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Print isn’t “back” because it’s trendy. It’s back because attention is scarce, trust is fragile, and a great magazine can still create a real relationship between a city and the people who live there. From a grandmother shouting “hire him” at a parade to running an iconic brand from downtown Los Angeles, our guest shares the human story behind modern publishing and what it takes to keep Los Angeles Magazine growing.

We talk about why print media still works in a digital world, how themed issues shape cover decisions, and why archiving old covers and ads is basically preserving LA history. You’ll also hear how community events at Engine No. 28 help turn readers into participants, and how leadership in media is equal parts collaboration, sales discipline, and being honest about the revenue model. We get practical about networking, relationship marketing, and why showing up in person still beats a perfectly written text.

Then we go straight at the tension everyone is feeling: AI in media. We break down the thinking behind an AI-generated political cover that sparked serious buzz, what the team learned from mixed reactions, and where technology can help without replacing the core of the work. We wrap with the habits that keep leaders grounded, from fitness and first impressions to finding nonprofits that align with your values.

If you care about Los Angeles, local journalism, publishing, leadership, or the future of work, hit play, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

📌 ABOUT OUR GUEST
🔹 Name: Christopher Gialanella
🔹 Title: President & Publisher, Los Angeles Magazine
🔹 Guests Social: https://www.instagram.com/christophergia/

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Want to sponsor a future episode or provide gifts for our guests?
👉 Email cluna@californialeaders.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH CALIFORNIA LEADERS

🎙️ Host: Christopher Luna
🌐 Website: https://www.californialeaders.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleadersofficial/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/californialeaders/
🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/caleadersx
📧 Email: cluna@californialeaders.com

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Leading California Leaders - Real stories. Real leaders. Real impact.

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Los Angeles is gearing up for the World Cup, the Olympics, and a new global chapter, but the real work happens years before the first whistle. We sit down with Doane, LA’s chief tourism officer, to talk about how tourism actually works as economic development, how conventions drive revenue, and why a convention center expansion can shape jobs, neighborhoods, and the city’s long-term competitiveness.

We trace Doane's unconventional path from Wharton and a banking career into campaigns, City Hall leadership, and senior roles at the Port of Los Angeles. Then we dig into the LA Convention Center expansion process, including why the city tried multiple times, how the pandemic disrupted timing and costs, and how the team made the case that tourism infrastructure can be a budget solution, not just a budget line item. Along the way, we clarify who does what between the city, the convention center operator, and LA Tourism as the destination marketing organization, plus why citywide conventions can book five to ten years out and beyond.

We also zoom out to the big events everyone talks about: World Cup matches, the Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympics. Doane explains why the biggest upside is often earned media and reputation building, not just hotel sellouts, and why LA’s event machine is built for scale year after year. Finally, we look ahead at an AI-enabled visitor experience platform that could guide travelers before, during, and after their trip with opt-in personalization and real-time recommendations.

Subscribe for more California leadership stories, share this conversation with someone building in LA, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

Support the show

🎓 Powered by California Leaders Workshops – advancing leadership through immersive learning experiences.

🌐 Learn more at: https://www.californialeaders.com/ca-workshops
Let’s build a city of leaders — one story at a time.

🌟 SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Want to sponsor a future episode or provide gifts for our guests?
👉 Email cluna@californialeaders.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH CALIFORNIA LEADERS

🎙️ Host: Christopher Luna
🌐 Website: https://www.californialeaders.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleadersofficial/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/californialeaders/
🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/caleadersx
📧 Email: cluna@californialeaders.com

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping California and beyond.

#CaliforniaLeaders #CaliforniaLeadersPodcast #Networking #CaliforniaBusiness #PodcastInterview #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BeyondNetworking #ChristopherLuna

Leading California Leaders - Real stories. Real leaders. Real impact.

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Los Angeles runs on stories, but it also runs on systems and Adam Burke knows both. We sit down with the CEO of Los Angeles Tourism to follow the real pipeline from visitors to paychecks, from hotel stays to tax revenue, and from global marketing to neighborhood impact. Adam shares how his immigrant family background shaped his love of travel and his belief that exploring new places can reduce prejudice and widen empathy. With LA home to residents from 140+ countries and 220+ languages, we talk about what it means to promote a destination authentically and why arts and culture create a “safe space” for hard conversations.

We get practical on the economics of travel and tourism in Los Angeles: 535,000 tourism-related jobs, $43 billion in annual visitor spending, and how hotel-generated taxes support city services. Adam breaks down the transient occupancy tax (TOT), where funding flows, and why LA Tourism’s model is built to generate community benefits without relying on local tax dollars. We also discuss how reserve funding helps LA pursue conventions, major industry events, and mega sporting events while staying resilient during catastrophic disruptions.

Then we zoom in on leadership and workforce development. Adam lays out his approach to servant leadership, building culture on purpose, training managers (not just promoting top performers), and using CliftonStrengths to create engagement and growth. We connect that to succession planning, mentorship, and the long game mindset that shows up again as LA prepares for World Cup 2026 and the Olympics 2028, with a focus on equitable, sustainable tourism. If you care about Los Angeles tourism, destination marketing, hospitality careers, and modern leadership, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, share with a friend who leads a team, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

📌 ABOUT OUR GUEST:
🔹 Name: Adam Burke
🔹 Title: President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
🔹 Guests Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamburkeprofile/

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🎧 New episodes every Month. (Dark in July & December)

🎓 Powered by California Leaders Workshops – advancing leadership through immersive learning experiences.

🌐 Learn more at: https://www.californialeaders.com/workshops
Let’s build a city of leaders — one story at a time.

🌟 SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Want to sponsor a future episode or provide gifts for our guests?
👉 Email cluna@californialeaders.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH CALIFORNIA LEADERS

🎙️ Host: Christopher Luna
🌐 Website: https://www.californialeaders.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleadersofficial/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/californialeaders/
🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/caleadersx
📧 Email: cluna@californialeaders.com

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping California and beyond.

#CaliforniaLeaders #CaliforniaLeadersPodcast #Networking #CaliforniaBusiness #PodcastInterview #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BeyondNetworking #ChristopherLuna

Leading California Leaders - Real stories. Real leaders. Real impact.