Today’s conversation did not take me far from home because my guest, Jess Edwards, is in the midst of wrapping up a project in Danville, VA.

Jess is a project-based ecosystem builder who has done this work in her hometown of Buffalo, NY, in Dubai as well as in Alaska and – most recently – in the South of Virginia.

Jess spilled the beans on how she builds and leverages her social capital when she parachutes into a community and explains why ecosystem projects are very much like going on a roadtrip to Florida.

Jess Edwards is a systems leader that can quickly identify talent and resources from various industries and mobilize them. She has an exceptional ability to maintain a bigger picture mission while developing a comprehensive implementation plan. Jess has a vast ability to help people, organizations and communities reach their greatest potential.

Click here to listen to this episode on your favorite podcast player!

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • Why some measure of conflict is inherent in the work of ecosystem building
  • How Jess defines social capital and why it’s not just about how big your network is
  • The three groups ecosystem builders need to have positive social capital with
  • The number one conflict Jess sees across ecosystems, and three key ways to manage it
  • How ecosystem builders can use their social capital to navigate interpersonal conflicts among stakeholders
  • Three ways that proving your credibility in a new environment builds trust

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