Conversation with Howard Fox: Bringing Chambers and Communities Together Through Podcasting

Welcome to The Best Dam Podcast! In this episode, Jill Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, turns the spotlight on her own business coach and mentor, Howard Fox. Listeners will hear the story of how a well-timed cold call from Howard sparked the launch of this very podcast and helped Jill overcome her imposter syndrome to become a confident host.

Together, they delve into the power of podcasting for community promotion, the evolution of their podcasting journey—from microphone selection to a mobile studio—and how their partnership has elevated the mission of the Boulder City Chamber. Howard also shares insights from his career in executive coaching and the importance of blending nature with personal development. Expect thoughtful conversation, personal stories, and actionable advice for business leaders, podcasters, and anyone looking to communicate their vision more powerfully.

Join us as we explore the stories behind Boulder City’s community spirit, the art of effective coaching, and why podcasting is an essential tool for any chamber or destination looking to amplify its voice.

DISCUSSION

1. Introduction & Background

• Jill introduces the podcast and the focus on Boulder City 00:16
• Jill Lagan jokingly frames this episode as a "test" of what she has learned from her coach, Howard 00:45
• Howard comments on Jill’s imposter syndrome and praises her exceptional podcasting accomplishments 01:07

2. Origin Story: How Podcasting Began for Jill

• Howard recounts how he and Ryan from Podcast Centric reached out to chambers about podcasting 01:42
• The initial contact with the Boulder City Chamber and how quickly it resonated with Jill 02:32
• Jill reflects on inspiration from podcasting peers and the imposter syndrome watching others succeed 02:45
• Technical and mental hurdles to starting a podcast 03:20
• Howard’s support and the providence of the timing 03:44

3. Growth and Evolution of the Podcast

• Progression from basic podcasting equipment to a mobile podcast studio 04:52
• Jill describes how scheduling and production have changed due to increased interest 04:31
• Commentary on the value this brings to the community and Boulder City 05:15

4. Howard's Relocation to Boulder City

• Decision to move to Boulder City, influenced in part by working with Jill and the chamber 05:27
• Settling into the community 06:25

5. Howard’s Professional Work: Coaching & Podcasting

• Overview of Fox Coaching, Podcast Centric, and roles 06:29
• Description of both of Howard's podcasts: Outdoor Adventure Series and Success Insight Podcast 07:04
  • The origin of Success Insight Podcast
  • Use of interviews to generate LinkedIn articles 07:26
  • Outdoor Adventure Series evolution after moving to Nevada 08:28
• Podcasting as a platform for destination marketing and chambers 09:08
• The business model: working with chambers to help them tell their story through podcasting 09:50

6. How Podcast Centric Works with Chambers

• Structure of the relationship: Jill as the first to sign up, turning over production to Podcast Centric 10:40
• Value for chambers: helping meet their mission, promoting businesses and community events 13:02
• Diversity of podcast guests: not just businesses, but also authors, youth, and artists 13:13
• Podcasting enhances leadership and interviewer skills 13:40

7. Podcasting Production & Opportunities

• Importance of content planning, leveraging local events 15:03
• Expanding to video content and Jill’s initial reluctance 15:35
• Emphasizing ongoing learning and pushing creative boundaries 16:27
• The evolving nature of the podcast and marketing outreach 16:42

8. Howard’s Business Coaching Practice

• History of coaching since 2008 and transition from IT consulting 17:06
• Three core areas of work:
  • Executive coaching (preparation for promotion, team effectiveness, resistance to strategy, leadership skills) 18:18
  • Career mobility (helping organizations manage layoffs, re-skilling, internal transfers) 19:13
  • Career transition (outplacement: resumes, branding, interviews, job search strategy) 19:43
• The role of LinkedIn for clients and leaders as both a resume and networking tool 21:00

9. Coaching Methodology and Value

• The function of coaching vs mentoring, consulting, and advising 22:39
• Explanation using the sailing analogy: client as skipper, coach as crewmate 23:09
• The importance of dialogue for clients’ self-discovery 23:41
• The necessity of the human element in coaching (contrasted with AI) 24:00

10. Howard Fox’s Personal Background & Influences

• First job at a diner and learning lifelong skills from a mentor 25:06
• Culinary influences and learning to make spanakopita 25:47
• Starting in photography at the diner, leading to event photography 26:50
• Jill shares her parallel start in event business through photography 27:40
• The role of serendipity in life and career path 28:16

11. Favorite Books and Thought Leadership

• Howard Fox’s leadership book recommendations:
  • "Turn the Ship Around" by David Marquet 29:15
  • "The Leadership Challenge" by Kouzes and Posner
  • "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni
  • "What Got You Here Won’t Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith, with anecdote about meeting Goldsmith 30:50
• Introduction to outdoor-focused coaching 31:35

12. Outdoor Coaching and Blue-Green Psychology

• The concept: integrating coaching with nature for mindfulness, reflection, and personal growth 31:38
• Examples of outdoor coaching sessions ("walk talks") and locations 33:01
• Review of the book "Outdoor Coaching: A Practical Guide..." 38:51
• Benefits of balance between technology and nature, both for leaders and teams 38:44

13. Life Lessons and Parental Influence

• Howard Fox reflects on lessons from his parents, especially around the Jewish ethic of helping others and supporting the underdog 40:17
• Proverbs quote about always trying to make a difference 40:49
• Jill acknowledges the impact that these values have had through Howard coaching 41:13

14. Closing Thoughts and Endorsement

• Jill endorses Podcast Centric and offers to serve as a reference for other chambers or DMOs 41:29
• Howard Fox encourages chambers and DMOs to consider podcasting or being podcast guests 42:30
• Outro and information about where to find The Best Dam Podcast 42:55

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Howard Fox and his execuive coaching services, visit the Fox Coaching website at https://foxcoaching.com/ or Podcast Centric at https://podcastcentric.com/

Howard's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcoachinginc/

To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/

Jill's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-rowland-lagan-157480b/

KEYWORDS

Jill Lagan, Howard Fox, Business Coaching, Coaching Outdoors, Executive Coaching, Podcast Centric, Boulder City, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast

#JillLagan #HowardFox #BusinessCoaching #CoachingOutdoors #ExecutiveCoachig PodcastCentric #BoulderCity #TheBestDamPodcast