The City Playbook

Orlando Economic Partnership
  • 5.0 (4)
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Hosted by Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, The City Playbook takes you behind the ideas, innovation, and initiatives shaping Orlando’s future — and the people making it happen. Join us as we build the city together.

  1. 7h ago

    18. How Orlando Won One of KPMG's Biggest Investments

    Why did one of the world's largest professional services firms choose Orlando for one of its most important investments? In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President & CEO Tim Giuliani interviews Isaac Juarez, Managing Partner of KPMG Orlando, about the company's decision to build its flagship KPMG Lakehouse in Lake Nona and how that investment has transformed into something far greater than a corporate training center. Isaac shares how Orlando competed against other major U.S. cities, why Central Florida's talent pipeline, business climate, and location made it the ideal choice, and how KPMG has expanded its footprint from a regional office into nearly 1,000 employees serving clients nationwide. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping professional services, why continuous learning matters more than ever, and how corporate leaders can invest in their communities through education, workforce development, innovation, and nonprofit partnerships.If you're interested in economic development, business growth, AI, workforce development, leadership, Orlando's future, or corporate innovation, this episode provides an inside look at how major companies evaluate cities and why Orlando continues to emerge as one of America's fastest-growing business destinations. In this episode: Why KPMG chose Orlando over competing citiesInside KPMG Lakehouse in Lake NonaThe importance of workforce developmentHow AI is changing professional servicesOrlando's growing business ecosystemCorporate culture and employee developmentCommunity investment and economic developmentBuilding partnerships that strengthen Central FloridaLeadership lessons from Isaac JuarezWhy small daily improvements create lasting impact If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook. ------------------------------------------------------ Connect with our Guest Isaac at: LinkedIn: @isaac-juarez 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 ------------------------------------------------------ Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/

  2. Aug 7

    17. From UCF to the Moon, Launching a Career Beyond Earth

    How Orlando Is Building NASA's Future | Lockheed Martin, Artemis & The Orion Spacecraft What does it take to build the spacecraft that will return humans to the Moon? In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President & CEO Tim Giuliani sits down with Barry Bohnsack, Production Planner for Lockheed Martin's Orion spacecraft program, to explore why Central Florida has become one of the nation's most important aerospace and space exploration hubs. Barry takes us behind the scenes of the Artemis Program, explaining how the Orion spacecraft is designed, assembled, and prepared for missions beyond Earth orbit. He also shares his personal journey from Central Florida public schools and robotics competitions to helping build NASA's next generation of spacecraft. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Orlando became a global aerospace powerhouse • The role Lockheed Martin plays in the Artemis missions • How the Orion spacecraft differs from Apollo • Why Central Florida is essential to America's future in space • The importance of STEM education and robotics competitions • Career opportunities in aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, and skilled trades • How UCF, Valencia College, and local schools create one of the strongest aerospace talent pipelines in the country If you're interested in NASA, Artemis, Orion, Lockheed Martin, aerospace engineering, Florida's Space Coast, workforce development, STEM education, or the future of innovation, this episode is for you. Connect with Barry and get information at: X (formerly Twitter): @bonzack If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook. ------------------------------------------------------ Circumstance 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 Produced by Hi Hello Labs: hihellolabs.com

  3. May 27

    16. Building Orlando Through Food, Culture & Community

    How did Orlando become one of the most exciting food cities in America? In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership CEO Tim Giuliani sits down with Jason Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurship, hospitality, placemaking, restaurant culture, and the future of Orlando. Jason shares the incredible journey from working in the dish pit at his family’s sushi restaurant to building some of Orlando’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Osprey, Reyes Mezcaleria, Sparrow, The Monroe, and Osteria Esther. Along the way, he opens up about immigrant family values, burnout, risk-taking, leadership, James Beard recognition, and why restaurants are critical to economic development and community identity. This episode explores: How restaurants shape neighborhoods and citiesOrlando’s rise as a nationally recognized culinary destinationThe connection between hospitality and economic developmentWhy talent chooses cities based on culture and quality of lifeThe realities of building a restaurant groupThe importance of density, walkability, and placemakingLeadership lessons from hospitalityHow Orlando is evolving beyond tourismWhether you’re an entrepreneur, restaurateur, city builder, foodie, business owner, developer, or someone passionate about Orlando’s growth, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build culture through hospitality. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida. Connect with Jason at: Website: https://www.goodsaltgrp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anml_chin/ 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

  4. Apr 29

    15. Designing Downtown Orlando for People with Guest Jason Lima

    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 citiesThe economic impact of two-way streets vs. one-way traffic systemsHow urban design influences small business success and real estate valueWhat makes cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Boston so desirableThe shift from “central business districts” to “social districts”How Orlando can attract and retain talent through better urban experiencesThe role of connectivity between cultural districts, restaurants, and entertainmentFrom 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

  5. Apr 22

    14. How Business Leaders Can Transform Communities with Guest Bret Perkins

    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 worldWhy thriving cities require collaboration between business, government, and community leadersThe role of “civic infrastructure” and how systems within a city work togetherWhy local engagement matters more than ever in a global economyThe impact of digital connectivity, the digital divide, and workforce developmentHow individuals—not just institutions—drive meaningful changeFrom 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

  6. Apr 15

    13. From Vision to Impact: How the Dr. Phillips Center Transformed Downtown Orlando

    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

  7. Apr 8

    12. The Future of Downtown Orlando Starts with This One Big Shift | On the Road Series

    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-COVIDThe shift from car-centric infrastructure to pedestrian-friendly designThe impact of converting one-way streets into two-way streetsHow walkability drives economic development, small business growth, and safetyWhy attracting young professionals depends on downtown experienceWhat Orlando can learn from cities like Austin, Nashville, Denver, and TampaAs 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

  8. 12/17/2025

    11. Inside Orlando’s Creative Renaissance: Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome Shares His Vision

    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 tourismWhy literary arts and spoken word matter for youth, neighborhoods, and civic lifeHow local leaders are working to position Orlando as the literary arts capital of the SouthThe story behind Sean’s upcoming documentary, Welcome, and his journey from open mic host to Poet LaureateIf 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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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hosted by Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, The City Playbook takes you behind the ideas, innovation, and initiatives shaping Orlando’s future — and the people making it happen. Join us as we build the city together.

Information

  • Creator
    Orlando Economic Partnership
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Orlando Economic Partnership
  • Show Website
    The City Playbook