Become, Connect, Transform: The Power of Leadership in Economic Development │Joy Wilkins
In this episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development, Kaycee sits down with Joy Wilkins, founder of Serving Communities and a longtime champion of leadership and community impact. Throughout her career, Joy has remained focused on one central purpose: improving the human condition. From her introduction to economic development in college to navigating personal and professional turning points, Joy shares how her experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and reinforced her belief that business is always personal.
Joy also shares the story behind the Leadership in Economic Development and Leadership Insights series, which grew out of a conversation with Denny Coleman through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). That work ultimately led to the book Leadership Insights from the Trailblazers Shaping the Communities Around Us, featuring 28 leaders and centered on three essential disciplines: Become, Connect, and Transform.
In this episode, we explore:
- How personal experiences, loss, and career transitions shaped Joy’s leadership philosophy and her belief that economic development ultimately improves human condition.
- The inspiration behind the Leadership Insights series and book, featuring 28 leaders and the three disciplines of leadership: Become, Connect, and Transform.
- What it takes to lead authentically through uncertainty, including practicing vulnerability, building trusted relationships, and leading with heart.
- How Serving Communities and initiatives like MAX, MAX Academy, and Leadership MAX connect strategy, leadership, and implementation to strengthen networks and create lasting community impact.
Quotable: “ To me, workforce development is economic development at the most personal level, because it is about investing in the lives of others.”
Resources and Links
Connect with Joy Wilkins on LinkedIn
Leadership Insights From the Trailblazers Shaping the Communities Around Us By Joy Wilkins
Serving Communities LLC — Where Leaders Connect. Communities Thrive.
Kaycee Bunch, MA, CEcD
Joy Wilkins, CEcD, HLM