Talent Wars: A Podcast By DCI

Season 2 of Talent Wars: A Podcast by DCI took us from Maine to Michigan, Baton Rouge to Kansas City and beyond to Canada and Europe, uncovering how communities are tackling today's complex talent challenges.  In this bonus episode, host Patience Fairbrother steps back to highlight the biggest insights from the season and what they mean for talent strategies in 2026. From the rising importance of retention and inclusion to rethinking who qualifies as "talent," these conversations reveal the fundamental shifts that will shape how communities attract, retain and grow their workforce in the year ahead.  Tune in to uncover a roadmap for navigating demographic change, economic uncertainty and evolving workforce expectations.  

What happens when a viral pop-culture moment suddenly puts your region on the national stage? On this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Danielle Hilton, managing director of TeamKC, to unpack how her team moved at lightning speed to turn the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce love story into a full-fledged talent attraction strategy.  From recognizing the moment to aligning stakeholders and crafting messaging on the fly, TeamKC managed national media pressure and translated fandom-driven buzz into long-term market awareness, and Danielle is here to share how other talent leaders can do the same by moving fast, staying authentic and building a strategy when the moment chooses you—not the other way around.  Join Patience and Danielle as they break down the 300 million impressions this campaign generated, how TeamKC built a media strategy around "the epiphany of the visit" and the playbook they're now using to prepare for an even bigger moment, like the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Whether you're preparing for your region to be in the spotlight in 2026 or just waiting for the right hook, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Canada has long been recognized as a global leader in attracting top talent and building economic strength through immigration. With its population on track to reach 100 million by 2100, the country is now tackling an important question: how do you ensure that growth is not just rapid, but smart and sustainable?   On this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Muraly Srinarayanathas, serial entrepreneur and board member of Century Initiative, which aims to grow Canada's population responsibly to 100 million by the year 2100. Patience and Muraly explore how companies can leverage international perspectives to drive innovation, what it takes to balance population growth with housing and infrastructure needs and how to maintain public support for immigration during periods of rapid change.   They also examine the Century Initiative's framework for responsible growth, share examples of places successfully managing population expansion—from Tasmania to South Korea—and discuss what American cities and regions can learn from Canada's approach.   This conversation offers practical insights for economic developers, workforce professionals and business leaders navigating the intersection of growth strategy, immigration policy and talent attraction.  

From "Peak 18" to AI transforming work itself, communities are realizing they need to pivot and rethink how they attract and retain talent.  On this special episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother captures insights from some of the top workforce leaders and experts in the U.S. at the 2025 Young Smart & Local Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Through conversations with leaders on the frontlines of the talent wars, this episode uncovers how communities are pivoting to meet demographic challenges, embrace skills-based hiring, leverage real-time data and use AI as a strategic tool—all while keeping authenticity and human connection at the center of their efforts. Tune in to learn how regions are experimenting with bold approaches, learning from peers and redefining what it means to win the talent wars in today's rapidly evolving environment. 

Attracting tech talent takes more than spreadsheets and strategy. What really makes a place "sticky" is its social fabric, which is made up of connections, conversations and stories that make people feel part of something bigger. On this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother sits down with CEO and Co-founder of Technical.ly, Chris Wink, to discuss what nearly two decades of reporting on local tech ecosystems have revealed about what truly drives growth. From the role of "ecosystem storytelling" in shaping reputation to why community events matter more than most realize, they unpack how authentic local stories translate into national recognition and real talent attraction results. Tune in to learn why storytelling should be an input to strategy, how cities like Pittsburgh and Miami used narrative to shift perception, as well as why focusing on value, not just cost of living, matters in today's talent market.

What drives a professional to pack up their life and move to another country? On this episode, host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Steve Duncan, managing director of C Studios, to discuss the latest "What Talent Wants" study. Inspired by DCI's "Talent Wars" research, the study explores what drives cross-border, international relocation in Europe. Patience and Steve discuss how career opportunities, lifestyle factors and family considerations shape talent decisions in Europe, why most professionals search for jobs by role and skill rather than industry and what cities can do to attract and retain internationally mobile talent. They also discuss the importance of partner and family needs in relocation, the role of upskilling and reskilling in today's workforce, and how AI is reshaping place marketing. Tune in for insights on what U.S. communities can learn from employers and places across the Atlantic, and find out if European and U.S. talent share similar relocation triggers and wants.

Live from the 2025 DCI Marketing Summit in New York, Talent Wars is coming to you with a special episode! Host Patience Fairbrother sits down with three leaders shaping talent initiatives in different regions: Alicia Chilton, vice president of marketing at Greater Des Moines Partnership, Haley Waxman, strategic marketing manager at Wake County Economic Development and Murphy Gray, marketing director for JAXUSA Partnership.  The conversation explores the unique approaches behind each talent attraction and retention program. Haley discusses why Work in the Triangle, one of the longest-running talent attraction programs in the country, continues to invest in proactive strategies. Murphy shares the goals of Find Your JAX and why the campaign is important for Jacksonville's ongoing in-migration. Alicia highlights Do Something Greater and the early results the program has achieved.  Panelists also reflect on the tactics and metrics that have driven success, how their programs nurture relationships over time, the role of retention strategies and the lessons they would share with regions just starting a talent attraction campaign.  Tune in for a discussion full of actionable insights for anyone working to attract, retain and grow talent in their region. 

What if talent attraction looked less like marketing and more like matchmaking? On this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Whitney Martin, program director of GoRockford's Made for Rockford campaign, a high-touch talent attraction program in Rockford, Illinois.  From guided tours for job candidates to custom welcome gifts and personalized text invites to community mixers, Made for Rockford takes a refreshingly human approach to helping newcomers feel at home. Operating under the tourism bureau, this program leans into Rockford's "five-to-nine" lifestyle, as much as its "nine-to-five" opportunities, by building connections through collaboration, ambassadors and authentic storytelling.  On this episode, Patience and Whitney dig into why relationships are driving relocation, how Rockford's partners have rallied around this effort, how a small team can effectively manage a talent program and why sometimes the smallest gestures, like handing a parent a list of local softball coaches, can make the biggest impact.  If you're looking for inspiration on how to keep your talent campaign personal and impactful, this conversation offers a playbook for creating programs that scale through authenticity, partnerships and human connection. 

How is Louisville planning to add 41,000 working-age talent to its workforce pipeline in just five years? On this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Kelly Gold, vice president of marketing, talent attraction, and retention at Greater Louisville Inc., to delve into the inner workings of the ever-evolving Live in Lou talent campaign.   Launched in 2016, Live in Lou has evolved into a comprehensive strategy that blends AI-powered job matching, employer partnerships, community ambassadors and even K-12 workforce development to create a true talent ecosystem. In 2024, the initiative unveiled a fully redesigned website that doubles as both a relocation tool and a community hub—offering everything from job boards and neighborhood guides to events and networking opportunities.  Patience and Kelly dig into how GLI is keeping the campaign fresh nearly a decade after its launch, how Live in Lou balances attraction with retention and why sometimes the most effective talent strategies start by serving your own residents.  Whether you're looking to refresh an established initiative or build a long-term pipeline from the ground up, this episode offers actionable lessons on consistency, community partnerships and the power of telling human stories. 

What does it take to launch the first employer-led talent attraction organization in the country and keep it thriving for nearly two decades? On this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Rachel Gray, executive director of Hello West Michigan, to explore how a group of forward-thinking CIOs turned a local hiring challenge into a national blueprint for attracting and retaining talent.  Founded in 2007 - the same year the first iPhone hit the market - Hello West Michigan was born in the midst of talent shortages and economic uncertainty. Rather than waiting for the market to recover, the organization doubled down by creating programs and partnerships that would pay off for years to come. Now, the Hello West Michigan talent campaign model has evolved into a proven framework that other communities strive to replicate.  Patience and Rachel uncover why local competitors chose to collaborate for the greater good, the secrets behind Hello West Michigan's standout results—including Resume Pack's 54% placement rate and Rapid Roots' 87% retention rate—and how Hello West Michigan keeps its employer members engaged and bought in year after year.  Whether you're building a new talent initiative or looking to refine an existing one, this episode offers the ideal blueprint along with lessons in collaboration, creativity and long-term impact. 

What really drives talent to move in 2025? Here at DCI, we continue to research the talent landscape to bring you those answers.   In this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Robyn Domber, senior vice president of research at DCI, to unpack the ninth edition of the DCI Talent Wars report, which is already shaping some of the top talent campaigns today.   Based on a national survey of over 1,500 working-age adults in the U.S. and Canada, the 2025 Talent Wars report offers fresh insight into how talent makes relocation decisions today. This report dives into what motivates talent, what channels they trust and how quickly they're making up their minds.  Patience and Robyn explore the big picture trends shaping mobility today, from the breakdown of the United States and Canada talent landscapes to the continued pull of affordability, as well as the nuances that economic developers, communities and employers need to understand to stay competitive.  Whether you're building a talent attraction strategy from the ground up or refining one that's already in motion, this episode is packed with practical data points and tips that can help you win the war for talent.

How did Michigan launch the largest talent attraction effort in the U.S.? In this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Spencer Lucker, director of strategic talent initiatives at Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), to go behind the scenes of "You Can in Michigan"—a statewide initiative that's redefining what bold, data-driven and emotionally resonant talent marketing looks like. Launched in 2023, the campaign has already generated over a billion impressions, driven thousands of job seekers to Michigan's Career Portal and taken bold marketing tactics that are shifting how people across the country perceive life and opportunity in Michigan. Spencer shares how the state aligned stakeholders, centered authentic storytelling and embraced creativity to fuel MEDC's talent initiatives. Patience and Spencer dig into what it takes to launch a campaign from scratch, the role of regional partners in closing the deal, and why Michigan isn't just selling jobs—it's selling a lifestyle. Whether you're designing a state-level strategy or simply looking for new ways to reach talent where they are, this episode offers insights on how to create winning talent strategies at a large scale.

On this episode of Talent Wars, we explore how communities can move beyond simply attracting talent to retaining talent by creating a true sense of belonging that helps people stay rooted. Dr. Andreya Williams, cultural strategist and founder and CEO of Sunday Still, shares her innovative approach to talent retention that centers the human experience of moving and starting over. Join host Patience Fairbrother and Dr. Andreya as they discuss her "I-to-I framework" that moves newcomers from indifference through immersion, interest, involvement, investment, and ultimately to impact – and how her curated dinner experiences, cohort-based programming, and data-driven "stickiness score" are helping cities like Tulsa create meaningful connections for newcomers. If your community wants to build deeper connections and true belonging for newcomers, this episode offers a roadmap for moving beyond the invitation to building a culture of inclusion.

Philadelphia is leveraging its established tourism brand to attract new residents in an innovative new talent attraction campaign. In this episode of Talent Wars, Nikki Pumphrey, vice president of talent & workforce from The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, explains how "Stay for Philly" adapts Visit Philadelphia's successful tourism messaging to reach potential residents with a focus on tech and life sciences talent. Join Patience and Nikki as they discuss why regions should build on what's already working instead of starting from scratch, the importance of authentic storytelling and the value of showcasing real companies and real people who've chosen to bet on the region. Learn how Philly's talent strategy helps spotlight thriving industries and prepare for major national moments - like the 2026 World Cup - and dive into why civic pride is essential to efforts to retain current and new talent. For regions looking to combine authenticity, equity and local collaboration in their talent efforts, this is a playbook worth learning from.

Talent Wars continues season two by exploring an often-overlooked talent pipeline: America's 200,000 annual military-to-civilian transitions. Host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Jason C. Anderson, Founder and CEO of PreVeteran, to discuss why traditional veteran hiring approaches fall short and how communities can better support this valuable talent pool. Jason brings a unique perspective as both a 24-year Air Force veteran who experienced the transition challenges firsthand and an entrepreneur solving the problem systematically. Join Patience and Jason as they dive into the hidden challenges veterans face when entering civilian careers, from the generalist-to-specialist mindset shift to navigating consensus-driven business processes, and how companies and communities can better support them. This episode reveals why veterans need specialized transition training and how smart communities and employers can create competitive advantages by properly supporting this talent pipeline. Listen to the full episode to learn how your community can become truly veteran-friendly and turn military transitions into long-term economic wins.

Talent Wars: A Podcast by DCI is back for season two with a story about what happens when a city stops chasing outside talent and starts investing in the people already there. Host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Morgan Almeida, director of talent development at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, to talk about how Baton Rouge is taking a new approach on talent retention. As a Baton Rouge native and former InternBR participant who once considered leaving, Morgan brings personal insights and a unique perspective to this discission. Join Patience and Morgan as they dive into why the Better in BTR campaign is focused on honesty, collaboration and real stories. From shifting the narrative around staying local, to inviting businesses and organizations to make the brand their own, to investing in quality-of-life initiatives that matter to young professionals—this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a community-wide effort to turn local pride into long-term commitment. Listen to the full episode to learn how Baton Rouge is reshaping its talent strategy, as well as what your community can borrow from Better in BTR's bold, homegrown approach.

On this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother recounts the lessons learned from Season 1 of Talent Wars, A Podcast by DCI. With perspectives from talent leaders across North America and Europe, this season spotlighted innovative strategies to address workforce challenges in communities of all sizes. From these discussions, six key themes emerged as essential for shaping effective talent strategies. First, leveraging data and technology is crucial for smarter decision-making and better results. Second, embracing authentic storytelling and amplifying community voices is the best way to attract the right talent. Third, owning your community's challenges allows you to flip the script and turn obstacles into opportunities. Fourth, balancing local, national and international talent sources ensures a comprehensive approach. Fifth, challenging traditional definitions of eligible talent and supporting skills-based hiring benefits individuals, companies and the broader economy. Lastly, bold, outside-the-box thinking is vital to stand out in the competitive landscape of talent attraction and retention. Tune in to discover how these six key takeaways can be used to help your community craft and manage successful talent strategies in the year ahead.    

On this special episode Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother takes the podcast on the road to interview experts on the frontlines of the talent challenge at Young, Smart & Local 2024, the leading talent attraction, growth and retention conference. Seven leaders - Cecelia Thompson from Action Greensboro, Chris Wink from Technical.ly, Max Davenport from Onward New River Valley, Rue Ramsey from Tulsa Regional Chamber, Spencer Lucker from Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Katie Shorey from Live + Work in Maine and Marcell Bruski from Big Sky Economic Development - discuss what's working in talent attraction and retention, the biggest challenges places are facing and their "talent takes" — unique perspectives or hot takes on the talent landscape. Tune in for insights that will help you elevate your talent strategies in 2025.  

On the latest episode of Talent Wars, we provide a behind-the-scenes look at the new Netflix documentary, UNTAPPED: Closing America's Opportunity Gap. Host Patience Fairbrother sits down with Carrie Varoquiers, executive producer of the film and chief philanthropy officer at Workday to get the full story. Produced by Workday in partnership with LeBron James and Maverick Carter's The SpringHill Company, this powerful film follows six young adults from under-resourced communities as they participate in a rigorous skills training program to compete for coveted internships at Fortune 500 companies, pushing viewers to challenge what defines a "qualified" job candidate. Ultimately, the film highlights how skills-based hiring and mobility strategies can transform people's lives, strengthen businesses and drive economic growth. Tune in to learn why this approach is a game-changer for modern talent strategies and how you can champion the skills-first movement in your community. 

On this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother meets with Economic Development Winnipeg's (EDW) Director of Talent and Workforce Development, Ashley Dunlop, to uncover Winnipeg's unique talent attraction strategies, from international recruitment missions to the award-winning Work in Manitoba job portal. Whether it's selecting an international market for a mission or identifying the skills and candidates of greatest need to local employers, the EDW team uses a data- and technology-driven approach that goes beyond traditional talent services. Tune in to discover how this Canadian city successfully recruits international job seekers to Winnipeg and sets both the candidates and businesses up for success.