City Builders with Portia Bailey-Bernard

Portia Bailey-Bernard
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Welcome to City Builders, hosted by Portia Bailey-Bernard, Founder and Managing Principal of MBR Partners. City Builders is where we explore the people, ideas, and capital shaping cities through conversations with entrepreneurs, developers, investors, business leaders, public officials, and changemakers. Each episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the leadership, innovation, partnerships, and bold decisions that are transforming our communities and driving economic growth.

Episodes

  1. 21 Oct

    Building Healthier Cities: Beyond Healthcare with Paul Babcock

    City Builders | Episode 6 | Presented by MBR Partners What does it really take to build a healthier city, and why does public health play such an important role in economic development? In this episode of City Builders, Portia Bailey-Bernard sits down with Paul Babcock, President and CEO of the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, to explore the intersection of public health, community investment, and leadership. From his experience serving in the Peace Corps in Uganda to leading one of Indianapolis's most important public institutions, Paul shares his journey in public service and the experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership. Together, they discuss the connection between public health and economic development, the importance of investing in underserved neighborhoods, and how partnerships across government, healthcare, and the private sector can create lasting community impact. Paul also shares his perspective on the future of Indianapolis and what it takes to build stronger, healthier communities. In this episode, we discuss: Paul's journey from the Peace Corps to public-sector leadership The connection between public health and economic development Why neighborhood investment matters to community health The Health and Hospital Corporation's vision for Indianapolis Leadership, collaboration, and the importance of public service Building healthier, more resilient communities for future generations Whether you're a community leader, business professional, or someone passionate about the future of our cities, this conversation offers a different perspective on what it means to build a thriving community.

  2. 8 Sept

    Building a Career, Raising a Family & Making an Impact with Lauren Box

    What does it take to build a career at the intersection of business, government, infrastructure, and community? In this episode of City Builders, presented by MBR Partners, Portia Bailey-Bernard sits down with Lauren Box, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg, for a conversation about leadership, government affairs, infrastructure, and the relationships that help move communities forward. Lauren shares her path from growing up in Indianapolis to building a career in government affairs and utility law, including how an early experience in state government helped shape her decision to build her career and family in Indiana. Together, Portia and Lauren discuss what government affairs actually looks like, why utilities and infrastructure are critical to economic growth, and what makes public-private collaboration work. They also get personal about leadership, mentorship, motherhood, and the realities of navigating demanding careers while raising three young children. Whether you're a business leader, community builder, young professional, or someone interested in how decisions behind the scenes shape the places we live and work, this episode offers a candid look at the people, relationships, and infrastructure that help communities grow. In this episode: Leadership Government Affairs Utilities & Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Economic Development Career & Motherhood Mentorship Indiana's Future

  3. 1 Aug

    The Courage to Build: Lessons from Authenticx Founder Amy Brown

    What does it really take to leave a successful executive career and build a company from the ground up? In this episode of City Builders, presented by MBR Partners, Portia Bailey-Bernard sits down with Amy Brown, Founder and CEO of Authenticx, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the courage to pursue an idea with conviction. Amy shares how her experience in healthcare led her to identify an overlooked opportunity that became Authenticx, a company transforming how the biggest healthcare organizations in the world learn from customer conversations. Together, Portia and Amy discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, preparing for uncertainty, building a purpose-driven culture, earning the trust of employees and investors, and why Indianapolis continues to be a place where innovative companies can thrive. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone considering your own next chapter, this episode offers honest insights and practical lessons on what it takes to build something meaningful. In this episode: EntrepreneurshipLeadershipAuthenticxCompany CultureAI in HealthcareIndianapolisFounder Journey

  4. 20 Jul

    Every Side of the Economic Development Table with Vincent Ash

    What happens when one person has experienced economic development from nearly every angle? In this episode of City Builders, host Portia Bailey-Bernard sits down with Vincent Ash, SVP of Development and Operations at Lauth Group, to discuss a career that has taken him through commercial real estate, local economic development at Develop Indy, statewide leadership at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and now private development. Having sat on nearly every side of the economic development table, Vincent shares a unique perspective on what it takes to move transformational projects from vision to reality. Together, Portia and Vincent explore how priorities differ across the public and private sectors, why relationships are at the center of successful development, and the lessons he's learned from working with developers, businesses, communities, and government. Whether you're in economic development, real estate, government, or business, this conversation offers practical insights into how great projects get done—and why understanding every perspective at the table leads to better outcomes.

  5. 14 Jun

    How Tourism Builds Cities with Morgan Snyder

    Tourism is one of Indianapolis's most significant economic drivers, generating nearly $4.8 billion in annual economic impact and attracting more than 30 million visitors each year. In this episode of City Builders, host Portia Bailey-Bernard sits down with Morgan Snyder, Vice President of Communications and Community Relations at Visit Indy, to discuss how Indianapolis competes for major conventions, sporting events, and tourism opportunities. Together, they explore: The economic impact of tourism on IndianapolisHow Indianapolis attracts major events and conventionsThe role of hotels, restaurants, and attractions in economic developmentPublic-private partnerships that support tourism growthWhat's next for Indianapolis as a destination cityMost people see sold-out events, packed hotels, and national media attention. Few see the years of planning, strategy, and collaboration required to make those successes possible. Morgan shares an inside look at how tourism helps drive investment, create jobs, and strengthen Indianapolis's economy. About City Builders City Builders, presented by MBR Partners MBR Partners, explores the ideas, capital, and people building our communities. Through conversations with leaders across business, government, development, and civic organizations, host Portia Bailey-Bernard uncovers the stories behind the projects and decisions shaping our cities.

    How Tourism Builds Cities with Morgan Snyder

  6. 26 Apr

    Why Indy? Building a Sports Tech Studio from the Ground Up

    In the first episode of City Builders, Portia Bailey-Bernard sits down with Nolan Bernard of Alloy Partners to break down what it really takes to build a sports tech studio from the ground up. They discuss why Indianapolis is uniquely positioned for this moment, how venture studios operate, and the role corporations and community partnerships play in scaling innovation.

    Why Indy? Building a Sports Tech Studio from the Ground Up
  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to City Builders, hosted by Portia Bailey-Bernard, Founder and Managing Principal of MBR Partners. City Builders is where we explore the people, ideas, and capital shaping cities through conversations with entrepreneurs, developers, investors, business leaders, public officials, and changemakers. Each episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the leadership, innovation, partnerships, and bold decisions that are transforming our communities and driving economic growth.

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