Zlotowitz provides a detailed look into how he has built his company on a winning formula of employee attributes. He also outlines the skills you can bring to work that employers value most, and how taking risk and trying new ideas is critical for corporate and professional success. About Ira Zlotowitz Founder & CEO at GPARENCY | Membership-Based Commercial Mortgage Brokerage - Placing Deals For $4K | Thought Leader | Proud Father He founded GPARENCY in November 2021 with a simple mission: to change the way CRE funding is done and create more opportunities for others. Since then, he has gained national attention for his revolutionary pricing model and reputation for closing complex deals. He's changing the game and empowering borrowers to cut the commissions and get the world's best closers to run their deals for a max of $11K up front or ¼ point at closing. In addition to providing innovative solutions for CRE debt, he’s passionate about helping connect those seeking equity with those looking for investment opportunities! If you have a deal that needs equity or are looking for properties to invest in for as little as $25K, send him a DM so he can introduce you. Since the age of 21, he has earned a number of accolades, including: Youngest President of any Top 10 mortgage brokerageCrain’s youngest “Forty Under 40” honoreeMastermind behind Meridian’s rise from $300M to $2B+Founder and growth driver of Eastern Union to $5B He loves helping commercial real estate owners complete their capital stack and discovering new ways to give back, improve, and challenge the status quo. RESOURCES Gparency website: https://www.gparency.com The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op.
#8: Destination branding and economic development with Emily Cassell, Arlington Convention and Visitors Services
Oct 5 2023
#8: Destination branding and economic development with Emily Cassell, Arlington Convention and Visitors Services
According to data from the U.S. Travel Association, there is a promising forecast for travel in 2023. It is predicted that the number of domestic trips, including both business and leisure, will surpass the levels seen in 2019 for the first time, marking a significant recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today we’re going to talk about the valuable role that destination marketing and building a strong destination to market plays in the overall growth of the business community in a region. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Emily Cassell, Director, Arlington Convention and Visitors Service, based in Arlington County, Virginia. About Emily Cassell Emily is Director of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service, Arlington, Virginia’s official destination marketing organization and a division within Arlington Economic Development. Arlington has been Virginia’s #1 county for visitor spending since 2009. Since joining AED in 2006, Emily has been responsible for leading all tourism-related strategy; marketing and public relations; meeting and convention sales; and visitor and convention services. Arlington visitors generated nearly $3.4 billion in spending in 2018, with tourism accounting for more than 26,000 local jobs, nearly $94 million in local tax receipts, and $127 million in state tax receipts. Emily has more than 25 years of marketing experience in travel, tourism, economic development and technology. She holds an International MBA from the University of South Carolina and Austria’s Vienna University of Economics and Business, as well as a Bachelor of Journalism with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin. RESOURCES Stay Arlington Website https://www.stayarlington.com Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com  The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. SYNOPSIS This episode of the Innovation Economy Podcast discusses the role of destination marketing and building a strong destination in driving business growth. The guest, Emily Cassell, Director of Arlington Convention and Visitors Service, talks about the new destination branding initiative in Arlington, Virginia and how it was motivated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a $3.25 million investment from the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Arlington was able to take a fresh research-based approach to branding and launch the new brand, "All in Arlington."
#7: Introduction to Intrapreneurship with Adam Chen and Greg Kihlström
Sep 28 2023
#7: Introduction to Intrapreneurship with Adam Chen and Greg Kihlström
Welcome to a special episode of the The Agile Brand podcast that we call The Agile Brand Guide to Intrapreneurship.  While entrepreneurs are often lauded with creating new businesses and ideas, it is more often the case that change agents working within organizations—intrapreneurs—are responsible for innovation and seeing those new ideas through to completion. The Agile Brand Guide to Intrapreneurship shares stories and insights from leaders within organizations that had the courage to create new ways to move a business forward. In this first episode, co-host Adam Chen and Greg Kihlström discuss what it means to be an intrapreneur and give a preview of the rest of the series. About the Co-Host, Adam Chen Adam Chen is President at AmenityLinc. From Adam: My name is Adam Chen and I am a Change Agent. Throughout my career, I have focused on absorbing information from a variety of roles spanning business strategy, business development, technology and communications in a variety of industries ranging from Government Contracting, Finance, Advertising, Hospitality, and Professional Services to innovate and drive transformational improvements within the organizations I have been humbled to be a part of. In this, my most recent venture, I am now offering my breadth of experience through select consultation partnerships where the fit is right. Having held many senior roles such as Chief Information Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Experience Officer, and Senior Digital Strategist, I have a depth of experience in the following areas. If you would like to explore a collaborative relationship please contact me. RESOURCES The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op.
#6: How intrapreneurs shape their own brand and the brand of their organization with guest Adam Chen
Sep 21 2023
#6: How intrapreneurs shape their own brand and the brand of their organization with guest Adam Chen
In this episode, we dig into the definition of an intrapreneur, the skillsets that make the role critical to companies, and their future in supporting business success with their innovative mindset. About Adam Chen Throughout his career, he has focused on absorbing information from a variety of roles spanning business strategy, business development, technology, and communications in a variety of industries ranging from Government Contracting, Finance, Advertising, Hospitality, and Professional Services to innovate and drive transformational improvements within the organizations he has been humbled to be a part of. In his most recent venture, he is now offering his breadth of experience through select consultation partnerships where the fit is right. Adam has held many senior roles such as Chief Information Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Experience Officer, and Senior Digital Strategist. RESOURCES The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op.
#5: Fostering an Intrapreneurial Culture in Financial Planning with Elliot Pepper
Sep 14 2023
#5: Fostering an Intrapreneurial Culture in Financial Planning with Elliot Pepper
In this episode, we discuss the many factors that play into building and nurturing an intrapreneurial culture. Check out this in depth conversation with Elliot Pepper, Founder of Northbrook Financial, as he touches on the importance of accountability, communication, mentorship, and incentive structures in fostering a safe environment where anyone can identify and create new value. About Elliot Pepper Prior to launching Northbrook Financial, Elliot Pepper – a summa cum laude graduate of University of Maryland and University of Baltimore – worked in the tax practice of Ernst & Young, a “Big 4” global accounting firm, and Brown Advisory, a multi-national investment advisory firm. With strong tax technical acumen and a deep understanding of personal financial behavioral habits, Elliot connects with his clients by providing objective and actionable advice in relatable laymen’s terms.  When he’s not reading up on the latest changes to the tax code, Elliot enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and two sons. An avid runner and basketball fanatic, he has completed multiple marathons and loves playing and watching basketball with friends and family. He is also a self-described book worm and particularly enjoys reading about behavioral economics, financial markets, and anything related to big wave surfing! RESOURCES The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op.
#4: Arts + business for the benefit of the community with Alissa Maru, George Mason University
Sep 7 2023
#4: Arts + business for the benefit of the community with Alissa Maru, George Mason University
Today we’re going to talk about the role of the arts in a community that serves businesses, employees, residents, and visitors. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Alissa Maru, Associate Curator at Mason Exhibitions Arlington at George Mason University. About Alissa Maru Alissa Maru is a seasoned art administrator, event producer, and curator. Through her years of professional experience, she’s provided logistic management overseeing event site layout, artistic curation, government permitting, and onsite execution of live events; working with government, non-profit, event companies, and festivals. Examples of her major projects include 2011-2014, Director of Operations  Art All Night DC: Nuit Blanche, a one-night art pop-up festival in Washington, D.C.  For five years she served as the Special Events Manager for the National Cherry Blossom Festival and DowntownDC BID, where she provided coordinated production for the Festivals’ famed Parade and community stages.   From 2018-2019, Maru served as Director at the Dupont Underground, an abandoned street car station turned arts event space and gallery. There she grew the performance art programs, and curated the digital projection exhibitions.  Maru currently is the Exhibitions and Program Manager at Mason Exhibitions Arlington, a contemporary art gallery of George Mason University. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at George Mason University developing experiential learning in the gallery through the Arts Management graduate course.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Howard University (Washington, DC) and a Master of Arts dual degree in Marketing and Communications from the London Metropolitan University (London, England) and École supérieure de commerce et management (Poitiers, France). What's Happening on the Art Walk ARC 3409 Art Studios The ARC 3409 condominium building at 3409 Wilson Blvd. includes 4 art gallery studio units on the north side of the building. Adding to the neighborhood charm, the studios, along the public right of way, enable pedestrians to view the galleries and engage with the artists. Arlington Art Truck | Interactive Art Project From 3:00 – 7:00 p.m., meet the Arlington Art Truck at the Ballston Mega Market in Welburn Square (901 N. Taylor St.) and participate in the Good Neighbors: Fences into Benches project by artist Michael Verdon. Participants will be able to write their thoughts on what makes a good neighbor on wooden fences. These fences will eventually be converted into weather-sealed picnic benches, with these writings forever on display. Arlington Public Art Entering its 40th year of award-winning public art installations, check the map to find notable pieces along the walk. Stop by the hidden gem of a plaza next to Mason Exhibitions and see the digital display screens showing more from the stellar collection. Arlington Public Library | Maker Studio "The Shop" Tour and Interactive Art Project From 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., take a tour of "The Shop," the makerspace at Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St.). Shop staff and experienced Maker volunteers will talk about recent projects, show the equipment and capabilities of the space and invite visitors to create their own “Art Walk buttons.” Cody Gallery, Marymount University Located on the second floor of Marymount's Ballston Center, the intimate gallery connects students, businesses and the community with are artists. Fred Schnider Gallery of Art In the heart of the Ballston, the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art puts placemaking at the core of its exhibitions. "Suspended Animation" featuring artists Stephanie Land and Joseph Cortina will be on view during Art Walk. Mason Exhibitions Arlington | Art Exhibition From 5:00 –8:00 p.m., Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Dr.) will be featuring Disrupt and Resist,an exhibition of seven contemporary disabled designers and artists engaging in disability advocacy through creative resistance and anti-ableist disruption. This exhibit amplifies the mission of exploring accessibility, disability justice, radical joy, belonging and inclusivity. MoCA Arlington Made in Arlington pop-up Market joins MoCA on the lawn — with a perfect view of newly installed Reclining Liberty. Enriching community life by connecting the public with contemporary art and artists, MoCA features exhibitions, educational programs and artist residencies. Northside Social Arlington | Art Exhibition and Live Music Stop by Northside Social Arlington (211 Wilson Blvd.), a bustling neighborhood café, gallery and gathering place on Oct. 5 and enjoy a local artist exhibition while listening to live music by J. Candeed. WHINO: Reception At 7:00 p.m., attend the closing reception at WHINO (4238 Wilson Blvd.) a 6,200 square foot modern industrial art centric event space unlike anything in the DMV. Come share your Art Walk experience with others. RESOURCES The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op.
#3: The ongoing relationship between businesses and their location, with Michael Steifvater, Arlington Economic Development
Sep 6 2023
#3: The ongoing relationship between businesses and their location, with Michael Steifvater, Arlington Economic Development
Welcome to a special episode of the show brought to you in partnership with Arlington Economic Development, where we discuss issues related to the workforce, the role of place in the future of work, and the role of the creative sector in a larger business context. We call this Return on Creativity. Today we’re going to talk about the partnership between business and their location, and the benefits of partnership. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Michael Stiefvater, Acting Director, Business Investment at Arlington Economic Development. About Michael Stiefvater Michael Stiefvater is the Acting Director of AED’s Business Investment Group (BIG), where he oversees Arlington’s efforts in business recruitment and retention, international trade, entrepreneur support and catalyzing the innovation economy. Since joining BIG in late 2019, the team has contributed to the leasing of over 1 million square feet of office space and the creation/retention of over 5,000 jobs. Michael has over 15 years of experience in economic development and real estate, including the past five years with AED. Prior to joining AED, Michael served in roles with Richmont Development, CoStar, the City of College Park and Rockville Economic Development Inc. Michael holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine and a Bachelor of Public Policy, Management and Planning from the University of Southern California. Resources The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
#2: AI & Machine Learning in the Enterprise with Scott Love, Lovelytics
Sep 5 2023
#2: AI & Machine Learning in the Enterprise with Scott Love, Lovelytics
Welcome to a special episode of the show brought to you in partnership with Arlington Economic Development, where we discuss issues related to the workforce, the role of place in the future of work, and the role of the creative sector in a larger business context. We call this Return on Creativity. Today we’re going to talk about artificial intelligence and machine learning in the enterprise, where it is today and where it’s currently headed, as well as the role of place in building talented data and technology teams. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Scott Love, Founder & CEO of Lovelytics. About Scott Love Scott Love founded Lovelytics in 2017 after leading sales for other services partners in the data analytics space. Scott is originally from Indianapolis, IN and spent 7 years living abroad in The Netherlands. Currently, Scott Love resides in Arlington, VA. RESOURCES The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
#1: Public art and the future of work with Angela Anderson Adams, Arlington Economic Development
Aug 8 2023
#1: Public art and the future of work with Angela Anderson Adams, Arlington Economic Development
Welcome to a special episode of the show brought to you in partnership with Arlington Economic Development, where we discuss issues related to the workforce, the role of place in the future of work, and the role of the creative sector in a larger business context. We call this Inspiration + Location Today we’re going to talk about the role of public art in place and its relationship to the people who live and work in a place like Arlington County, Virginia. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Angela Anderson Adams, Director Arlington Public Art at Arlington Economic Development. About Angela Anderson Adams Angela Anderson Adams has worked as a curator and arts administrator for nearly forty years, half of those directing Arlington Public Art. Under her leadership, the program has grown from one of the first developer-sponsored public art programs in the country to an internationally renowned, award-winning public and privately funded program. Arlington Public Art contributes art and design enhancements to most major civic projects undertaken in the County. Resources Arlington Economic Development website: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company