“For me, maximum flexibility is key. The ability to transition as things change is really important, as is the ability to relate to people that are coming from different circumstances and places.” –Charles Wood

What better way to launch into the new year than by learning from an economic developer truly moving the needle on a lot of different goals. From creativity in growing talent and workforce strategies to launching a collaborative marketing effort, from running a successful entrepreneurial incubator to leading with four simple yet non-negotiable rules, Charles Wood is not only dreaming big but truly doing things big in the greater Chattanooga region.

Join Faye Davis as she picks Charles’ brain about his leadership, his strategies, his goals and his successes. As the Vice President of Economic Development at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Charles has capitalized on opportunities to implement transformative projects in low-income areas and create a better quality of life for people who live in those areas. He talks about the goal of imbedding more employers and educational opportunities in growth opportunity zones, and shares concrete steps his organization and partnering stakeholders took to make these dreams reality.

Charles is a wealth of information. He shares four rules he has used to keep his leadership, his career, and his team focused in the right direction; true to his nature, these rules are simple, without fluff, and incredibly useful. We are so excited to kick off 2022 with this interview and hope you glean as much knowledge from Charles as we did. Listen now on our website, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts!

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