The Board of Trade’s advocacy, convening, and thought leadership activities support regional outcomes that will help Greater Washington grow and adapt for generations to come. The GWBOT Legislative Update shares legislation and policy insights from the region.
Category: Newsletters & Publications
GWBOT July 2025 Newsletter
The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This July newsletter shows a variety of engagements we have had across Greater Washington with members and public officials, while also showcasing meaningful updates on priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!
Read our July 2025 Newsletter here
So Much Power, No Platform: Executive Leaders Discuss Fixing the Disconnect in Regional Progress
The Capital Region stands at a pivotal crossroads. We have all the assets we need to be one of the world’s most competitive, inclusive, and resilient economic hubs — yet we lack the collective operating system to truly activate them.
At the Board of Trade’s recent Executive Leadership Roundtable in partnership with Comcast, leaders across business, education, and civic sectors agreed: Our region is not short on resources. We are rich in capital, talent, innovation, and infrastructure, but these elements operate in silos.
We heard a striking metaphor: “Our region is an app store without an operating system.” We have incredible individual capabilities, but they are not plugged into a cohesive system that drives shared outcomes.
Participants emphasized that to transform, we must:
- Move from a zero-sum mindset to shared growth.
- Align educational and workforce systems with the region’s evolving economic identity.
- Streamline regulatory frameworks to support speed and innovation.
- Shift from process-driven philanthropy to outcome-focused investment.
Inclusion remains a central imperative. With deep disparities in literacy, income, and access to opportunity — for example, 47% of adults in Ward 7 read at a first-grade level — we cannot build a prosperous region without confronting these foundational issues.
As one participant noted, “We have the assets of a Silicon Valley, but not the mindset.” Changing this requires collective vision and action across public and private sectors, underpinned by bold leadership.
Participants explored forward-looking strategies to ensure the Capital Region remains competitive, resilient, and inclusive. Insights from this session will help shape ongoing regional dialogues and inform the collaborative work of the Potomac Conference — a platform designed to synthesize diverse perspectives and surface shared priorities across jurisdictions and sectors.
The time to act is now. We can no longer afford to admire our challenges — we must design, build, and sustain the systems that will define our shared future.
Thank you to Comcast and its government affairs executive, Misty Allen, for partnering and helping us facilitate this discussion. Learn more about the work of Comcast’s Project UP and how this initiative is helping expand internet access around Greater Washington and the United States: https://bit.ly/4lOoMQU
Elevating Leadership Through Human Connection: Strategic Decision-Making in the Kitchen
As today’s leaders navigate increasingly complex environments, the 2025 TD Bank Morning Star Speaker Series offers a refreshing reminder: some of the most powerful leadership lessons happen not in the boardroom, but in dynamic, human-centered experiences.
On June 26, the Board of Trade, in partnership with TD Bank and MGM National Harbor, hosted the second installment of this year’s Morning Star Speaker Series—Strategic Leadership Through Culinary Teamwork. Set in the warm, vibrant space of Osteria Costa, the event brought together senior executives and rising leaders for an interactive experience centered on collaboration, trust, and shared ownership.
From the Kitchen to the Leadership Table
The session featured MGM Executive Chef Anthony Cieplinski, who guided attendees through a hands-on culinary challenge—crafting custom pizzas in pairs—while delivering thoughtful insights on leadership dynamics. As teams worked side-by-side, they reflected on the parallels between kitchen collaboration and business decision-making: adapting in real time, listening actively, and trusting others to lead.
Key Takeaways on Collaborative Leadership
Throughout the session, themes of trust-building, flexibility, and mentorship came to life in unexpectedly resonant ways:
- Strategic Communication – Whether deciding on toppings or navigating high-stakes meetings, clear communication and active listening are essential.
- Adaptability Under Pressure – As in any kitchen, unexpected changes require composure and creativity—skills equally vital in today’s fast-paced business world.
- Shared Ownership – From crust to concept, attendees were reminded that strong teams thrive when responsibility and recognition are shared.
Following the culinary session, attendees enjoyed a seated lunch featuring their handmade pizzas. Table discussions encouraged reflection on leadership styles, mentorship, and how trust and adaptability are cultivated within teams.
The format fostered thoughtful dialogue and meaningful peer exchange, creating a warm, relaxed environment where laughter, storytelling, and real connection took center stage. With just about 30 participants, the setting allowed for deep conversations and strong takeaways that will stay with attendees long after the final slice was served.
Looking Ahead
This was the second session in the 2025 Morning Star Speaker Series. The final session, NextGen Leadership Storytelling, will take place in the fall and focus on helping executives communicate with authenticity, confidence, and clarity.
Special Thanks
The Greater Washington Board of Trade extends its deep appreciation to TD Bank for 18 years of partnership and continued investment in human-centered leadership development, and to MGM National Harbor for their generous hospitality and commitment to cultivating inclusive, people-first experiences.
GWBOT June 2025 Legislative Update
The Board of Trade’s advocacy, convening, and thought leadership activities support regional outcomes that will help Greater Washington grow and adapt for generations to come. The GWBOT Legislative Update shares legislation and policy insights from the region.
Read our June 2025 Legislative Update here
GWBOT June 2025 Newsletter
The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This June newsletter shows a variety of engagements we have had across Greater Washington with members and public officials, while also showcasing meaningful updates on priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!
Read our June 2025 Newsletter here
GWBOT May 2025 Legislative Update
The Board of Trade’s advocacy, convening, and thought leadership activities support regional outcomes that will help Greater Washington grow and adapt for generations to come. The GWBOT Legislative Update shares legislation and policy insights from the Greater Washington region.
Read our May 2025 Legislative Update here
GWBOT April 2025 Newsletter
The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This March newsletter shows a variety of engagements we have had across the region with members and public officials, while also showcasing meaningful updates on priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!
Read our April 2025 Newsletter here
Cultivating Innovation & Collaboration: Key Takeaways from Recent Board of Trade Executive Lunches
Over the past few months, our executive lunch series has brought together leaders from across industries to engage in meaningful discussions on resilience, innovation, and the future of business in the DC region. With expert facilitators across our membership, each session fostered an open exchange of ideas, centering on personal leadership challenges and strategies for navigating them successfully.
Regional Growth and Infrastructure: Moving DC Forward
Transportation and workforce development were key topics, as leaders examined how regional collaboration can drive economic growth. Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle provided a deep dive into DMVMoves and efforts to create sustainable long-term solutions for transportation funding and operations. Discussions also touched on:
- Updates on major infrastructure projects, including Maglev’s progress, autonomous vehicle permitting in DC, and innovative transit solutions like using county buses for school transportation.
- Workforce development initiatives, emphasizing the need for businesses and universities to collaborate in retaining top talent and expanding opportunities for local students.
- Economic competition across regional lines, shifting the mindset from a zero-sum game to attracting and developing a diverse workforce that serves multiple industries.
Innovation and the Business Landscape
Emerging industries, technological advancements, and the role of policy in fostering innovation were also key discussion points. Leaders explored ways to position DC as a global hub for business and technology, emphasizing:
- The potential for AI and energy innovation, leveraging the region’s strengths in data centers, federal institutions, and top-tier universities.
- The need for collaborative policies that support startups and technology innovation.
- Business retention and student opportunities, with ideas for expanding internship programs and creating direct pipelines from high schools to local universities.
Navigating the Return-to-Office Debate: Leadership, Culture, and Policy
In a thought-provoking discussion, a recent discussion highlighted how communication and leadership clarity play a crucial role in shaping organizational performance. Instead of transitioning to remote work, organizations are now grappling with the challenges of bringing employees back to the office under a federal mandate, even as many private companies take a more flexible approach.
This shift has sparked important conversations about workplace policies, with organizations weighing the benefits and drawbacks of full-time in-office work versus hybrid models.
- Federal vs. Private Sector Approaches – While the government is mandating a return to the office, many private companies are prioritizing flexibility, recognizing that employees have adapted to remote and hybrid work.
- Balancing Productivity and Collaboration – Full-time office work fosters in-person collaboration and structure, while hybrid models offer flexibility and, for many, increased productivity.
However, beyond policy decisions, one key factor remains central: organizational culture. A strong, clearly communicated culture that prioritizes serving clients, maintaining work quality, and fostering collaboration is what ultimately drives success. More than just where employees work, it’s about ensuring everyone understands the goals and mission that guide the organization forward.
What’s Next?
These discussions reinforced that DC is an asset-rich region with significant opportunities for growth, but strategic collaboration remains key. From transportation and workforce retention to AI and energy innovation, business leaders are focused on long-term solutions that ensure sustainable success.
As we continue these conversations, we invite our business community to actively engage in shaping the future of the region. Stay tuned for upcoming events where we’ll explore these themes further and continue building momentum for a resilient, innovative, and thriving DC business ecosystem.
A special thank you to our recent facilitators: Kevin Dougher, EVP, Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc.; Jane Williams, SVP & National Practice Consultant, HNTB; Licy DoCanto, Founder, The DoCanto Group; Cindy Bean, VP, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Comcast; Lizabeth Wesely-Casella, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, L-12 Services.
Thank you to our recent sponsors, including United Airlines and L-12 Services, for helping make these lunches possible!
UPCOMING BOARD OF TRADE EVENTS
Courageous Leadership: Navigating Uncertainty & Taking Bold Action
GWBOT March 2025 Legislative Update
The Board of Trade’s advocacy, convening, and thought leadership activities support regional outcomes that will help Greater Washington grow and adapt for generations to come. The GWBOT Legislative Update shares legislation and policy insights from the Greater Washington region.
