Under Construction with Marilyn Strickland

In our series finale, Marilyn Strickland discusses her time as Seattle Metro Chamber President and CEO, learnings from the Under Construction podcast, and the importance of regionalism – with The Riveter’s Jenna Hanchard. Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Advanced Professionals Insurance & Benefits Solutions.

Sam Cho discusses his recent election to the Port of Seattle Commission, founding a trading and export company, and his South Korean heritage. Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Advanced Professionals Insurance & Benefits Solutions.

Tony Mestres, President and CEO of Seattle Foundation, discusses the importance of growing our economy equitably, brutal honesty without brutality, and his work guiding regional philanthropy. Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Alaska Airlines.

Brian McGowan, CEO of Greater Seattle Partners, discusses economic hyper-growth in the Seattle region, his work in the Obama administration, and his parents’ immigration from Ireland. Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Alaska Airlines.

Shaunta Hyde, managing director of community relations for Alaska Airlines, discusses directing their nonprofit investments, working as a woman of color in aviation, and what she remembers about her very first flight. Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Alaska Airlines.

In a special episode before the November 5 general elections, our CEO Marilyn Strickland interviews Seattle City Council candidates Heidi Wills (District 6 begins within at 1:12) and Jim Pugel (District 7 begins within at 11:10). Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Alaska Airlines.

In a special episode ahead of the November 5 general elections, our CEO Marilyn Strickland interviews Seattle City Council candidates Phil Tavel (District 1 begins within at 1:07), Mark Solomon (District 2 begins within at 12:22), and Egan Orion (District 3 begins within at 21:56). Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Alaska Airlines.

In a special episode recorded live at our 2019 Annual Meeting, Gary Locke, former Washington State Governor, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and U.S. Ambassador to China, discusses leadership and making enduring, positive impact, with our CEO Marilyn Strickland.

In our Season 1 finale, Seattle Metro Chamber CEO Marilyn Strickland shares episode highlights and discusses Seattle, the importance of communication, and how family shapes us – with legendary former KING 5 News Anchor Jean Enersen.

In a special episode diving into the 2019 Seattle City Council races, Richard de Sam Lazaro, Manager of Government and Corporate Relations at Expedia Group, Erin Goodman, Executive Director of the SoDo BIA, and Rachel Marshall, Founder of Rachel’s Ginger Beer, join Seattle Metro Chamber CEO Marilyn Strickland – to discuss the upcoming elections, what makes a good leader, and effective city governance.

Solynn McCurdy, Senior Vice President of Cooperative Affairs of BECU, a Seattle Metro Chamber board trustee, and former CEO of Social Venture Partners, discusses the significance of mentorship, changing Seattle, and his work giving voice to people who have been marginalized.

Amelia Ransom, Senior Director of Engagement and Diversity at Avalara, discusses diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace, how leading with vulnerability can create safe spaces, and what she would tell her 20-year-old self.

Shkëlqim Kelmendi, executive director of Housing Connector, discusses helping people in King County in need of housing, how to change the quality of your experience as a young professional, and his memory of fleeing Kosovo as a boy during war. Photo of Shkëlqim Kelmendi courtesy of Carlton Canary.

Mari Horita, Vice President of Community Engagement and Philanthropy with NHL Seattle, discusses increasing access to hockey, her favorite childhood memories, and lessons in sportsmanship.

David Bley, Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Pacific Northwest Initiative, discusses education inequity, the importance of listening in problem-solving, and the one word he would use to describe himself.

Alejandro Grajal, President and CEO of Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, discusses growing up in Venezuela, the importance of creating empathy for animals, and what he calls “the oddest bird in the world.”

Norman Rice, former Seattle Mayor and Seattle City Councilmember, discusses what it was like to make history as Seattle’s first African-American mayor, lessons learned from failure, and his love story with his wife of 44 years. Photo of Norman Rice by José Mandojana, courtesy of UW Columns.

Graciela Gomez Cowger, CEO of Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, discusses her childhood in Tijuana, Mexico, what it means to be CEO of a law firm, and the beginning of a surprising hobby.

Dr. Guy Hudson, CEO of Swedish Health Services, discusses how health care has changed over the years, why so many Seattle families start at Swedish, and the important impact that relationships have on healing.

Jasmine Donovan, Executive Vice President of Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants, discusses the origin of Seattle’s beloved Dick’s, change in a restaurant known for being the same, and work skills learned serving in the Navy.

John Cook, co-founder of GeekWire, discusses getting outside of his bubble, the difference between Seattle and Silicon Valley tech, and the need for coordinated regional leadership.

Adriane Brown, a venture partner at Flying Fish, discusses how discomfort breeds growth, the importance of soft skills in leadership positions, and unleashing curiosity.