“The biggest part of learning anything is taking your ego out of it. Nobody has all of the answers.” –Heather Ennis

Gathering knowledge and building expertise are cornerstones of the work economic developers do. We have to be lifelong learners, always keeping abreast of new developments and trends within industries. So how can you continue to build that vast library of information in your leadership? What is it that makes knowledge stick and how do you stay current with the proverbial slang of our profession?

Faye Davis had the chance to catch up with Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis and had a great conversation about how Heather spun out of the manufacturing and sales industry into economic development, what lessons she took with her along the way, and how she continues to build and expand her expertise to serve her region best. She shares the one phrase she’s never afraid to say to people, and dives into how that phrase has helped her build strong relationships in every corner of her region.

One of the keys to impactful leadership in economic development is humility; today, Heather shares a lot of insight how her focus on being transparent, authentic and humble has served her well, and her advice to new leaders in the economic development industry is enlightening. Hit “play” now to soak up Heather’s wisdoms!

America’s Jobs Team is sponsored by Research on Investment / Gazelle.ai