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Biz Talks

Biz Talks

By Biz New Orleans

One-on-one interviews with Biz New Orleans magazine and local leaders about issues that affect businesses throughout the greater New Orleans region.
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Episode 52: Tourism Report – Busy Spring Weekends Raise Hopes for Bigger Comeback in the Fall

Biz TalksApr 26, 2021

00:00
56:36
Episode 189: Behind the Scenes with Wednesdays at the Square

Episode 189: Behind the Scenes with Wednesdays at the Square

Wednesdays at the Square brings top local artists and vendors into Downtown’s Lafayette Square for 10 weeks every spring – this year through May 8. What does it take to put on this type of “mini festival” every week and what impact does it have? Young Leadership Council’s new Executive Director, Allison Hotard, and Board Member and Event Co-Chair (with Emad Jabbar), Erica Sensenbrenner, share all the details.

Mar 26, 202425:08
Episode 188: Economist Gary Wagner Breaks Down Louisiana’s Job Growth

Episode 188: Economist Gary Wagner Breaks Down Louisiana’s Job Growth

A new report from Gary Wagner, an economist at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, shows that the state has experienced its biggest job growth in nearly 20 years. He explains what’s happening and what the state can do to spur additional growth while combating “brain drain.”

Mar 19, 202428:43
Episode 187: Talking Tourism with Walt Leger

Episode 187: Talking Tourism with Walt Leger

Walt Leger III, president and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans, drops by to talk about the highlights and challenges of 2023 and what lies ahead for one of the city’s top industries, including the work that’s being done to prepare for the Super Bowl.

Mar 12, 202434:57
Episode 186: Liz Maxwell Previews New Orleans Entrepreneur Week

Episode 186: Liz Maxwell Previews New Orleans Entrepreneur Week

This year’s New Orleans Entrepreneur Week will feature more than 100 sessions and special events featuring business leaders and experts in entrepreneurship, innovation and tech. And … it’s free! Liz Maxwell, director of communications and strategic initiatives at the Idea Village (the event’s producer), gives an overview and shares insider tips to get the most out of the event.

Mar 05, 202421:01
Episode 185: Super Bowl LIX Host Committee Chair Talks Behind the Scenes Getting Ready for the Big Game

Episode 185: Super Bowl LIX Host Committee Chair Talks Behind the Scenes Getting Ready for the Big Game

The Super Bowl is a year away, but in many ways it’s like the fourth quarter for the host committee, which has been preparing for this event for years. Entergy executive Marcus Brown, who is the chair of the New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, shares the team's to-do list and priorities as the city prepares to put its best foot forward on the global stage.

Feb 27, 202417:51
Episode 184: Alon Shaya is on a Mission

Episode 184: Alon Shaya is on a Mission

Famed chef, author and entrepreneur Alon Shaya chats with us this week to share the impetus behind creating his own company, Pomegranate Hospitality, and how he is working to create a more positive, supportive working culture. He also shares the details on his latest ventures, including an upcoming expansion into Las Vegas.

Feb 20, 202434:43
Episode 183: Port NOLA Updates from Chairman Joseph Toomy

Episode 183: Port NOLA Updates from Chairman Joseph Toomy

This week, Joseph Toomy talks about efforts to increase cooperation between south Louisiana's five ports, the Port of New Orleans’ plans to build a new container terminal in St. Bernard Parish, the rebound of the city’s cruise ship industry and more. Toomy is chairman of the board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. He’s also a veteran lawmaker who represented Dist. 85 in the Louisiana State Legislature from 1984 until 2008. 

Feb 06, 202429:46
Episode 182: NOLA Needs an Attitude Adjustment, Part 2
Jan 30, 202444:20
Episode 182: NOLA Needs an Attitude Adjustment, Part 1

Episode 182: NOLA Needs an Attitude Adjustment, Part 1

Last October, BizNewOrleans.com featured an opinion piece by New Orleans native Frank Rabalais that hit back at the all-too-common negative attitude regarding life in the city. It quickly became one of our most popular reads.

In a conversation so involved we split it into two episodes, Rabalais expounds on his views that the evidence overwhelming shows that New Orleanians have plenty to be proud of. It's time, he argues, that we start seeing the full picture.  

Jan 23, 202441:05
Episode 181: 2023 Executives of the Year

Episode 181: 2023 Executives of the Year

This week, Biz New Orleans Editor Kim Singletary talks about the greater New Orleans executives who made the biggest impact in 2023, and she reveals who earned the distinction of CEO of the Year.

Jan 16, 202418:54
Episode 180: The Power of Purpose – A New Year’s Resolution Your Company Can’t Afford Not to Make

Episode 180: The Power of Purpose – A New Year’s Resolution Your Company Can’t Afford Not to Make

Leaders at LWCC, the state's largest workers comp insurance provider, have spent the past four years rediscovering their company’s purpose — and it is paying off.

On this week’s episode, LWCC Chief Strategy Officer Seth Irby and business consultant Lauren Hatcher share what they’ve done, how they did it, and the amazing results they’re seeing. 

Jan 09, 202429:42
Episode 179: Top 10 Stories of the Year

Episode 179: Top 10 Stories of the Year

If 2022 was the year of big problems, 2023 was all about trying to fix them. On this week’s episode, Biz New Orleans editor Kim Singletary talks about the year’s biggest business stories, including the legislature’s efforts to address the homeowners’ insurance crisis, the groundbreaking of the Mid Barataria Sediment Diversion project and the rise of the River District neighborhood development.
Dec 19, 202325:25
Episode 178: A Tipping Point for Tipping

Episode 178: A Tipping Point for Tipping

This week, we talk to national tipping expert, and Cornell University professor, Mike Lynn about the factors that have led many consumers to become frustrated with the seemingly ubiquitous flip-around white pads that are prompting gratuities in more and more places. Do you tip 20% when picking up your own pizza? Do you add a gratuity when buying groceries from a local market? Lynn talks about how the pandemic changed the game for tipping, and how the practice can be a way for businesses to fight inflation as they compete for employees.

Dec 12, 202327:05
Episode 177: River District Rises

Episode 177: River District Rises

On this week’s podcast, real estate developer Louis Lauricella talks about his team’s vision for the $1 billion River District neighborhood, which he says may be the “largest, private, non-energy project in the history of our state.”

Dec 05, 202330:10
Episode 176: City Park CEO Seeks Public Input on Master Plan

Episode 176: City Park CEO Seeks Public Input on Master Plan

Approaching her third year on the job, New Orleans City Park CEO Cara Lambright oversees more than 300 employees and a $30 million dollar annual budget to maintain a 1,350-acre green space that’s 50 percent bigger than Central Park in New York City. The 170-year-old park is home to the largest collection of old live oaks in the world.

On this week’s podcast, Lambright talks about the park’s ongoing master plan project and the importance of collecting community input about the future of the treasured green space. The next public meeting is scheduled for Dec. 6 at Warren Easton Charter High School.

Nov 28, 202328:35
Episode 175: A Pain Killer Without the Problems

Episode 175: A Pain Killer Without the Problems

Pain affects more than 30% of adults around the world, and yet the only current options to deal with it either can harm your liver or be highly addictive. This is why it’s big news that local company South Rampart Pharma just finished Phase 1 trials on a pain killer that has shown neither of these issues. The company’s co-founder and John Ochsner Endowed Professor of Surgery in Innovation, Dr. Hernan Bazan, talks more about this exciting opportunity and what’s next in getting his drug to market.

Nov 21, 202327:51
Episode 174: E.J. Lagasse Presides Over a Reimagined Emeril’s

Episode 174: E.J. Lagasse Presides Over a Reimagined Emeril’s

After closing this summer for a major renovation and redesign, one of the city’s most iconic restaurants is back in business with a new look, a new format and a new Lagasse at the helm. On today’s podcast, Emeril Lagasse’s 20-year-old son E.J. talks about how he prepared for his leadership role, his boldest menu updates and his vision for the future of fine dining.

Nov 14, 202320:41
Episode 173: The Latest from the Convention Center

Episode 173: The Latest from the Convention Center

President and General Manager of the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center Michael Sawaya joins us on this week’s podcast to discuss the latest in the $557 million in renovations taking place — a result of which has recently been the receipt of three awards for sustainability and equity. He also shares an update on the anticipated mixed-use development River District, reception of the new Civil Rights Museum and the highlights from this year’s convention bookings.

Nov 07, 202321:42
Episode 172: Can Offshore Wind Help Save the Coast?

Episode 172: Can Offshore Wind Help Save the Coast?

Simone Maloz, campaign director of Restore the Mississippi River Delta, talks about the growth potential for the offshore wind industry in the Gulf of Mexico — and how future wind energy revenue could help power the state’s coastal restoration efforts.

Oct 24, 202318:16
Episode 171: The Saltwater Wedge – News from S&WB

Episode 171: The Saltwater Wedge – News from S&WB

We know it’s coming, but should we be concerned? What is S&WB doing to protect the city’s water supply now, and in the future from this threat and others? S&WB Executive Director Ghassan Korban shares the latest details, including how the national attention we’ve been receiving for this issue is going to help protect New Orleans in the future.  

Oct 17, 202334:06
Episode 170: LABI’s New Leader

Episode 170: LABI’s New Leader

This week’s episode features Will Green, incoming president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. One of the most powerful lobbying organizations in the state, LABI represents more than 2,000 Louisiana businesses. Green comes to the post after filling the top job at the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association.

Oct 10, 202327:28
Episode 169: Childcare and the Upcoming Elections

Episode 169: Childcare and the Upcoming Elections

The pandemic relief program for childcare just expired Sept. 30, which means 3.2 million children around the country are expected to lose access to care in the coming months and 70,000 childcare programs are likely to close. How will this affect Louisiana and what can be done to meet this critical need? Find out in this week’s podcast with Libbie Sonnier, executive director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children.

Oct 03, 202323:30
Episode 168: Revelry Develops Tech Talent Through Apprenticeship Program

Episode 168: Revelry Develops Tech Talent Through Apprenticeship Program

This week’s episode features Jennifer Baldwin, chief operations officer at Revelry, a New Orleans-based software development company. She explains how Revelry’s apprenticeship program has trained more than 50% of its permanent, full-time employees, and she talks about why Revelry is committed to growing Louisiana’s technology community — and economy overall.

Sep 26, 202314:35
Episode 167: Celebrating Women in Business

Episode 167: Celebrating Women in Business

This week, Sept. 20 and 21, the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South (WBEC South) will host their annual WE Summit Awards and Scholarship Gala at the Roosevelt Hotel. Who is the WBEC South and why should women owned businesses get certified with them? President and CEO Phala Mire shares all the details and benefits on this week’s podcast. 

Sep 19, 202321:07
Episode 166: Metronome Accelerator Sets Tempo for Music Business Startups

Episode 166: Metronome Accelerator Sets Tempo for Music Business Startups

Sean Mulligan, program and events coordinator for the Idea Village, talks about the nonprofit’s new music business accelerator, designed to support entrepreneurs seeking to solve problems or create new opportunities in the music industry.

Sep 12, 202317:14
Episode 165: The Disaster Business

Episode 165: The Disaster Business

With Louisiana facing more than 600 wildfires just in August, Biz talks with disaster recovery company First Onsite Property Restoration general manager Steven Latham about the business of disasters. What are the biggest threats facing Louisiana businesses near these fires and what can a company like this do to help?  

Sep 05, 202317:47
Episode 164: Pickleball - Speed Dating with a Paddle

Episode 164: Pickleball - Speed Dating with a Paddle

That’s how owner Renee Melchiode describes the experience at Exchange Pickleball & Bar, which opened August 8 behind the Walmart on Tchoupitoulas Street. In this week's episode, hear the story of how they city's only marriage of the fastest growing sport in the nation with food and beverage offerings came to be in New Orleans. 

Aug 29, 202324:55
Episode 163: Can Coastal Restoration Lower Insurance Rates?

Episode 163: Can Coastal Restoration Lower Insurance Rates?

Hurricane protection and coastal restoration projects are lowering Louisiana residents’ risks, yet the state continues to see premiums rise. Chip Kline, former chairman of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, says the opposite should be happening. On this week’s episode, he talks about the connection between insurance and the environment. Kline will be one of the featured speakers at the annual Economic & Real Estate Forecast Symposium hosted by the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors on Oct. 5. At the event, experts in real estate, insurance and finance will tackle the theme “Adapting to Unpredictability.”

Aug 22, 202347:37
Episode 162: Superdome Renovations Designed to Improve Fan Experience

Episode 162: Superdome Renovations Designed to Improve Fan Experience

Last week, Caesars Superdome officials unveiled a portion of the major renovations planned for the Caesars Superdome in advance of Super Bowl LIX in 2025. Mike Hoss, media relations manager for the project, talks about how the changes in the Dome will make game day more convenient and entertaining for fans. Since he’s also the Saints radio play-by-play announcer, he shares his thoughts on the upcoming season.

Aug 15, 202335:04
Episode 161: The United Way Offers Black-owned Businesses a Boost

Episode 161: The United Way Offers Black-owned Businesses a Boost

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana has just introduced a new program that aims to be a game-changer for the African-American small business community in Southeast Louisiana. Thriving African-American Small Business Initiative (TAASB) seeks to boost the profit potential and resilience of Black-owned businesses and help close the racial wealth gap in the region. For all the details, Biz talks to Chiquita Lattimore, senior VP of community impact and financial capability.

Aug 08, 202320:19
Episode 160: New President Transforming Dillard into a 'Communiversity'

Episode 160: New President Transforming Dillard into a 'Communiversity'

Dillard University President Dr. Rochelle Ford’s first-year achievements include infrastructure improvements, a fundraising boost and changes designed to support faculty and staff culture. Now she’s overseeing the construction of a $40 million residence hall near campus. It’s part of her plan to transform the iconic HBCU into a “living, learning, serving communiversity.”

Aug 01, 202331:18
Episode 159: Looking to Make a Career Change?

Episode 159: Looking to Make a Career Change?

There’s a lot going on at Tulane’s School of Professional Advancement, including two big new master’s degree opportunities and a new partnership with another local university. Ilianna Kwaske, associate dean for academic affairs and senior professor practiceshares all the details on this week’s podcast. 

Jul 25, 202314:47
Episode 158: Geoffrey Meeker Has Turned a Little Yellow Truck into a Big Success

Episode 158: Geoffrey Meeker Has Turned a Little Yellow Truck into a Big Success

This week's guest is Geoffrey Meeker, founder and owner of French Truck Coffee. The business began in 2009 in his laundry room and it has now grown to encompass 10 shops with two more on the way. Over the last decade and a half, Meeker has had to become a coffee expert and a pro at scaling and managing a business through extreme weather events, the pandemic and all the challenges that come with life in New Orleans.

Jul 18, 202321:23
Episode 157: How’s the Quality of Life in Jefferson Parish?

Episode 157: How’s the Quality of Life in Jefferson Parish?

This spring, leaders in Jefferson Parish completed a first-ever quality of life survey for the parish called Jefferson Now. In this week’s podcast, we chat with Jefferson Business Council Chairman Philip Rebowe about what residents feel are the parish’s strong points, and where there’s room for improvement.  

Jul 11, 202314:03
Episode 156: Financial Freedom for All with Becky Gustafson

Episode 156: Financial Freedom for All with Becky Gustafson

This week, Becky Gustafson, financial advisor with Gustafson Wealth Management in Metairie, discusses the actions individuals in the LGBTQ+ community can take to build a strong retirement plan and feel confident in their financial future.  

Jun 27, 202323:14
Episode 155: Stephen Waguespack Makes His Case for Governor

Episode 155: Stephen Waguespack Makes His Case for Governor

On this week’s episode, the longtime leader of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry talks about his plans to build the state’s economy and stop neighboring states from “gobbling up our people, families and businesses.”

Jun 20, 202331:32
Episode 154: Cybersecurity and Small Businesses: Expert Theresa Jones on What You Need to Know

Episode 154: Cybersecurity and Small Businesses: Expert Theresa Jones on What You Need to Know

Theresa Jones is the CEO of EVALV IQ, the first woman and minority-owned, full-service cybersecurity firm in Louisiana. Since launching in 2019, the firm has grown both nationally and internationally, with clients including the Port of South Louisiana. This week, Jones shares the latest cybersecurity trends and looks at the explosion of cybercrime since the pandemic and what business owners should be doing.

Jun 13, 202333:38
Episode 153: Troy Henry Plans to Bring Family Fun to Former Six Flags Site

Episode 153: Troy Henry Plans to Bring Family Fun to Former Six Flags Site

The site of the former Six Flags, and the future of the location, has been the talk of the community for years. Businessman and real estate developer Troy Henry hopes to convert the former theme park site. In this week's episode, he shares his plans of a youth sports complex combined with indoor/outdoor waterpark, hotel, retail and more.

Jun 06, 202332:17
Episode 152: Industry Advocates Say Friendlier Laws, Stronger Construction Will Help Solve Homeowners Insurance Crisis

Episode 152: Industry Advocates Say Friendlier Laws, Stronger Construction Will Help Solve Homeowners Insurance Crisis

This week’s episode features Jeff and Ben Albright, the father-and-son team that leads the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana. The Albrights represent independent agents and brokers in their interactions with government, the industry and consumers. They’ve got a front-row seat for — and many thoughts about — the current homeowners’ insurance crisis in Louisiana.

May 23, 202335:27
Episode 151: ‘Sweet Success’ for N.O.-Based Maker of Bitters, Syrups and Mixers

Episode 151: ‘Sweet Success’ for N.O.-Based Maker of Bitters, Syrups and Mixers

El Guapo CEO Christa Cotton continues to build out and scale up her company’s Gravier Street headquarters as three of her products hit the shelves of a national supermarket chain. In this week's episode, she talks about the success of her young enterprise — which makes cocktail bitters, syrups and mixers — and her love of the city that inspired it.

May 16, 202333:39
Episode 150: Using Tech to Support Teachers

Episode 150: Using Tech to Support Teachers

During National Teacher Appreciation Week, we talk to Courtney Williams, the CEO of Torsh, a tech company that works with area schools and teachers in multiple ways to help increase teacher satisfaction and retention. How does Torsh work and what has it meant to area schools? Find out on this week’s BizTalks.

May 09, 202325:04
Episode 149: Anyone Can Be a Philanthropist on GiveNOLA Day

Episode 149: Anyone Can Be a Philanthropist on GiveNOLA Day

This week’s guest is Andy Kopplin, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. The philanthropic institution is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year — and, on May 2, it will host its 10th annual GiveNOLA Day, an annual online event that’s designed to raise millions for nearly 1,000 participating nonprofits.

May 01, 202322:49
Episode 148: Restaurateur Shares His Best Practices for Workforce Challenges

Episode 148: Restaurateur Shares His Best Practices for Workforce Challenges

Having just broken ground on their fourth location in New Orleans and first in Jefferson Parish, Felipe’s Taqueria continues to build upon its success. Co-owner Pike Howard says the family-run business continues to meet the challenges of hiring and retention, in part by using technology. In this week’s episode, he shares some of his top recommendations.

Apr 25, 202332:41
Episode 147: Jay Cicero’s Team Prepares to Host 2025 Super Bowl

Episode 147: Jay Cicero’s Team Prepares to Host 2025 Super Bowl

This week’s guest is Jay Cicero, CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. His team is leading the preparations for New Orleans to host the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, 2025. It will be the 11th Super Bowl in New Orleans and the eighth in the Superdome.


Apr 18, 202347:18
Episode 146: French Quarter Fest Turns 40 This Weekend

Episode 146: French Quarter Fest Turns 40 This Weekend

FQFI CEO Emily Madero shares her thoughts and best tips for festing this weekend, from the return of some big fan favorites to brand new offerings designed to celebrate the exciting past four decades of this enormous free festival and what it means to New Orleans.

Apr 11, 202328:24
Episode 145: Children’s Museum CEO Begins Her Tenure By Hosting International Event

Episode 145: Children’s Museum CEO Begins Her Tenure By Hosting International Event

Tifferney White, the dynamic new leader of the Louisiana Children’s Museum, is still moving into her office and learning her way around town. First up on the to-do list: host nearly a thousand museum professionals later this month for the national Association of Children’s Museum’s conference.

Apr 04, 202323:29
Episode 144: Health Care Tech Company Tackles Medical Personnel Shortage

Episode 144: Health Care Tech Company Tackles Medical Personnel Shortage

How do you make healthcare settings safer while also addressing an industry facing major workforce issues? Local company Performance Health Partners helps tackle both with its proprietary software. This week, CEO Heidi Raines talks about the power of anonymous reporting and her new book, "Shared Voices," ahead of her appearance at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.  

Mar 28, 202319:27
Episode 143: Commander’s Palace Turns 130

Episode 143: Commander’s Palace Turns 130

For this week’s episode, there are two “Brennans on Duty”: Lally Brennan and Ti Adelaide Martin, co-proprietors of Commander’s Palace. The first cousins discuss the past, present and future of their family’s beloved Creole restaurant, which debuted way back in 1893 before being purchased and revived by the Brennan family in the late 1960s. The Commander's team has planned a year's worth of celebrations, programs, promotions and collaborations to mark the occasion.

Mar 21, 202330:30
Episode 142: The Bean Queen

Episode 142: The Bean Queen

On its 105th year in business, Blue Runner Foods has just welcomed a new CEO, Katie Bautsch, the first woman to lead the company in its history. In this week’s episode, Bautsch shares the changes that lay ahead for this local staple as it looks to capture the hearts, and stomachs, of a new generation.

Mar 14, 202319:12
Episode 141: New Orleans Entrepreneur Week Keeps Getting Bigger… Just Like the City’s Startup Scene

Episode 141: New Orleans Entrepreneur Week Keeps Getting Bigger… Just Like the City’s Startup Scene

Liz Maxwell is director of community and communications at the Idea Village, which produces the annual New Orleans Entrepreneur Week. On this week's podcast, she talks about how the event is growing and changing in tandem with the city’s flourishing entrepreneurial community.

Mar 07, 202325:32