DT #676 Why Lifelong Learning Matters in Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 08/26/2026
DT #692 Beyond the Hype: Understanding AI With Dan Chuparkoff
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How will artificial intelligence change the way we work, lead, and build communities? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , AI keynote speaker and technology leader with more than 30 years of experience at Google and McKinsey, to explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents. Dan breaks down common misconceptions about AI, including why AI can sound confident while still being wrong. He explains how professionals can use AI as an assistant, coach, and productivity tool while keeping humans responsible for critical decisions. The conversation also explores how economic...
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DT #693 How Rural Communities Can Build Stronger Futures With Mason Ainsworth
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth. Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum. The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership,...
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DT #689 Turning a Bold Vision Into a Game Changing Community Development Project: The Fort Madison Marina Story
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What happens when a community stops settling for “good enough” and starts thinking bigger? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with former Fort Madison Mayor and n of about the transformation of the Fort Madison Marina. What started as an aging marina became a much larger vision for the community, incorporating hospitality, events, wellness, tourism, and placemaking. Matt explains how community leaders studied other projects, built a shared vision, and challenged Fort Madison to think beyond simply fixing the existing marina. Rick discusses how the team turned that vision into a...
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DT #690 How Relationships Drive Economic Development: Lessons From Kirk Elmquist
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What can a career spanning sports, hospitality, tourism, and business development teach us about economic development? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore his unconventional career journey and the leadership lessons he's learned along the way. Kirk shares why relationships are often more valuable than technical skills and how listening, trust, mentorship, and community involvement have shaped his approach to business and economic development. The conversation also explores the transformation of Branson and the Ozarks into a major tourism and golf destination,...
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DT #687 How Los Angeles Stays a Global Economic Powerhouse
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to lead one of the world's most dynamic regional economies? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , CEO of the , to discuss his unconventional journey from social work to leading one of the nation's largest economic development organizations. Stephen shares how his diverse career shaped his leadership style and explains why listening, collaboration, and long-term thinking are essential to building resilient communities. He also discusses how Los Angeles has leveraged its diversity, innovation, and global connections to remain one of the world's leading economic...
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DT #688 How Australia Is Elevating the Economic Development Profession
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How do you build a stronger profession while helping communities thrive? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , CEO of (EDA), to discuss the evolution of economic development in Australia and why collaboration, professional standards, and continuous learning are shaping the future of the industry. Jacqueline shares her career journey into economic development and reflects on the lessons she's learned leading Australia's national professional association. She explains how Economic Development Australia has expanded education, certification, and networking opportunities while...
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DT #685 How Communities Can Turn Their Assets into Competitive Advantages
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can communities identify their greatest strengths and turn them into a competitive advantage? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , President of , to discuss how communities can build a smarter asset strategy that attracts investment and supports long-term economic growth. Jeanette explains that successful economic development goes beyond available land and infrastructure. Communities must recognize both their tangible and intangible assets—from workforce and leadership to partnerships and organizational alignment—and understand how those strengths position them for...
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DT #686 How Data, Technology, and AI Are Transforming Entrepreneurship
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can communities build entrepreneurial ecosystems that create lasting economic opportunity? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , Founder and CEO of , to discuss his journey from immigrant entrepreneur to economic development leader and his mission to help communities build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems. David shares how his experiences shaped his passion for creating pathways to prosperity and explains why supporting entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to drive long-term economic growth. He emphasizes that successful ecosystems go beyond programs—they...
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DT #683 Building Stronger Communities Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can entrepreneurship become the driving force behind stronger, more resilient communities? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with , Economic Development Specialist for the City of Arlington, about his unconventional journey from aspiring pediatric neurosurgeon to economic development leader and why entrepreneurship should be at the center of every community's growth strategy. Josh explains how entrepreneurship and economic development go hand in hand, arguing that thriving local businesses create the foundation for long-term economic success. He shares lessons from Brownsville's...
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DT #684 Why Leadership Is the Ultimate Economic Development Strategy
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What separates communities that thrive from those that struggle to attract lasting investment? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , President & CEO of , to discuss why leadership—not incentives—is the most important driver of economic development success. Gray shares lessons from decades of experience helping communities navigate complex projects, explaining how trust, transparency, and a shared vision create the foundation for sustainable growth. He discusses why leadership becomes even more critical during times of uncertainty and how crises often reveal the true...
info_outlineWhat happens when an unconventional career path leads to economic development?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Brian Fleming about his journey from code enforcement and cybersecurity into the world of economic development—and the unique perspective that transition has given him.
Brian shares how collaboration, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace new challenges helped shape his career. Along the way, he offers practical insights on building confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and developing strong professional networks.
A major focus of the conversation is neurodiversity in the workplace. Brian discusses how understanding individual strengths, creating effective workarounds, and fostering inclusive environments can help organizations unlock talent and improve performance.
The discussion also explores the growing role of AI and technology in economic development. From improving communication to streamlining workflows, Brian highlights how professionals can use emerging tools while continuing to rely on critical thinking and human judgment.
A key takeaway? Success in economic development is built on curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Key Takeaways
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Diverse career experiences can create valuable perspectives in economic development
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Collaboration and mentorship are essential for professional growth
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Neurodiversity brings unique strengths and opportunities to the workplace
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AI can improve efficiency and communication when used strategically
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Continuous learning helps professionals adapt to change
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Building confidence often comes from taking on new challenges
Key Topics Covered
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Brian’s journey into economic development
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Collaboration and professional networking
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Neurodiversity in the workplace
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AI and emerging technology trends
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Lifelong learning and personal growth
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Building confidence and overcoming challenges
Sound Bites
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“I once planned to be a professional mime.”
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“Fear is self-imposed; I chose this career.”
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“Use AI to check for grammatical errors.”