Insight City Podcast

Today on Insight City, I sat down with Cara Spencer, the current Alderwoman for Ward 8 and a candidate for mayor of St. Louis in the upcoming March 4 primary. Cara entered the political arena in 2015, motivated by a passion for solving community challenges. With a background in mathematics and experience in the private sector, she brings a data-driven, results-oriented approach to leadership. Throughout her tenure, she has focused ...

This week on Insight City, John Berglund sat down with Neal Richardson, President & CEO of St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC). With a strong background in real estate finance and community development, Richardson is dedicated to fostering equitable economic opportunities throughout the city. Since taking the helm of SLDC in June 2021, he has implemented an ambitious Economic Justice Action Plan, strategicall...

This week, John Berglund sat down with Joel Fuoss, Principal at Trivers Architecture firm in St. Louis, recognized for his innovative designs and community engagement. He has been instrumental in significant projects like the Gateway Arch Museum and the Art & Design Building Expansion at Southern Illinois University, earning multiple awards from the American Institute of Architects. In addition to his architectural work, Joel a...

This week, John Berglund sat down with Zack Boyers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank focused on community lending and structured finance. Boyers provides leadership and strategic direction to a team of over 500 people delivering tax credit investments, syndications, lending, and other financial solutions that drive inclusive growth and positive impacts for people, commun...

This week, John Berglund caught up with Dick Fleming, a prominent figure in urban development and economic growth. With over 40 years of experience as a "civic entrepreneur" across multiple major U.S. cities, Dick played a pivotal role in Denver's economic resurgence during the 80s and 90s. He served as the founding CEO of The Downtown Denver Partnership, leading initiatives that transformed the city's landscape, including the deve...

This week on Insight City, Brian Monheiser and Anthony Calamito of GEO261 sat down with Frank Romo, CEO and founder of RomoGIS. With a background in urban planning and geospatial technologies, Romo develops applications for cities, non-profits, and research organizations, aiming to empower communities with tools and skills to create positive change. RomoGIS aims to provide mentorship, internships, and workshops to underrepresented ...

This week on Insight City, John Berglund sat down with Zekita Armstrong Asuquo, Chair and CEO of Gateway Global American Youth and Business Alliance Academies, a tech-based workforce development organization focused on training under-resourced high school students for entry-level geospatial careers. They discussed Gateway Global's new Geospatial & IT Workforce and Apprenticeship Campus (GIWAC) in North St. Louis, and how it aim...

This week, we’re bringing in guest host Brian Monheiser of GEO261 to kick off a special Geospatial series of Insight City. Brian’s first guest is Simon Bailey, CEO of T-Kartor USA, a geospatial solutions company based right here in Downtown North St. Louis. Simon has over 25 years of experience in the geospatial industry, having worked with organizations such as Boeing and the NGA. Under his leadership, T-Kartor USA focuses on prov...

This week, John Berglund caught up with Maxine Clark, the founder and former CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, the retail chain that revolutionized the stuffed animal industry. Currently, she serves as the Chief Inspirator at The Delmar DivINe, a transformative real estate project in St. Louis that fosters collaboration among nonprofits and provides affordable housing. Maxine is also actively involved in various philanthropic efforts, ...

This week, John Berglund sat down with Arrey Obenson, President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis. Originally from Cameroon, Obenson immigrated to the United States nearly two decades ago to attend Washington University School of Law. With extensive experience in community engagement and a passion for social justice, he now leads the International Institute of St. Louis, a vital hub for immigrant services and co...

This week on Insight City Podcast, we check in with Mayor of St. Louis Tishaura O. Jones. Mayor Jones made history as the city's first Black female mayor, having taken office in 2021. Before becoming Mayor, she served as the Treasurer of St. Louis from 2013 to 2021 and was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2009 to 2013. Jones is known for her progressive policies and commitment to financial empowerment in the c...

For this special 4th of July episode, John Berglund sat down with Betsy Cohen, Executive Director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, to explore how America's immigrant heritage continues to shape our cities success and discuss the vital role of international talent in strengthening our communities and economy. Betsy Cohen had a long career as Vice President of Marketing at Nestlé Purina, and now leads the St. Louis Mosaic Project, a ...

John Berglund interviews Brian Monheiser and Anthony Calamito, co-founders of GEO261, a St. Louis-based growth strategy firm with a background in geospatial technology and product-market fit. Monheiser is a USMC veteran with expertise in topographic analysis, systems engineering, and business development, while Calamito is a college-trained geographer with experience in product management, go-to-market strategies, and academia. The...

John Berglund interviews Gabe Angieri, the executive director of Arch Grants, whose mission is to change the St. Louis economic ecosystem by attracting entrepreneurs to the region with $50,000 non-equity grants. In order to receive a grant, the founders must either be from St. Louis, or move their companies to the region. Since 2012, Arch Grants has supported more than 240 companies, most of which are still in business.

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Dennis Lower has been a pioneer in the development of innovation districts nationwide, making significant contributions in Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey, and most recently St. Louis, where he served as President and CEO of Cortex Innovation Community for a decade. This week, John Berglund and Dennis sat down to discuss what St. Louis needs to do to become one of the nation's next major technology innovation capitals.

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This week, John Berglund interviewed Tosha Downey, Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tosha tells us the story of her upbringing, and what role that had in her pursuit to advance public policy in Tennessee. They also discuss what Memphis and St. Louis can learn from each other, and the role education and early learning plays in our cities futures.

Insight City: The city is talking. Are we listening...

This week, John Berglund sat down with Unitey Kull, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Unitey started her career in St. Louis at another city staple, the Contemporary Art Museum. SLSO is currently undergoing big changes with the renovations of Powell Hall, the Symphony's home and one of the most historic concert halls in the country. With the community eager to learn abo...

Join John Berglund on Insight City as he sits down with Kurt Weigle, the Senior Vice President and Chief Downtown Officer at Greater St. Louis, Inc. Kurt has spent his career transforming downtown districts in Detroit, New Orleans, and now St. Louis. With a background in urban planning and development, Kurt has led the revitalization of downtown areas, attracting development, improving livability, and promoting indust...