EP 21: Smart Cities and Purposeful Leadership with Alex Argudin & Lifelong Advocacy with Barby McDaniel

In this episode of 'Harder Than it Looks: Parking Uncovered', our host, Brian Wolff, CEO of Parker Technology, dives into the transformative journeys of two servant leaders. 

Alejandra 'Alex' Argudin, MBA, CAPP, discusses her rise from a young city worker to leading Miami Parking Authority as the CEO, as well as becoming Chair of IPMI, tackling challenges like the pandemic, advancing parking technology, and being a woman in a male-dominated industry.

We then speak with Barby Valdes McDaniel, Associate Director of the WOW Center, who brings her 30-year career to light, advocating for adults with special needs.

In segment one, Alex Argudin emphasized her leadership philosophy of empowering her team and promoting collaboration between the parking industry and urban planning sectors. As the new chair of the International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI), Alex aims to drive legislative changes and technology advancements in parking, all while remaining committed to community service.

In segment two, we sit down with Barby Valdes McDaniel, who shares her lifelong dedication to serving adults with special needs, inspired by her early experiences. She detailed her impactful work at the WOW Center, providing life skills, community education, and employment opportunities for individuals with special needs, as well as the importance of family support.

To learn more about and/or contribute to Barby and Alex’s work with the WOW center, visit their website https://wowcentermiami.org/

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

• Empathy and Leadership in the Parking Industry
• Smart Cities & Legislation
• The Power of Personal Connection and Community Support
• Serving the Special Needs Community

Be sure to check out these great clips from Segment 1 with Alex Argudin:

00:21 Meet Alejandra “Alex” Argudin

02:02 Alex's Early Career Journey

04:28 Transition to the Parking Industry

07:31 Challenges and Growth in the MPA

11:43 Leadership and Modern Management

12:43 Innovations and Future Plans

20:11 Expanding Services and Partnerships

32:00 Smart Cities and Technological Advancements

34:43 The Curb and EV Challenges

35:40 Micro Freight Solutions

39:10 Legislation and Policy Hurdles

40:41 Smart City Initiatives

44:30 WOW Center: Supporting Adults with Disabilities

49:54 Balancing Work and Family

52:10 Lightning Round: Personal Insights

Segment 2 with Barby Valdes McDaniel:

01:05:06 The Beginning of a Powerful Partnership

01:09:19 A Life-Changing Experience

01:13:45 Daily Operations at the WOW Center

01:19:49 The Impact of Special Needs Individuals

01:21:51 Personal Stories and Inspirations

01:25:30 The Hospice Detour

01:29:32 Supporting Special Needs Families

01:33:50 How to Get Involved with the WOW Center

01:37:24 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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