{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/66677cafc446540011f2a41c/6a30c17f252d86e84680a555?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"EP104 The Power of Collective Leadership and Business with Jen Riley","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/66677cafc446540011f2a41c/1781580141479-7853bde8-737b-48d1-ad99-5a2029d5c88c.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Businesses are better together. It is a simple idea that has shaped chambers of commerce for more than 400 years, and according to Jen Riley, it may be more important than ever.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike welcomes Jen Riley, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about leadership, storytelling, policy, and the role businesses play in shaping stronger communities.</p><p><br></p><p>Drawing on more than two decades of experience in communications and brand leadership, including senior roles at EA Sports and Bosa Properties, Jen shares how curiosity and the ability to synthesize complex information have become essential leadership skills. Together, Mike and Jen explore the evolving role of chambers of commerce, why collective voices matter in advocacy efforts, and how local business communities contribute to economic resilience across British Columbia.</p><p><br></p><p>The conversation also explores workforce challenges, affordability, trade, major projects, energy systems, Indigenous partnerships, and why many of today's most important conversations require moving beyond simple either-or perspectives.</p><p><br></p><p>Rather than reducing complex issues into competing sides, Jen encourages listeners to approach them with curiosity, deeper understanding, and a willingness to engage with multiple perspectives.</p><p><br></p><p>Key topics include:</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><ul><li>The history and evolving role of chambers of commerce</li><li>Why businesses are stronger when they work together</li><li>Leadership through curiosity and continuous learning</li><li>The importance of storytelling in shaping policy conversations</li><li>Workforce challenges facing communities across British Columbia</li><li>Trade, affordability, and major economic opportunities</li><li>Energy systems and why nuance matters in public discussions</li><li>Indigenous partnerships and reconciliation in business communities</li><li>Why holding complexity is an important leadership capability</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or simply curious about how policy and business intersect, this conversation offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping British Columbia's future.</p><p><br></p><p>Episode Resources:</p><p>Jen Riley: <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenriley/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn</a></p><p><a href=\"https://bcchamber.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">BC Chamber of Commerce</a></p>","author_name":"Mike Desjardins"}