DT #642 Big Ideas, Bold Leadership with Mark C. Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 05/06/2026
DT #658 Building Stronger Communities Through Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What if the next wave of economic growth starts with local entrepreneurs? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with of to explore how entrepreneurship-led economic development can help communities build stronger, more resilient economies. Rob shares how communities—especially rural ones—can leverage their unique assets to support entrepreneurs, strengthen local ecosystems, and create long-term growth from within. The conversation highlights SourceLink’s ecosystem approach, focusing on how connecting entrepreneurs to the right resources, partners, and support networks can reduce...
info_outline
DT #659 How Public-Private Partnerships Are Reshaping Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What role do public-private partnerships play in the future of economic development? In this panel episode of Develop This!, explores the evolving PPP landscape with , , and , bringing together perspectives from the U.S. and Europe. The conversation dives into how economic development organizations are rethinking funding models, private sector engagement, and long-term sustainability in a changing global environment. A major focus is funding diversification. The panel discusses why stable, flexible funding matters—and how structured campaigns can help formalize private sector participation...
info_outline
DT #656 Growth vs Identity: The Real Cost of Austin’s Tech Boom
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What happens when rapid tech growth collides with a city’s cultural identity? In this episode of Develop This!, is joined by and of to explore the evolution of Austin’s tech boom—and the social and economic trade-offs that come with it. Once known for its distinct culture and creative energy, Austin has become one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the U.S. But as investment and innovation accelerate, the conversation turns to a harder question: what gets lost in the process? The discussion unpacks the growing tensions between economic expansion and community impact, including...
info_outline
DT #657 Beyond Small: Winning Strategies for Rural Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take for rural communities to compete and grow in today’s economy? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , EVP of the , to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping rural economic development. Jolene shares her journey from nonprofit leadership into economic development and explains how collaboration, creativity, and community trust play critical roles in driving regional growth. The conversation highlights how Great Falls is leveraging local strengths to support entrepreneurship, attract investment, and create long-term economic momentum. Workforce and housing...
info_outline
DT #654 Rebuilding Better: How New Orleans Turned Disaster Into Long-Term Economic Growth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to rebuild an economy after a disaster—and turn it into a model for long-term growth? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with , CEO of , to explore lessons learned from leading economic recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina and 9/11. Michael shares how New Orleans approached rebuilding not just infrastructure, but its entire economic foundation—balancing urgency with long-term strategy, and recovery with reinvention. A major theme is the importance of community involvement in shaping recovery efforts. He emphasizes that post-disaster planning cannot be top-down,...
info_outline
DT #655 Building Thriving Communities: Leadership, Trust, and the Power of Regional
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to build thriving communities across an entire region? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with to explore her unique journey from law enforcement to economic development—and the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way. Drawing from decades of experience in regional collaboration and workforce strategy, Barb shares how trust, authenticity, and long-term relationship building have helped shape successful community development efforts across Wisconsin. A major focus of the conversation is workforce development, particularly the growing importance of digital...
info_outline
DT #652 Small Country, Big Strategy: Costa Rica’s Rise in High-Value Global Investment
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take for a small country to compete for high-value global investment in today’s economy? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with of the to explore how Costa Rica is evolving into a strategic hub for advanced industries and foreign direct investment. From its geographic position connecting North and South America to its growing reputation in high-tech sectors, Costa Rica is positioning itself as more than a nearshoring destination—it’s becoming a knowledge-driven economy focused on long-term value creation. Pilar explains how the country has successfully diversified...
info_outline
DT #653 Leading with Vision: Why Communities Need Big, Audacious Goals
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What role do big, bold visions play in shaping stronger communities and more effective leaders? In this episode of Develop This!, is joined by to explore how optimism, storytelling, and ambitious goals can inspire innovation, community engagement, and long-term growth. Drawing inspiration from the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, the conversation examines how major rallying points can unite people around a shared purpose and create momentum for transformational change. Mark and Dennis discuss the importance of balancing realism with aspiration in leadership, emphasizing that communities need both...
info_outline
DT #669 Smaller Business Week: Why Microbusinesses Matter
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In celebration of Small Business Week, this episode of Develop This! takes a closer look at the businesses that are often small in size but powerful in impact: microbusinesses. Friend of the show, brings , co-founder of to speak with Joi Cuartero Austin for a conversation about why communities should pay closer attention to solopreneurs, makers, freelancers, consultants, pop-up vendors, home-based businesses, side hustlers, and gig workers. Together, they explore how these “smaller” businesses contribute to local economies, build community identity, create flexible income...
info_outline
DT #650 Building Inclusive Economies: How Private Sector Lessons Drive Community Transformation
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to build economies that are truly inclusive—and built for long-term impact? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with to explore his diverse career spanning the private sector, entrepreneurship, and community development—and how those experiences shape his approach to economic transformation today. Philip shares how lessons from the private sector can directly inform economic development strategy, especially when it comes to innovation, ecosystem building, and driving measurable community impact. The conversation also highlights the importance of addressing systemic...
info_outlineIn this inspiring episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Mark C. Perna to explore the power of bold thinking, visionary leadership, and rallying people around big ideas. Drawing on their shared fascination with the Apollo program, they unpack how the audacity of aiming for the moon transformed not just science—but an entire generation’s mindset.
From the iconic leadership behind the Apollo 11 Moon Landing to the forward-looking ambitions of the Artemis Program, this conversation connects the dots between space exploration and the work economic developers do every day: building momentum, inspiring communities, and executing bold visions.
Mark and Dennis reflect on cultural touchpoints, childhood wonder, and even the small details—yes, including Tang—that made space exploration feel personal and powerful.
If you’re working to energize your community, align stakeholders, or inspire the next generation, this episode offers a compelling reminder: big progress starts with big ideas.
Takeaway
The moon landing wasn’t just a technological achievement—it was a masterclass in leadership, collaboration, and belief. For today’s economic and community developers, the lesson is clear: when you set bold goals and invite others into the vision, you create momentum that can move mountains… or even reach the moon.