Episodi

  • 15. Designing Downtown Orlando for People with Guest Jason Lima

    15. Designing Downtown Orlando for People with Guest Jason Lima
    Apr 29 2026
    How do you transform a downtown into a place people actually want to spend time in?

    In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani sits down with James Lima, founder of JLPD, a national urban design and planning firm, to explore how Downtown Orlando is being reimagined through people-first design and strategic placemaking.

    As Orlando undergoes a major shift—converting one-way streets into two-way, slowing traffic, and reconnecting key districts—this conversation breaks down the real impact of urban design on economic growth, small businesses, and quality of life.

    This episode covers:
    • Why walkability and “placemaking” are essential to thriving cities
    • The economic impact of two-way streets vs. one-way traffic systems
    • How urban design influences small business success and real estate value
    • What makes cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Boston so desirable
    • The shift from “central business districts” to “social districts”
    • How Orlando can attract and retain talent through better urban experiences
    • The role of connectivity between cultural districts, restaurants, and entertainment
    From trails and mixed-use development to street-level experiences and community activation, this episode reveals how intentional design creates cities people choose—not just pass through.

    If you’re interested in urban planning, economic development, real estate, or the future of Orlando, this episode is a must-watch.

    Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida.

    Connect with Jason at:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jlpd

    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
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    44 min
  • 14. How Business Leaders Can Transform Communities with Guest Bret Perkins

    14. How Business Leaders Can Transform Communities with Guest Bret Perkins
    Apr 22 2026
    What is civic leadership—and why does it matter more than ever in today’s cities?

    In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani sits down with Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President, Community Growth & Economic Development at Comcast, to explore how civic leadership shapes the future of cities like Orlando and communities across the United States.

    Drawing from decades of experience working across more than 6,000 cities and towns, Bret shares powerful insights on civic responsibility, community engagement, and the importance of building strong civic infrastructure.

    This episode covers:
    • What civic leadership actually means in today’s world
    • Why thriving cities require collaboration between business, government, and community leaders
    • The role of “civic infrastructure” and how systems within a city work together
    • Why local engagement matters more than ever in a global economy
    • The impact of digital connectivity, the digital divide, and workforce development
    • How individuals—not just institutions—drive meaningful change
    From the legacy of America’s founding principles to modern challenges like digital access and economic mobility, this conversation offers a blueprint for anyone looking to make a difference in their community.

    If you’re a business leader, policymaker, entrepreneur, or someone who cares about the future of your city, this episode will challenge you to rethink your role—and step into it.

    Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida.

    Connect with Brett at:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-perkins-3647582/

    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
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    49 min
  • 13. From Vision to Impact: How the Dr. Phillips Center Transformed Downtown Orlando

    13. From Vision to Impact: How the Dr. Phillips Center Transformed Downtown Orlando
    Apr 15 2026
    Welcome to The City Playbook, a podcast brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership, where we go behind the ideas, initiatives, and leadership shaping the future of Central Florida.

    In this episode, host Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, sits down with Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

    Kathy shares the remarkable story of how the Dr. Phillips Center came to life, from early vision and alignment challenges to philanthropy, government partnership, and building a world-class cultural institution in the heart of Orlando. This conversation explores what it takes to build a lasting civic asset, how arts and culture drive economic development, and why alignment between leadership, philanthropy, and business is essential to building a thriving city.

    You’ll hear behind-the-scenes insights on:
    • The long road from idea to execution
    • The role of philanthropy and public-private partnership
    • Operating a major arts institution as a high-performing business
    • The Dr. Phillips Center’s economic and cultural impact
    • What’s next for downtown Orlando and the future of arts, wellness, and community

    Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, student, or resident curious about how cities are built with intention, this episode offers a powerful look at one of Orlando’s most transformational stories.

    Connect with Kathy and get information on the Dr. Phillips Center at:
    Instagram: @drphillipsctr
    Website: https://www.drphillipscenter.org/
    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
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    43 min
  • 12. The Future of Downtown Orlando Starts with This One Big Shift | On the Road Series

    12. The Future of Downtown Orlando Starts with This One Big Shift | On the Road Series
    Apr 8 2026
    What makes a city truly livable, competitive, and attractive for the next generation?

    In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani, President & CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, breaks down the strategy behind Downtown Orlando’s transformation into a more walkable, vibrant, and economically competitive urban core.

    This episode dives deep into:
    • Why cities across the U.S. are redesigning downtowns post-COVID
    • The shift from car-centric infrastructure to pedestrian-friendly design
    • The impact of converting one-way streets into two-way streets
    • How walkability drives economic development, small business growth, and safety
    • Why attracting young professionals depends on downtown experience
    • What Orlando can learn from cities like Austin, Nashville, Denver, and Tampa
    As Central Florida continues to grow, the future of Downtown Orlando will play a critical role in talent attraction, business investment, and long-term economic success.

    Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, entrepreneur, or resident, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the decisions shaping the future of Orlando.

    Subscribe for more conversations on economic development, city planning, innovation, and leadership in Central Florida.

    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
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    7 min
  • 11. Inside Orlando’s Creative Renaissance: Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome Shares His Vision

    11. Inside Orlando’s Creative Renaissance: Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome Shares His Vision
    Dec 17 2025
    In this episode of The City Playbook Podcast, host Tim Giuliani sits down with Shawn Welcome, Poet Laureate of the City of Orlando, to explore the deeper story of Orlando beyond theme parks and tourism. With over 30 years in Central Florida, Shawn shares how the city has shaped his life as an artist, educator, and community builder, and how poetry gives voice to neighborhoods that are often overlooked.

    You will hear about the evolution of Orlando’s literary arts scene, from open mics and spoken word residencies at Dr. Phillips Center to the creation of the Literary Arts Council of Central Florida. Sean and Tim dig into Orlando’s identity as a collaborative, innovative city, where creatives, business leaders, and residents have a unique opportunity to co create what comes next.

    They also talk about big visions like bringing the Southern Fried Poetry Slam Festival to Orlando, launching Lit Lando as a literary festival on the level of the Miami Book Fair, honoring the legacy of Zora Neale Hurston and Eatonville, and connecting arts, education, and economic development across the region. If you care about the future of Orlando, storytelling, and how cities build culture, this conversation will leave you inspired to play your part in the mosaic of Central Florida.

    In this episode you will learn:
    • How Orlando’s identity is evolving far beyond tourism
    • Why literary arts and spoken word matter for youth, neighborhoods, and civic life
    • How local leaders are working to position Orlando as the literary arts capital of the South
    • The story behind Sean’s upcoming documentary, Welcome, and his journey from open mic host to Poet Laureate
    If you are a policymaker, business leader, student, or resident who loves this city and wants to see it thrive, hit like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about Orlando’s future as much as you do.


    Connect with Shawn and get information on his documentary at:
    Instagram: @shawn.welcome | @welcome.shortfilm
    Website: shawnwelcome.com

    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
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    41 min
  • 10. Building a Worldwide Fintech From Orlando: Piero’s Bold Vision

    10. Building a Worldwide Fintech From Orlando: Piero’s Bold Vision
    Dec 10 2025
    In this episode of The City Playbook Podcast, host Tim Giuliani, President & CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, sits down with Piero Del Risco the founder of Pana, a global neobank built for immigrants and diasporas around the world.

    After growing up around cameras and TV in the Dominican Republic, working in banking, insurance, and investment funds, and leading digital banking at Scotiabank in Toronto, Piero took a big leap: he left a secure career to solve a problem he personally lived through as an immigrant. Today, Pana has more than 200,000 signups and is on a mission to make opening a U.S. dollar account and moving money across borders as easy as sending a WhatsApp message.

    Piero shares how a frustrating attempt to open a bank account during a visit to Orlando sparked the idea for Pana, how he got into Y Combinator, secured an O-1 “extraordinary ability” visa, and ultimately chose Orlando over Miami, New York, and California as the home base for his fast-growing fintech company. He also talks candidly about the toughest parts of fundraising, the realities of startup life, and why he believes Orlando checks all the boxes for high-skilled immigrants building global companies.

    If you care about immigration, fintech, global banking, and Orlando’s rise as an international tech hub, this conversation will give you a front-row seat to what’s possible here.


    Listen to learn about:
    • Piero’s journey from Dominican Republic TV studios to leading digital banking at a global bank
    • Why he left a “dream job” to build Pana and solve a 2,000-year-old problem: migration and remittances
    • How Pana lets people open a global U.S. dollar account with just a passport or international ID
    • Why Pana is like a Venmo/Zelle/WhatsApp for global money movement
    • The challenges of fundraising in today’s environment and what kept him going
    • Why Piero chose Orlando over bigger “startup cities” – and how the city’s infrastructure, airport, quality of life, and international community shape his decision
    • How density, mixed-use districts, and serendipitous encounters fuel a stronger startup ecosystem
    • A powerful book recommendation: “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield and what it means for builders and entrepreneurs
    Connect with Pana and Piero:
    Website: joinpana.com
    Instagram: @panaapp

    Download Pana in the app store to open your global U.S. dollar account.

    ------------------------------------------------------


    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.

    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    29 min
  • 9. Orlando Helps Entrepreneurs Win: Lessons from Brand Strategist Latria Graham

    9. Orlando Helps Entrepreneurs Win: Lessons from Brand Strategist Latria Graham
    Nov 26 2025
    In this episode of The City Playbook Podcast, host Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, sits down with Latria Graham, founder of GLB, brand strategist, and trusted advisor to both athletes and corporations. From choosing between ESPN in Bristol and the Orlando Magic to spending 11 seasons inside the NBA organization, Latria shares how her early sports career shaped the way she now builds strategic brands and community impact platforms from her home base in Orlando.


    Latria opens up about spotting a major gap in athlete philanthropy, why writing a check is not the same as creating real change, and how she built a niche helping players and their families design intentional foundations and community programs. She breaks down her philosophy of R on R, return on relationships, and how consistency, showing up, and doing the work turned “small business” perception into big corporate opportunities with brands like Florida Blue.

    You will also hear a powerful conversation about Orlando’s openness as a city, the advantage of building a business in a place where leaders actually listen, and why diversity of voices is not just a moral imperative but a business opportunity. Latria shares how she navigates spaces from the locker room to the board room, why she pushes young athletes and young professionals to give before they take, and how board service and community involvement can shape your leadership journey.


    Listen to learn about:
    • Latria’s career path from UF to the Orlando Magic to founding GLB
    • Why Orlando became her launchpad for business and community impact
    • The difference between “giving” and actually measuring impact
    • Working with athletes on authentic philanthropy and personal brand building
    • Return on relationships as a growth strategy for small businesses
    • How Orlando’s diversity and openness create unique business opportunities
    • Advice for young professionals who want to lead and give back

    Connect with GLB and Latria:

    GLB Media Group: g-lbmediagroup.com
    GLB Promos: g-lbpromos.com
    Follow GLB on social media at @glbmediagroup and @glbpromos

    ------------------------------------------------------
    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    34 min
  • 8. The Business of Building Orlando: Scott Cathcart on How Truist Powers Community Progress

    8. The Business of Building Orlando: Scott Cathcart on How Truist Powers Community Progress
    Nov 20 2025
    Curious about what is next for Orlando and how civic leadership and corporate partnership shape a thriving city? In this episode, Tim Giuliani sits down with Scott Cathcart, President of Truist in Florida, to unpack career lessons, community investment, and the power of innovation to serve real people and real businesses.

    Scott shares his journey from early banking roles to leading a statewide team of 6,000, why careers work more like a jungle gym than a ladder, and how “showing up” creates opportunities.
    Tim and Scott dive into Truist’s Innovation and Technology Center in Charlotte, what Orlando can learn from high collaboration hubs, why transit and walkable districts matter for housing and talent, and how Lift Orlando shows the impact of holistic community development. The throughline is simple. Build your community and you build your company.

    What you will learn
    • How to navigate a modern career in finance and leadership with curiosity and resilience
    • Why relationship banking and trust still win in an AI enabled world
    • Inside Truist’s Innovation and Technology Center and how collaboration speeds problem solving
    • Lessons from Charlotte that Orlando can adapt for mobility, housing, and downtown vitality
    • Practical ways professionals can get involved in civic leadership and make a measurable difference

    Connect with Scott Cathcart at:
    Website: https://www.truist.com/
    iN: @scott-cathcart

    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.

    ------------------------------------------------------
    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    36 min