Linda Coppess on Leadership, Community, and the Future of CDA скачать в хорошем качестве

Linda Coppess on Leadership, Community, and the Future of CDA

What does real community leadership look like in a growing region like Coeur d’Alene? In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, Mike Baker sits down with Linda Coppess, CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce, to explore leadership, connection, and what it truly takes to build a thriving community. Linda shares her journey from a career at Microsoft to returning home to Coeur d’Alene, and how timing, perspective, and purpose shaped her leadership path. The conversation dives into what a Chamber of Commerce really does for a community—connecting businesses, supporting leaders, and creating environments where people and families can thrive. This episode also tackles the challenges facing Kootenai County today, including workforce shifts, childcare access, affordable healthcare, and the growing desire—especially among younger generations—for authentic connection. Linda and Mike reflect on the power of diverse perspectives, servant leadership, and choosing a “how can I help?” mindset over transactional thinking. If you care about the future of Coeur d’Alene, local business success, or what it means to lead with heart, this conversation offers both insight and encouragement. This episode is for: Local business owners and leaders Entrepreneurs relocating to North Idaho Community builders and nonprofit partners Anyone seeking a deeper connection and purpose Watch the full episode to hear how leadership, relationships, and community shape the future of Coeur d’Alene. 00:00 – Episode Overview & Meet Linda Coppess 02:10 – How Timing Led Linda to the Chamber CEO Role 03:00 – Lessons Learned From a Career at Microsoft 03:30 – What Brought Linda Back Home to Coeur d’Alene 03:50 – First Opportunity to Serve With the Chamber 04:20 – Turning 50 and Reframing Purpose 04:45 – What It’s Like Working Alongside Linda 05:50 – What a Chamber of Commerce Really Does 06:40 – Linda’s Listening Tour & Learning the Community 07:20 – How Chambers Strengthen Communities Nationwide 08:40 – Building Connections Between Businesses & People 10:15 – The Chamber as a Resource for the Community 11:15 – Finding Lifelong Friendships Through the Chamber 12:15 – Technology, Phones, and the Loss of Connection 14:00 – Social Media vs. Real Community Interaction 17:45 – Biggest Challenges Facing Our Community 18:00 – Deep Dive Into Regional Economic & Social Issues 19:15 – Groups Tackling Challenges Head-On 19:45 – Childcare Access as a Community Barrier 21:00 – Workforce Shifts & Affordable Healthcare 23:00 – Why Diverse Perspectives Create Better Outcomes 25:45 – Leading With a “How Can I Help?” Mindset 28:00 – Younger Generations Craving Connection 29:30 – Relationships as the Key to Business Success 31:15 – Purpose Found Through Helping Others 34:15 – Engaging New Business Owners in the Community 36:00 – The Chamber’s Role in Leading Authentic Connection 38:10 – Why We Need More Campfire & Front Porch Moments 38:45 – What the Chamber Means to Linda Personally 40:40 – You Get Out What You Put Into Community 42:00 – Gratitude for Leadership & Support 45:20 – The Power of Shared Struggles Among Leaders 48:45 – Invitation to Relocate & Help Build Coeur d’Alene #BetterTogetherPodcast #CoeurDAlene #CommunityLeadership #ChamberOfCommerce #NorthIdahoBusiness #BuildingCommunity #LeadershipWithPurpose #LocalConnections #CommunityMatters #ServeLocal #FutureOfCDA#StrongerTogether