web01.fireside.fm Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:33:32 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) The Leading Ladies of Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Econdev” https://www.llofed.com/tags/econdev Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400 This podcast is a safe place for female economic development professionals to share stories, insights, and challenges of the economic development industry. We hear from women leaders across the country about their careers in ED and how you can apply their experiences to your own economic development career goals. en-us episodic These are the women leading economic development across the US. Kaycee Bunch This podcast is a safe place for female economic development professionals to share stories, insights, and challenges of the economic development industry. We hear from women leaders across the country about their careers in ED and how you can apply their experiences to your own economic development career goals. no economic development, econ dev, development, community development, women, leadership Kaycee Bunch kayceegbunch@gmail.com The Ripple Effect of Personal Growth: How Improving Individuals Benefits the Community│Rebecca Undem http://www.llofed.com/episode22-rebeccaundem 972b821d-573e-408b-bab3-f35fd4d1e0c4 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400 Kaycee Bunch full 2 Kaycee Bunch 32:09 no In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast, we welcome Rebecca Undem! This episode emphasizes the profound belief that personal improvement leads to broader positive changes. It delves into how individual growth translates to better outcomes for the entire community. In this episode, we explore: * The belief that personal improvement leads to broader positive impacts in all areas of life. * Investing in people and how that can impact your local development perspective. * How to invite your community into placemaking, bit by bit. Quotable: “ I just genuinely believe that when people get better, everything gets better.” Resources and Links Connect with Rebecca Undem on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaundem/) Growing Small Towns (http://www.growingsmalltowns.org) Special Guest: Rebecca Undem. grow small towns, economic development, econdev, Rebecca Undem, The Growing Small Towns Show In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast, we welcome Rebecca Undem! This episode emphasizes the profound belief that personal improvement leads to broader positive changes. It delves into how individual growth translates to better outcomes for the entire community.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The belief that personal improvement leads to broader positive impacts in all areas of life.
  • Investing in people and how that can impact your local development perspective.
  • How to invite your community into placemaking, bit by bit.

Quotable: “ I just genuinely believe that when people get better, everything gets better.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Rebecca Undem on LinkedIn
Growing Small Towns

Special Guest: Rebecca Undem.

]]> In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast, we welcome Rebecca Undem! This episode emphasizes the profound belief that personal improvement leads to broader positive changes. It delves into how individual growth translates to better outcomes for the entire community.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The belief that personal improvement leads to broader positive impacts in all areas of life.
  • Investing in people and how that can impact your local development perspective.
  • How to invite your community into placemaking, bit by bit.

Quotable: “ I just genuinely believe that when people get better, everything gets better.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Rebecca Undem on LinkedIn
Growing Small Towns

Special Guest: Rebecca Undem.

]]> Venture Capital and Wellness with Bold Ventures│Lindsay Karas Stencel & Danielle Blount http://www.llofed.com/episode21-lindsaykarasstencel-danielleblount a613319e-a6db-4132-8ff0-a3539f672416 Fri, 01 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 Kaycee Bunch full 2 Kaycee Bunch 36:15 no In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast, we welcome Lindsey Karas Stencel and Danielle Blount, of Bold Ventures, to discuss how traditional venture capital can align profit with wellness. Lindsey shares her journey through various high-stress roles that led to the creation of Bold Ventures, a $30 million venture capital fund focused on underserved founders in key sectors. Both guests highlight the significance of taking care of the mental, physical, and financial health of founders. They also address common misconceptions about venture capital, the importance of collaboration with economic development partners, and their unique approach through the nonprofit Boulder. Danielle emphasizes the need for real-world entrepreneurial experience over theoretical courses, and the episode closes with their insights on creating an environment that prioritizes human assets in business growth. In this episode, we explore: * The counterintuitive idea that sometimes the best solution is to do less, challenging the norms of our capitalistic society. * By reducing our commitments and focusing on what truly matters, we open ourselves to an abundance of time, creativity, and energy that can lead to more meaningful achievements. * The importance of putting founders first and how VC’s can achieve that. Quotable: “ Sometimes, the answer is do less.” Resources and Links Connect with Lindsay Karas Stencel on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lkstencel/) Connect with Danielle Blount on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/blountdanielle/) BOLD Ventures | Be One, Live Determined (https://bebold.vc/) BOLDER Inc (https://www.bolderinc.org/) BOLDER Book Club Launch (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bolder-inc_we-are-thrilled-to-announce-the-official-activity-7343600787886874626-fLYh?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAACkRMyQBPElPt_cSjSBeujeskKla9EgchkU) Special Guests: Danielle Blount and Lindsay Karas Stencel. venture capital, economic development, econdev, BOLD VC, Lindsay Karas Stencel, Danielle Blount, Bolder Inc In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast, we welcome Lindsey Karas Stencel and Danielle Blount, of Bold Ventures, to discuss how traditional venture capital can align profit with wellness. Lindsey shares her journey through various high-stress roles that led to the creation of Bold Ventures, a $30 million venture capital fund focused on underserved founders in key sectors. Both guests highlight the significance of taking care of the mental, physical, and financial health of founders. They also address common misconceptions about venture capital, the importance of collaboration with economic development partners, and their unique approach through the nonprofit Boulder. Danielle emphasizes the need for real-world entrepreneurial experience over theoretical courses, and the episode closes with their insights on creating an environment that prioritizes human assets in business growth.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The counterintuitive idea that sometimes the best solution is to do less, challenging the norms of our capitalistic society.
  • By reducing our commitments and focusing on what truly matters, we open ourselves to an abundance of time, creativity, and energy that can lead to more meaningful achievements.
  • The importance of putting founders first and how VC’s can achieve that.

Quotable: “ Sometimes, the answer is do less.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Lindsay Karas Stencel on LinkedIn
Connect with Danielle Blount on LinkedIn
BOLD Ventures | Be One, Live Determined
BOLDER Inc
BOLDER Book Club Launch

Special Guests: Danielle Blount and Lindsay Karas Stencel.

]]> In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development Podcast, we welcome Lindsey Karas Stencel and Danielle Blount, of Bold Ventures, to discuss how traditional venture capital can align profit with wellness. Lindsey shares her journey through various high-stress roles that led to the creation of Bold Ventures, a $30 million venture capital fund focused on underserved founders in key sectors. Both guests highlight the significance of taking care of the mental, physical, and financial health of founders. They also address common misconceptions about venture capital, the importance of collaboration with economic development partners, and their unique approach through the nonprofit Boulder. Danielle emphasizes the need for real-world entrepreneurial experience over theoretical courses, and the episode closes with their insights on creating an environment that prioritizes human assets in business growth.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The counterintuitive idea that sometimes the best solution is to do less, challenging the norms of our capitalistic society.
  • By reducing our commitments and focusing on what truly matters, we open ourselves to an abundance of time, creativity, and energy that can lead to more meaningful achievements.
  • The importance of putting founders first and how VC’s can achieve that.

Quotable: “ Sometimes, the answer is do less.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Lindsay Karas Stencel on LinkedIn
Connect with Danielle Blount on LinkedIn
BOLD Ventures | Be One, Live Determined
BOLDER Inc
BOLDER Book Club Launch

Special Guests: Danielle Blount and Lindsay Karas Stencel.

]]> Empowering Small Towns: Success Stories and Practical Steps│Deb Brown http://www.llofed.com/episode20-debbrown 1b83fc1a-7d4f-4e86-8477-1bcbd2cfd47f Fri, 06 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400 Kaycee Bunch full 2 Kaycee Bunch 42:18 no In this episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development, Deb Brown, co-founder of Save Your Town and author of From Possibilities to Reality, shares her journey from rural Iowa to her national work revitalizing small towns. She discusses the founding of Savior Town and introduces the “idea friendly” approach—a method centered on small, actionable steps and community collaboration. The conversation highlights success stories, the value of kindness and inclusivity, and advice for towns navigating change. Deb also shares insights from her book, emphasizing that rural communities can build a better future by listening to residents and taking practical, incremental actions. In this episode, we explore: * Starting with small, actionable steps and focusing on community collaboration can lead to significant improvements. * Advice for communities feeling stuck between the old and new ways of doing things. * How rural communities can create a brighter future by listening to their residents and taking incremental actions. Quotable: “ You get a lot further taking small steps than trying to do it all at once.” Resources and Links Connect with Deb Brown on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/buildingpossibility/) Save Your Town (https://saveyour.town/) From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories (https://saveyour.town/debs-book-is-published-the-book-is-from-possibilities-to-reality-save-your-small-town-with-these-uniquely-do-able-ideas-projects-and-success-stories/) Special Guest: Deb Brown. Deb Brown, Save Your Town, EconDev, From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories, Rural Development In this episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development, Deb Brown, co-founder of Save Your Town and author of From Possibilities to Reality, shares her journey from rural Iowa to her national work revitalizing small towns. She discusses the founding of Savior Town and introduces the “idea friendly” approach—a method centered on small, actionable steps and community collaboration. The conversation highlights success stories, the value of kindness and inclusivity, and advice for towns navigating change. Deb also shares insights from her book, emphasizing that rural communities can build a better future by listening to residents and taking practical, incremental actions.

In this episode, we explore:

  • Starting with small, actionable steps and focusing on community collaboration can lead to significant improvements.
  • Advice for communities feeling stuck between the old and new ways of doing things.
  • How rural communities can create a brighter future by listening to their residents and taking incremental actions.

Quotable: “ You get a lot further taking small steps than trying to do it all at once.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Deb Brown on LinkedIn
Save Your Town
From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories

Special Guest: Deb Brown.

]]> In this episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development, Deb Brown, co-founder of Save Your Town and author of From Possibilities to Reality, shares her journey from rural Iowa to her national work revitalizing small towns. She discusses the founding of Savior Town and introduces the “idea friendly” approach—a method centered on small, actionable steps and community collaboration. The conversation highlights success stories, the value of kindness and inclusivity, and advice for towns navigating change. Deb also shares insights from her book, emphasizing that rural communities can build a better future by listening to residents and taking practical, incremental actions.

In this episode, we explore:

  • Starting with small, actionable steps and focusing on community collaboration can lead to significant improvements.
  • Advice for communities feeling stuck between the old and new ways of doing things.
  • How rural communities can create a brighter future by listening to their residents and taking incremental actions.

Quotable: “ You get a lot further taking small steps than trying to do it all at once.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Deb Brown on LinkedIn
Save Your Town
From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories

Special Guest: Deb Brown.

]]> Navigating Shared Experiences: A Collaborative Approach in Oregon │Krismin Inocentes Bell & Nicole Davison Leon http://www.llofed.com/episode19-krisminbell-nicoleleon b25cf06b-49bf-4132-8f1e-7fc42d9084a4 Fri, 02 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Kaycee Bunch full 2 Kaycee Bunch 44:20 no Join host Kaycee Bunch as she engages in a compelling discussion with Krismin Inocentes Bell, Executive Director of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon, and Nicole Davison Leon, Executive Director of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber. The conversation emphasizes supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs, the necessity of holistic approaches in economic development, and the significant partnership through the Community Economic Coalition (CEC). In this episode, we explore: * We explore why having a mentor who shares your background, culture, or lived experiences can make all the difference in personal and professional growth. The Community Economic Coalition-aiming to create a small business campus as a centralized resource hub, reflecting a shift from reactive efforts to proactive strategies. The importance of collaboration, digital literacy, and storytelling in navigating challenges and achieving long-term success for minority-owned businesses. Quotable: "I think for us, we just realized the power of coming together and disrupting the system.” Resources and Links Connect with Krismin Inocentes Bell on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/krismininocentesbell/) Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO) (https://www.pacco.org/) Connect with Nicole Davison Leon on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-davison-leon-/) Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber (https://hmccoregon.com/) Special Guests: Krismin Inocentes Bell and Nicole Davison León. economic development, econdev, Community Economic Coalition, Oregon, Minority-owned business support, Small business campus Oregon, Krismin Inocentes Bell, Nicole Davison Leon, Join host Kaycee Bunch as she engages in a compelling discussion with Krismin Inocentes Bell, Executive Director of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon, and Nicole Davison Leon, Executive Director of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber. The conversation emphasizes supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs, the necessity of holistic approaches in economic development, and the significant partnership through the Community Economic Coalition (CEC).

In this episode, we explore:

  • We explore why having a mentor who shares your background, culture, or lived experiences can make all the difference in personal and professional growth.

  • The Community Economic Coalition-aiming to create a small business campus as a centralized resource hub, reflecting a shift from reactive efforts to proactive strategies.

  • The importance of collaboration, digital literacy, and storytelling in navigating challenges and achieving long-term success for minority-owned businesses.

Quotable:
"I think for us, we just realized the power of coming together and disrupting the system.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Krismin Inocentes Bell on LinkedIn
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO)
Connect with Nicole Davison Leon on LinkedIn
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber

Special Guests: Krismin Inocentes Bell and Nicole Davison León.

]]> Join host Kaycee Bunch as she engages in a compelling discussion with Krismin Inocentes Bell, Executive Director of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon, and Nicole Davison Leon, Executive Director of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber. The conversation emphasizes supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs, the necessity of holistic approaches in economic development, and the significant partnership through the Community Economic Coalition (CEC).

In this episode, we explore:

  • We explore why having a mentor who shares your background, culture, or lived experiences can make all the difference in personal and professional growth.

  • The Community Economic Coalition-aiming to create a small business campus as a centralized resource hub, reflecting a shift from reactive efforts to proactive strategies.

  • The importance of collaboration, digital literacy, and storytelling in navigating challenges and achieving long-term success for minority-owned businesses.

Quotable:
"I think for us, we just realized the power of coming together and disrupting the system.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Krismin Inocentes Bell on LinkedIn
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO)
Connect with Nicole Davison Leon on LinkedIn
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber

Special Guests: Krismin Inocentes Bell and Nicole Davison León.

]]> Marketing and Communication Strategies in Economic Development │Sandy Dubay, CEcD http://www.llofed.com/episode16-sandydubay eaed6884-c689-4ca6-a82c-64448c3bb3d3 Fri, 07 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500 Kaycee Bunch full 2 Kaycee Bunch 36:59 no Sandy Dubay, CEcD, President and CEO of PPR Strategies, shares her dynamic journey from an early start in economic development to owning her own marketing and communications firm. Joining host Kaycee Bunch, Sandy discusses the importance of relationships, overcoming career challenges, and breaking barriers in the field. She also highlights the value of certifications and continuous learning, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes along the way. In this episode, we explore: * The transition from economic development to marketing and communications. * Why certifications and continuous professional development are important. * Overcoming initial setbacks and fostering long-term business relationships. * Strategies for engaging community partners and reaching underserved populations. * The different communication styles of male and female practitioners. Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.” Resources and Links Connect with Sandy Dubay on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandydubay/) PPR Strategies (https://pprstrategies.com/) Special Guest: Sandy Dubay, CEcD. economic development, women in economic development, econdev, PPR Strategies, Sandy Dubay, economic development marketing Sandy Dubay, CEcD, President and CEO of PPR Strategies, shares her dynamic journey from an early start in economic development to owning her own marketing and communications firm. Joining host Kaycee Bunch, Sandy discusses the importance of relationships, overcoming career challenges, and breaking barriers in the field. She also highlights the value of certifications and continuous learning, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes along the way.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The transition from economic development to marketing and communications.
  • Why certifications and continuous professional development are important.
  • Overcoming initial setbacks and fostering long-term business relationships.
  • Strategies for engaging community partners and reaching underserved populations.
  • The different communication styles of male and female practitioners.

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Sandy Dubay on LinkedIn
PPR Strategies

Special Guest: Sandy Dubay, CEcD.

]]> Sandy Dubay, CEcD, President and CEO of PPR Strategies, shares her dynamic journey from an early start in economic development to owning her own marketing and communications firm. Joining host Kaycee Bunch, Sandy discusses the importance of relationships, overcoming career challenges, and breaking barriers in the field. She also highlights the value of certifications and continuous learning, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes along the way.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The transition from economic development to marketing and communications.
  • Why certifications and continuous professional development are important.
  • Overcoming initial setbacks and fostering long-term business relationships.
  • Strategies for engaging community partners and reaching underserved populations.
  • The different communication styles of male and female practitioners.

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Sandy Dubay on LinkedIn
PPR Strategies

Special Guest: Sandy Dubay, CEcD.

]]> Boosting Rural Communities with Green Energy │Brittany Cox http://www.llofed.com/episode10-brittanycox fe00ac92-d8f9-4b25-ae55-5ee2c1cd03e1 Fri, 06 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400 Kaycee Bunch full 1 Kaycee Bunch Brittany Cox is the Associate Economic Development Manager at Kentucky Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, which delivers safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to more than 1 million Kentucky residents and businesses in 87 counties. Brittany shares her remarkable journey from growing up on a farm in Eastern Kentucky to driving economic growth across the state. We’ll dive into the success of the bourbon industry, the impact of green energy, and how rural communities are attracting new projects. 35:26 no *In this episode, we explore: * * The importance of regional cooperation * The creative energy solutions that are pushing Kentucky towards a sustainable future * Why resilience, passion, and adaptability are essential in economic development * Expansion of the bourbon industry in Kentucky * … and how to focus on what makes your workforce unique Quotable “Sometimes 50 jobs does transform a community. When you know a community well enough and you know that will make an incredible transformation, that's a lot of fun." *Resources and Links * Kentucky Touchstone Energy Cooperatives (https://www.touchstoneenergy.com/) Standup Rural America (https://www.standupruralamerica.com/) Coopapalooza (https://ekpc.coop/coopapalooza) Connect with Brittany Cox on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyrcox/) Special Guest: Brittany Cox. economic development, women in economic development, brittany cox, Kentucky touchstone energy cooperatives, coopapalooza, Kentucky, econdev *In this episode, we explore:
*

  • The importance of regional cooperation
  • The creative energy solutions that are pushing Kentucky towards a sustainable future
  • Why resilience, passion, and adaptability are essential in economic development
  • Expansion of the bourbon industry in Kentucky
  • … and how to focus on what makes your workforce unique

Quotable

“Sometimes 50 jobs does transform a community. When you know a community well enough and you know that will make an incredible transformation, that's a lot of fun."

*Resources and Links
*

Kentucky Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
Standup Rural America
Coopapalooza
Connect with Brittany Cox on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Brittany Cox.

]]> *In this episode, we explore:
*

  • The importance of regional cooperation
  • The creative energy solutions that are pushing Kentucky towards a sustainable future
  • Why resilience, passion, and adaptability are essential in economic development
  • Expansion of the bourbon industry in Kentucky
  • … and how to focus on what makes your workforce unique

Quotable

“Sometimes 50 jobs does transform a community. When you know a community well enough and you know that will make an incredible transformation, that's a lot of fun."

*Resources and Links
*

Kentucky Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
Standup Rural America
Coopapalooza
Connect with Brittany Cox on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Brittany Cox.

]]>