Kyra Cole: Leading with Values and Collaboration

Hosts Emily Rodger and Dave Veale welcome Kyra Cole, a renowned entrepreneur, advocate, and expert in economic development and experiential tourism onto the podcast. Kyra's journey into her current line of work is explored, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her chosen path. As the conversation unfolds, Kyra modestly acknowledges her numerous accolades, attributing her success to supporting her clients in realizing their visions. The power of community and collaboration takes center stage as Kyra shares her community-over-competition approach, emphasizing the importance of cultivating strong support networks. Authenticity becomes a prevailing theme as Kyra opens up about the hurdles she faced, making her the resilient and vibrant leader she is today. The hosts, Emily and Dave, praise her willingness to be vulnerable, valuing authenticity as a cornerstone of effective leadership. The discussion takes a thought-provoking turn as they explore issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in business practices. Kyra highlights the biases present in accessing funding and applying for contracts and emphasizes the transformative potential of collaboration and open conversations to challenge the status quo. Kyra's expertise in experiential tourism is showcased as she explains its potential to foster community development and forge meaningful connections between tourists and local communities. She provides compelling examples of how this approach can create extraordinary experiences out of seemingly ordinary moments. Throughout the episode, Kyra's commitment to creating a more equitable economic landscape shines through, underpinned by her decade of experience in municipal and Indigenous economic development. Her dedication to supporting marginalized communities and promoting values-driven partnerships is evident in her work. As the episode draws to a close, Emily and Dave reflect on the invaluable insights they gained from Kyra's journey. Her emphasis on authenticity, collaboration, and elevating marginalized voices serves as an inspiration for leaders seeking to make a positive impact in their respective fields. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices