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In this conversation, Nick Smoot talks with Lenny Mendonca as they explore the themes of decentralization, community empowerment, and the evolution of economic systems. They discuss the importance of local governance, the role of innovation in economic growth, and the challenges posed by AI and automation. The conversation also touches on universal basic income, the need for civic engagement, and the future of education and economic mobility. Mendonca emphasizes the importance of community conversations and the need to listen to each other to create opportunities for all. Check out Build_ for more Takeaways Decentralization is key to empowering local communities. Economic systems are evolving and need to adapt to new realities. The financial sector is undergoing significant changes. Transitioning to government service can provide valuable insights. California's economy is diverse and complex. Innovation is crucial for sustainable economic growth. AI and automation will reshape the future of work. Universal basic income is a topic of debate and consideration. Entitlements and safety nets need to be rethought for effectiveness. Civic engagement is essential for community building. Chapters 00:00 Lenny's Journey: From Farm to Civic Leadership 06:05 Navigating Education: Harvard to Stanford 08:41 McKinsey & The Financial Sector: Early Career Insights 11:33 Transitioning to Government: A New Role 14:39 California's Economic Boom: Lessons from the Past 17:10 The Challenges of Rapid Growth: Infrastructure and Inequality 20:10 AI and Automation: The Future of Work 22:50 Universal Basic Income: A Controversial Solution 25:43 Rethinking Safety Nets: A Systems Approach 28:20 Progressive Federalism: A Path Forward 31:11 The Role of Meaningful Work in Society 33:57 Restructuring Systems for Community Engagement 36:52 The Promise of Innovation and Collaboration 47:21 The Narrative Around Immigration and Crime 48:16 Innovation and Positive Narratives in AI 50:59 Civic Responsibility and Moral Backbone 51:59 Changing Incentives for Positive Outcomes 55:07 Community Engagement Through Local Businesses 01:00:28 Bridging Political Divides 01:05:19 Listening and Engaging with Communities 01:08:56 Rethinking Education and Economic Mobility 01:11:50 Decentralizing Decision-Making in Democracy 01:17:09 Stories of Community Renewal 01:24:17 The Importance of Progressive Federalism 01:26:38 Building New Systems for Democracy and Economics
Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health and host of the show, is also author of the best-selling book, WorkforceRx: Agile and Inclusive Strategies for Employers, Educators and Workers in Unsettled Times. In this episode, Van welcomes leading workforce and economic development experts to discuss the strategies and insights from Chapters Nine and Ten that resonated most with them. Check out their lively discussion about freeing and sharing data within an organization to guide improvements; building infrastructure to help gig workers thrive; the role of labor unions in scaling solutions to workforce challenges; adopting a shared ownership model to overcome inequality in income and assets, and much more from this powerful new playbook for the future of work. Joining Van are: Omid Pourzanjani, Superintendent and President of San Joaquin Delta College; Anthony Dalton, Vice President & Chief Data Scientist at Futuro Health; Kathy Booth, Project Director at WESTED; Ann Volk, Senior Director at Alvarez & Marsal; Sara Skvirsky, Research Director at the Institute for the Future; Dave Regan, President of SEIU-UHW; Howard Brodsky, CEO of CCA Global and Lenny Mendonca, Former Chief Economic and Business Advisor for the State of California.
Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health and host of the show, is also author of the best-selling book, WorkforceRx: Agile and Inclusive Strategies for Employers, Educators and Workers in Unsettled Times. In this episode, Van welcomes leading workforce and economic development experts to discuss the strategies and insights from Chapters Nine and Ten that resonated most with them. Check out their lively discussion about freeing and sharing data within an organization to guide improvements; building infrastructure to help gig workers thrive; the role of labor unions in scaling solutions to workforce challenges; adopting a shared ownership model to overcome inequality in income and assets, and much more from this powerful new playbook for the future of work. Joining Van are: Omid Pourzanjani, Superintendent and President of San Joaquin Delta College; Anthony Dalton, Vice President & Chief Data Scientist at Futuro Health; Kathy Booth, Project Director at WESTED; Ann Volk, Senior Director at Alvarez & Marsal; Sara Skvirsky, Research Director at the Institute for the Future; Dave Regan, President of SEIU-UHW; Howard Brodsky, CEO of CCA Global and Lenny Mendonca, Former Chief Economic and Business Advisor for the State of California.
Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss Rep. Jackie Speier's decision to retire from Congress and the tough decisions facing Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats despite a projected $31 billion budget windfall. Then, Lenny Mendonca, Newsom's former chief economic and business advisor and senior partner emeritus at McKinsey & Company joins to answer questions about the economy and its political fallout and the lessons he's sharing with business and political leaders from his battle with depression and anxiety.
This special episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast was recorded live on March 4th at a panel discussion hosted by Capitol Weekly: The Future of Work, The Big Picture. For the third year in a row, California has seen a decline in population. Will this alter the state’s employment outlook? And, some high-profile companies have announced that they are leaving the state this year: is this a minor trickle, or the beginning of a deluge? With the rise of telecommuting, could out-of-state workers take California jobs? And, what happens with the single-biggest employment problem in the state: lack of affordable housing? Panelists: Rob Lapsley, California Business Roundtable; Lenny Mendonca, McKinsey & Co.; Caitlin Vega, Union Made Strategies; Evan White, California Policy Lab Moderated by Erika Smith, Los Angeles Times
On Thursday, February 18, the Maddy Institute hosted a virtual event, another installment of the Maddy Associates Speaker Series featuring former chief economic and business advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom, Lenny Mendonca. Over zoom, he spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Central Valley and the future opportunities that could come as a result.
Why are California property values skyrocketing even as unemployment is at record numbers? How will the new Democratic administration in DC effect California? Could changes in tax policy better prepare the state for emergencies like COVID? And what is a "K shaped" recovery? Lenny Mendonca, the former head of GO-Biz (The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development)for Governor Gavin Newsom, joined us to talk about the economic outlook for California as the pandemic continues, and what to expect when the era of COVID is over.
Economic development and public policy trailblazer Lenny Mendonca -- who most recently served as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Chief Economic and Business Advisor -- takes us inside the administration’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) and shares insights on a range of vital topics, including: the shape of California’s economic recovery the future of workK-12 and higher education alignmentschool fundingthe importance of leaders making space to openly discuss mental health, and of coursethe impact of the COVID-19 crisis on just about everything. ABOUT OUR GUESTLenny Mendonca grew up in Turlock in California’s Central Valley. He received his MBA and certificate in public management from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he now serves as a lecturer. He holds an AB, magna cum laude, in economics from Harvard College.As a senior partner emeritus with the global consulting firm McKinsey and Company, he has worked with public sector, nonprofit and corporate clients, and developed expertise in areas such as globalization, economic development, regulation and education. Lenny has chaired and served on numerous statewide, national and regional nonprofit boards and coalitions, such as California Forward, New America, Bay Area Council and Children Now (to name just a few) to help advance ambitious budget, education and governance reforms. Soon after being elected in November 2018, Gavin Newsom appointed Lenny as Chief Economic and Business Advisor to the Governor, a position he served in until April of this year, when he stepped down for health reasons. Lenny lives on the Half Moon Bay coast with his wife, Christine. They raised their two daughters, Allie and Rebecca, there and are the founders and owners of the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and the Mavericks Beer Company.LEARN MOREGovernor’s Future of Work CommissionRegions Rise Together initiative“I faced a challenge one out of every three people in America has: depression and anxiety,” guest commentary by Lenny Mendonca, July 2020 CalMattersQUOTABLE“California is a state with radically different economies, radically different industries, radically different challenges. It was true before the environment that we're in today and this pandemic accelerates it: We need to have a closer integration between understanding what the future of work looks like, what jobs will be available and how to ensure that everyone in the state has the educational experience to succeed."ABOUT CASBOThe California Association of School Business Officials is the premier resource for professional development and business best practices for California's school business leaders. CASBO is dedicated to promoting excellence and professionalism in all aspects of school business.Follow at @CASBOABOUT YOUR SERIES GUIDE Paul Richman is a public education advocate and consultant. Contact him at edfundingca@gmail.com. Follow at @pjr100
Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined by Lenny Mendonca, chief economic and business advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom, to discuss the latest on how the coronavirus could impact the state's economy. They also talk with Mendonca about his childhood on a dairy farm in Turlock, his business consulting career and the Newsom administration's vision for high-speed rail, the Central Valley economy and the future of work.
We're hitting the road to talk transportation and high-speed rail! This episode, we start in Aneesh's car, which is where he spends most of his time nowadays. Joining Aneesh is Egon Terplan, a senior advisor to Governor Newsom. Listen up as Aneesh and Egon break down the biggest transportation project that we have right now: the high-speed rail. After a bit of history, you'll dive into the present as Lenny Mendonca, Brian Kelly, the CEO of the high-speed rail, and Melissa Figueroa, the chief of external affairs for the high-speed rail, talk about the project's newly released business plan. Finally, we will hear from Lorenzo Mata, an incredible young man who is helping to actually build the high-speed rail. You won't want to miss his story. All aboard!!
Last week you heard from the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Ann O’Leary, about our proposed budget and, with it, our priorities for the year. At the top of that list is the housing crisis and the most urgent face of that crisis, the stark and tragic rise in homelessness. Today, we’re going to start there, by taking a closer look at the housing and homeless situation. First up, a conversation I had the Governor’s Chief Economic and Business Advisor, Lenny Mendonca, and the Governor’s Senior Advisor on Social Innovation, Kathleen Kelly Janus who have been leading our efforts to partner with the business community. And then we’ll hear from Rebecca Foster, who – I promise you – will give you the best if not one of the best, data-driven, impact-oriented explanations of the housing crisis that you have ever heard. This issue is an everything issue, meaning it involves a lot of things at once. We need more housing supply, with more zoning for density. We need a lower cost way to build housing, with quicker permit times, so that we can make the housing we’re building more affordable. We need the average worker to earn better wages so they can more easily afford the housing that’s on the market. Ultimately, each of us, in each of our communities across the state, as you’ll hear at the end of this episode from Rebecca, needs to do some soul-searching to understand what we’re willing to give up in order to help this state we love deal with its most urgent crisis.
Welcome to Turlock! We are thrilled to be in Lenny Mendonca's hometown for this episode as we dive a bit deeper into our Regions Rise Together initiative. Egon Terplan is our guest host and he leads us in a two-part conversation, sitting down with Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak, Supervisor Vito Chiesa, and Marian Kaanon the CEO of Stanislaus County Community Foundation. Mayor Bublak shares a very personal story, describing her time living in her car before finding her California Dream in Turlock. And Marian offers some interesting insight on how we can and should all work together to address the challenges we are facing.
We started this podcast back in June to bring you in to our work building an economy in California that works for everyone. Since then, we’ve talked about the state of our economy – how the macroeconomic indicators, which show record job growth and a historic expansion, belie the staggering levels of income and wealth inequality we have in our state and nation. We’ve talked about how that inequality has a demographic element, rising as you look at race and gender, as well as a geographic element, with an imbalance in growth between our coastal and inland communities. We’ve talked about ways we can address that – from supporting our small businesses and entrepreneurs to supporting better regions-based economic planning across the state, from upping our focus on international trade to upping our partnership with philanthropy, from examining the future of industries in California as well as the future of work, so that we are not just up-skilling workers but also upgrading the quality of jobs. And, of course, we’ve talked about our affordability crisis across healthcare, education, and most notably, housing. It’s been a busy year but it’s just the first for this Administration and before we let you go for the holidays, before we get ready to come back to a busy start to 2020, we want to take a look back with the Governor’s Chief Business and Economic Advisor, and the guy who is, more than anything else, the reason I took this job, Lenny Mendonca.
** This podcast was recorded on November 18, 2019** Our final “Policy and a Pint” of 2019 is with a former farm boy from the Central Valley who is now Gavin Newsom’s go-to guy for advice on California ‘s economy and business affairs, and also chair of the state’s High Speed Rail project. Lenny Mendonca grew up milking cows on his family’s farm in Turlock, but he was the first one in his family to go to college -- Harvard University -- where he became student body president. A Stanford MBA, a partnership at management consulting mega-firm McKinsey, and advising roles at California startups and nonprofits gave him such an impressive resume that Governor Newsom tapped Mendonca to be his Chief Economic and Business Advisor, the director of the state’s Office of Business and Economic Development (also known as GO-Biz), and, last but not least, the chair of California’s High Speed Rail Commission. Those are a lot of responsibilities, but Mendonca is taking them on — his mission now is to make Inland California the most desirable place to live in the state. He wants to raise the region’s stature in the eyes of companies on the coast, and solve some of its biggest problems around housing, jobs, transit and wealth inequality. Join us for this conversation down in the basement of Ruhstaller’s taproom in Downtown Sacramento as we talk with Mendonca about his Central Valley roots and vision, and how he plans to bring the jobs, the housing and the high-speed transit to California’s “flyover country." PODCAST PLAY-BY-PLAY * 0 to 6:45 min: Intro to California Groundbreakers, and a brief backgrounder of Mendonca * 6:45 min - Mendonca, also owner of Half Moon Bay Brewing, shares his favorite beer on tap there, and a must-visit place he recommends in Inland California (also involves yeast) * 10:15 - How growing up on a dairy farm, running for student body president, and adjusting from Turlock to Harvard University prepped him for the future * 18:05 - How Mendonca envisions the private and public sectors working better together * 23 min - The big news coming out of this year's economic summit run by California Forward, which Mendonca helped create * 26:40 min - How he met Gavin Newsom, who made him a job offer he couldn't refuse * 29 min - The disconnect between Silicon Valley and Central Valley: How Mendonca wants to better connect coastal California and inland California * 35:35 min - How concerned should California be about so many of its companies and middle-class workforce leaving for other states? * 41 min: The future of California's agricultural industry; and what local governments can do to prevent brain drain and draw new businesses * 47:40 min - Boosting education, reducing inequality there, and connecting it more closely to business * 53:30 min - The importance of digital innovation in state government, and "civic tech" as a hot business sector * 58:50 min - What can Property Business Improvement Districts do to improve the urban core, and can they partner up with Go-Biz? * 1 hr, 6:40 min - Investing in Inland California's rural communities * 1 hr, 9:40 min - The future of high-speed rail in Inland California * 1 hr, 14:50 - Hidden business gems in Inland California that need investment help * 1 hr, 17:40 min - How to encourage businesses to decentralize and do more teleworking * 1 hr, 19:45 min - Is there a problem with state legislators who lack business experience but are passing bills that directly affect businesses? * 1 hr, 22:35 min - What is California doing to boost business in the nature/wildlife/outdoors tourism industry? * 1 hr, 25:40 min - How Mendonca manages his multiple jobs sanely; and his direct pitch to our podcast producer Kaleb to consider staying in California
“Postcard California” is one thing, but in reality, our state is much more than palm trees and a bright-red bridge. When it comes to securing the socioeconomic future of California, it’s going to take much more than Hollywood magic… it’s going to require vision and versatility. In this episode of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Podcast, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley sits down with California’s Chief Economic & Business Advisor and Central Valley native Lenny Mendonca. They discuss California’s “Regions Rise Together” approach to economic development, and the crucial role that community colleges will play, not just in L.A. and the Bay, but throughout the state. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/CCC19026_1.ashx
California on the world stage! You've heard us say it more than a few times... California is the fifth largest economy in the world. We say that to show the scale of our challenges and opportunities in this state, but it also shows the level of impact we can have on the global economy and the level of impact the global economy can have on us. With that in mind, stay tuned as we unpack California on the international stage through a conversation with Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Lenny Mendonca, and Bud Colligan. We will also hear from a San Diego business owner whose business has been impacted by issues around trade.
The future of work! Welcome to Episode 6, everyone! Chances are if you have followed any news around technology and its growing impact on our economy, you've run into the phrase "the future of work." Well, here's the thing, when we talk about the future of work we often make two mistakes. Join us as we unpack those mistakes during a conversation with Lenny Mendonca, the Governor's Chief Economic and Business Advisor; Julie Su, the Labor Secretary; and Lande Ajose, the Governor's Senior Advisor on Higher Education. And don't miss the end! Kaitlin talks to May Lee, California's 99-year-old employee who has dedicated 76 years of her life to serving the State.
Podcast By The Bay sits down for a conversation with the Chief Economic and Business Advisor for the state of CA, Lenny Mendonca. Lenny, whom brings an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge to his chief role, discusses vision from the state perspective on topics such as high-speed rail, economic growth, transportation, housing, and regions rising together. This episode features music by Leo DeVito. Lenny was interviewed in August 2019 at the HMB Brewing Company. Stay Tuned! Website- www.podcastbythebay.comFacebook- www.facebook.com/podcastbythebayTwitter- @Podcastbythebay
Podcast By The Bay sits down for a conversation with the Chief Economic and Business Advisor for the state of CA, Lenny Mendonca. Lenny, whom brings an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge to his chief role, discusses vision from the state perspective on topics such as high-speed rail, economic growth, transportation, housing, and regions rising together. This episode features music by Leo DeVito. Lenny was interviewed in August 2019 at the HMB Brewing Company. Stay Tuned! Website- www.podcastbythebay.comFacebook- www.facebook.com/podcastbythebayTwitter- @Podcastbythebay
Lenny Mendonca was tapped by Gov. Newsom to be the state's Chief Economic and Business Advisor, so when he talks about the state's economic health he has great insight. He also happens to be an expert economists who has written several books on the topic. Read more about his resume here. Paul Swearengin and Craig Scharton talk to Lenny about important state topics like the pairing back of state regulations, why it costs more to do business in California than in other states and why Lenny is a backer of High Speed Rail and why he still believes it will be built in California and why he believes it will be an economic game-changer for Central California. If you're feeling hopeless about California's economy, don't miss hearing from one of the state's top experts on California's economy and find out why he's anything but hopeless. Thanks to Terry's House for being our title sponsor on the podcast!
Lenny Mendonca, newly-appointed as Governor Newsom's Chief Economic and Business Advisor, wears a lot of hats: he is also Chair of California's High Speed Rail Commission, Senior Partner Emeritus of McKinsey & Company, and one of the founders and owners of the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. We caught up with Lenny in his 18th floor office on J Street to chat about High Speed Rail, taxes - and beer.
Lenny Mendonca, a former senior partner with McKinsey & Company and a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, is the co-founder of New America, a self-described “think and action tank." In this fascinating conversation with host Spencer Critchley, Lenny explains why he believes progressive federalism is the solution to our biggest challenges, including climate change, the rise of artificial intelligence, the future of work, and the health of our democracy. More at the episode page.
Donald Trump’s brand of partisan politics has pushed many Americans to lose faith in the federal government, especially as collective challenges like climate change are ignored by the White House. But for Laura Tyson and Lenny Mendonca, Trump’s dangerous populism has an effective antidote: the Tenth Amendment. Interested in learning more? Head over to the PS website for a full list of columns by Laura Tyson and Lenny Mendonca --> http://bit.ly/1B6a265.
Podcast By The Bay sits down with the Peninsula's own Lenny Mendonca who is current Co-Chair of California Forward, is founder of FUSE Corps, and has been with organizations such as McKinsey & Company, Presidio Institute, and Bay Area Council. Lenny discusses big ideas and vision around solving some of the Bay Area, Local, and State's major issues like election reform and housing. This episode features music by Susan James and Thrilltrain. Stay Tuned! Website- www.podcastbythebay.comTwitter- @PodcastbythebayFacebook- www.facebook.com/podcastbythebay
Podcast By The Bay sits down with the Peninsula’s own Lenny Mendonca who is current Co-Chair of California Forward, is founder of FUSE Corps, and has been with organizations such as McKinsey & Company, Presidio Institute, and Bay Area Council. Lenny discusses big ideas and vision around solving some of the Bay Area, Local, and State’s major issues like election reform and housing. This episode features music by Susan James and Thrilltrain. Stay Tuned! Website- www.podcastbythebay.comTwitter- @PodcastbythebayFacebook- www.facebook.com/podcastbythebay
Lenny Mendonca, Chair of the New America Foundation, sees strong parallels between our current economic moment and the tail-end of the Industrial Revolution, which coincided with the progressive movement of the late 20th century.
This week, T.J. O’Hara is joined by Lenny Mendonca on the IVN podcast, A Civil Assessment. Lenny Mendonca is a Senior Partner Emeritus from the Washington D.C. and San Francisco offices of McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm. He is a Lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and co-chair of California Forward. He is also an advisor to several entrepreneurs. Over the course of his career he helped dozens of government, corporate, and nonprofit clients solve their most difficult management challenges. The two discuss CA Fwd in general, and the current projects. CA Fwd is driven to make the promise of the California Dream attainable for all. Its mission is to inspire better decision-making by governments at all levels in order to grow middle-class jobs, promote cost-effective public services, and create accountability for results. They delve into gerrymandering and look at independent commissions in California and Arizona, as well as opening up primaries, money in politics, alternate voting methods, partisan manipulation of legislative procedures, and more.
Growth and renewal will be critical if the United States budget and economy are to stabilize and thrive. In this university podcast, McKinsey senior partner Lenny Mendonca discusses the role the federal budget plays in helping or hindering research, development, and private innovation. He also outlines what activity will be needed at the national level to stimulate the kind of economy we need. What are the opportunities for building on what’s been done already? What is the role of the regulatory and business environment? How does energy productivity enter into the equation? The event “Demystifying DC: Is America Ungovernable?” was organized by the Public Management Initiative (PMI) at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Sponsored by the school’s Center for Social Innovation’s Public Management Program, PMI students select one topic to explore in detail throughout the academic year and engage the school community in discussion and debate. Lenny Mendonca is a director (senior partner) in the San Francisco office of McKinsey & Company, Inc., where he leads the firm’s knowledge development. He is on McKinsey’s Shareholders’ Council, oversees the firm’s communications, and is chairman of the McKinsey Global Institute. Mendonca has written and spoken extensively on globalization, corporate social responsibility, economic development, regulation, education, energy policy, healthcare, financial services, and corporate strategy. He is also the founder and owner of the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company in California. He received his MBA and a certificate in public management from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and holds an AB, magna cum laude, in economics from Harvard College. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/creating_an_innovation_revolution