Archive for April, 2011

Paul O’Connor Interview Part 2

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

Earlier this week, I posted the first half of my interview with Paul O’Connor, self-described “…insightfully funny suit, who is actually serious about collaborative future building…”. Paul’s take on the economy is both positive and unique, and he sees Gen Y driving change in the economy. This part of the interview focuses on the economic climate specific to Chicago. What do you see as happening in the economy? Is your view as positive as Paul’s?

Paul O’Connor Interview Part 1

Monday, April 18th, 2011

On January 21st, Paul O’Connor spoke on a panel at an Economic Club of Chicago lunch along with Kevin Willer from Google (now president of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center) and Randy Blankenhorn. The topic was the GO TO 2040 Economic Development Plan for the 21st Century.

Paul is a self described “…insightfully funny suit, who is actually serious about collaborative future building…” His background is far too distinguished to list all his accomplishments here. Check out his LinkedIn profile if you want a deep dive. Paul founded World Business Chicago and was its Executive Director for 9 years. Today he leads the City Design Practice at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. We are also on the Board of Directors together at the Metropolitan Chicago Information Center.

I was inspired by his upbeat message about the future of Chicago and how Gen Y is going to lead us into a bright future. His refreshing message about us getting getting our head out of our hands was something I thought more people needed to hear. So I invited him to record the first interview on my blog.

I hope you enjoy the first of two parts, which focuses on Gen Y. Thank you, Paul, for your time.