Episode 74: Leaders Leaning In: Creating unique impact in and out of the office with Laura Brunner

In this episode, Mike talks to Laura Brunner, President and CEO of The Port, an economic development agency that initiates projects to improve property value and promote job creation throughout Hamilton County.

In this episode, Mike talks to Laura Brunner, President and CEO of The Port, an economic development agency that initiates projects to improve property value and promote job creation throughout Hamilton County. In this podcast, Mike and Laura discuss: How your home’s value is really measured (4:00)What The Port is doing to create inclusive capitalism in neighborhood redevelopment (9:40)The interesting story of how the historic Vernon Manor Hotel (where Rainman was filmed, among other claims to fame) was literally saved from the wrecking ball (9:48)How revitalization differs from gentrification, and how her team works with new residents and legacy residents to build a cohesive community (14:15). The importance of manufacturing opportunities in economic development. (17:06)

Mike and Laura get more personal as they discuss work-life balance. 

Laura shares her strategy for prioritizing opportunities as a community leader and learning to say “no” (21:34) and how to make the three “rings” of Career, Community Engagement, and Family overlap (25:49).

They finish the episode with a meaningful conversation about how leaders need to “lean in.”Leaders need to be “conscious and aware that we can help our employees succeed in life, not just how can they benefit me as an employer.” (30:48)We need to “realize that in order for our society to be its most successful, we need everybody leaning in.” (33:09)

Interested in reading up on the impact of economic development? Laura recommends reading “A Prayer For The City” by Buzz Bissinger. 

https://www.cincinnatiport.orgLaura BrunnerEpisode 17: Conscious Capitalism with Steve ShifmanEpisode 18: Becoming Fully Human with Dan HurleyEpisode 43: Creating A Marriage Strategy with Jackie BledsoeEpisode 55: Exclusive vs. Inclusive Capitalism with Ed Rigaud