Episode 126 - LaKesha Womack - Democratic Nominee for NC 14th Congressional District

Episode 126 - LaKesha Womack - Democratic Nominee for NC 14th Congressional District

We talk with LaKesha Womack, Democratic nominee for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District, consultant, author, ordained minister, and Chief Strategy Officer at Aspire Community Capital. LaKesha shares her journey from rural Alabama to public service, discussing her grassroots approach to campaigning, the importance of listening to communities, and why she believes complex challenges require thoughtful, long-term solutions rather than political sound bites. The conversation explores economic opportunity, healthcare, childcare, small business development, political engagement, and her work helping entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses through community-focused lending and technical assistance. LaKesha Womack is a consultant, author, ordained minister, and Chief Strategy Officer at Aspire Community Capital. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and small business growth, she helps organizations and communities solve complex challenges through systems-based thinking and practical leadership. She is also the Democratic nominee for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District.

Episode 125 - Robert Long - Director, Chester County Economic Development

We talk to Robert Long, Director of Economic Development for Chester County, South Carolina. He discusses how small communities compete for big investment in today’s global economy. From international trips to Seoul, Korea, to local workforce training programs, Robert breaks down how economic development actually works and why it matters to everyday residents. Robert also explains how Chester County has shifted from simply chasing jobs to focusing on high-quality opportunities that benefit the community long-term, including major projects like IKO and E. & J. Gallo Winery. Robert Long is the Director of Economic Development for Chester County, where he leads efforts to recruit new industry, support existing businesses, and grow the local economy. With a background in demography and years of experience in economic development, he focuses on strategic growth that balances job creation, workforce development, and sustainable community impact. Under his leadership, the county has seen significant investment, wage growth, and even reductions in property tax rates through an expanded tax base.

Episode 124 - Beth Black White - Co-Owner, Black's Peaches

We talk to York Area Business Person of the Year Beth Black White from Black’s Peaches about her family’s multi-generational farming operation in York County, South Carolina. She tells us  how they’ve evolved from traditional agriculture into a thriving agritourism destination. We cover everything from growing fruits and vegetables to creating community experiences like hayrides, corn mazes, and farm markets, while also exploring the realities of seasonal food, crop loss, and the importance of supporting local agriculture. Beth Black White is a co-owner of Black’s Peaches, a family farm with roots in the 1700s and over 100 years of peach production. Her great-grandfather planted the first peach crop, and the business has since expanded under multiple generations to include strawberries (now in their 50th year), produce markets, and agritourism. In addition to running the farm, Beth serves as a York Soil and Water Commissioner, advocating for sustainable land and water use and supporting local farmers.

Episode 123 – Dr. Andrew T. Hsu - President of the College of Charleston

In today's episode, we talk with Andrew T. Hsu, the president of the College of Charleston. We explore the leadership and vision behind one of the country’s most respected academic institutions in one of the most desirable cities in the world. Our conversation focuses on balancing affordability, innovation, and academic rigor while continuing to strengthen academic programs and navigate the long-term impact of COVID. The episode also explores Dr. Hsu’s personal journey, from being born in China and growing up during the Cultural Revolution to building a career in the United States across multiple colleges and universities. Now serving in his first presidency at the College of Charleston, he reflects on his path to leadership, his appreciation for Charleston, and how his experiences have shaped his perspective on education, opportunity, and institutional growth.

Episode 122 – Dr. Laura Ullrich - Director, Economic Research, Indeed

Today we talk to economist Dr. Laura Ullrich about the state of the U.S. economy, the evolving labor market, and how AI, policy, and inequality are reshaping work in real time. We dig into stagnant hiring, ghost jobs, healthcare-driven employment growth, the rise of a K-shaped economy, and why communication, leadership, and skilled trades may matter more than ever in the future of work.  Dr. Laura Ullrich is an economist and Director of Economic Research at Indeed’s Hiring Lab, where she leads North American labor market research. She previously served as an economics professor and Associate Dean at Winthrop University and spent over six years as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. She earned her education at the University of Georgia and is a frequent media contributor on workforce and economic trends.