Sound Track | The Chamber Podcast

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Welcome to Sound Track, where we dive into the heart of Tacoma and Pierce County's business landscape. From local entrepreneurs to industry leaders, we bring you stories, insights, and strategies to help your business thrive. Tune in for actionable tips, inspiring stories, and the latest trends in Tacoma's thriving business community. Sound Track is the evolution of the Chamber's previous podcast: "Making It In the South Sound."

  1. 6d ago

    Ep. 16 Turning Intent Into Impact. With Darcy Celletti

    What does it take to turn good intentions into meaningful, lasting change? In this episode of The Chamber Pod, we sit down with Darcy Celletti, founder of INTENT 2 IMPACT, to explore the power of community-centered leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and bringing diverse voices to the table when tackling complex challenges. Darcy has dedicated her career to advancing equity and social impact by connecting people, organizations, and ideas. Before launching INTENT 2 IMPACT, she served as Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer for the YMCA, where she created the YMCA Center for Community Impact and helped lead initiatives focused on improving health, education, and justice outcomes. Throughout the conversation, Darcy shares insights from her experience building partnerships across sectors and creating solutions that are informed by the communities they are designed to serve. We discuss why listening is an essential leadership skill, how organizations can move beyond good intentions, and what it looks like to build collaboration around complicated issues. A key part of our conversation focuses on the importance of bringing businesses and nonprofits together. Darcy shares how these sectors can learn from one another, combine their unique strengths and resources, and build partnerships that create a greater collective impact. We explore why businesses have an important role to play in community work and how stronger relationships between the business and nonprofit communities can lead to more sustainable solutions. In this episode, we discuss: Turning intention into meaningful and measurable impactWhy community voice should be part of the decision-making processThe importance of bringing businesses and nonprofits togetherBuilding effective partnerships across organizations and sectorsHow different sectors can leverage their strengths to create greater community impactLeading collaborative efforts around complex community challengesLessons Darcy has learned throughout her career in community impact and systems change Whether you work in business, nonprofit leadership, government, or community development, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what can happen when different sectors come together around a shared purpose, and how collaboration and intentional leadership can help create stronger communities.

    Ep. 16 Turning Intent Into Impact. With Darcy Celletti

  2. Oct 15

    Ep. 15 Building a Business on Kindness. With Shanti Benoit.

    What happens when a business is built around great care, a strong partnership, and a commitment to the community? In this episode of The Chamber Pod, we sit down with Shanti Benoit, co-owner and co-founder of Northwest Medical Arts, to talk about her journey into aesthetic medicine, building a business alongside co-founder Heather Grods, and their mission to make a difference far beyond the treatment room. Shanti shares how her career began as a Registered Nurse working alongside an oculoplastic surgeon, where performing cosmetic injections, laser treatments, and advanced skincare sparked her passion for aesthetic medicine and eventually inspired her to pursue advanced training as a Nurse Practitioner. We also dive into the unique partnership behind Northwest Medical Arts. Shanti and Heather have embraced a work-share approach to ownership, taking turns stepping more fully into the business while the other has the flexibility to focus elsewhere. Shanti shares how that model has evolved, what it takes to build a business with another person, and how trust and collaboration have allowed them to create a structure that works for both owners. In less than three years, Northwest Medical Arts has grown into an award-winning, woman-, minority-, and veteran-owned practice centered around clinical excellence, genuine connection, and community impact. Guided by their motto, “Uplift Yourself, Impact the Community,” Shanti and Heather believe the confidence and care experienced inside their practice can ripple outward into the greater community. That philosophy comes to life through their annual Kindness Campaign, now celebrating its second successful year. The campaign encourages people throughout the community to recognize and share acts of kindness, partners with other local businesses, and contributes to an even bigger vision: making Pierce County the Kindness Capital of Washington. In this conversation, we explore Shanti’s path from nursing to entrepreneurship, the work-share model that makes her partnership with Heather unique, the realities of building a business together, creating an experience where clients feel genuinely seen and cared for, and how Northwest Medical Arts is using its success to uplift the community around it. It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, partnership, confidence, kindness, and building a business around something bigger than yourself. Listen now to hear how Shanti and Northwest Medical Arts are redefining what it means to care for both clients and community.

    Ep. 15 Building a Business on Kindness. With Shanti Benoit.

  3. Oct 2

    Ep. 14 Making AI Work for Your Business. With Erika Reed.

    What happens when we stop letting AI overwhelm us and start using it as a tool to support our creativity, businesses, and ideas? In this episode of the Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Erika Reed, founder of REEDality MEDIA, for a conversation about artificial intelligence, creativity, entrepreneurship, and what it really looks like to incorporate AI into the way we work. At the center of what Erika does is making AI human-centered. REEDality MEDIA is a Tacoma-based AI consultancy and media brand helping creators, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and organizations integrate AI into their storytelling, marketing, and workflows. E. Reed shares her journey from a career in training and education to podcasting, media, entrepreneurship, and ultimately building a business around helping others navigate the rapidly changing world of AI. We talk about how AI can help businesses work smarter without sacrificing the human element. E. Reed explains how she approaches AI strategy, prompt engineering, content creation, and workflow automation, while emphasizing the importance of using technology intentionally rather than simply chasing every new tool that comes along. The conversation also explores the relationship between AI and personal voice. As more businesses turn to AI to create content, E. Reed shares why maintaining authenticity matters and how entrepreneurs can use AI to amplify their ideas and communication without losing what makes their voice uniquely theirs. E. Reed also talks about the importance of having systems in place. With so many AI tools available, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by constantly learning something new. We discuss how creating practical workflows can help entrepreneurs spend less time managing technology and more time actually building their businesses. And of course, we talk about the entrepreneurial journey itself, from developing ideas and creating digital products to building confidence, finding your voice, and figuring out what comes next. In this episode, we talk about: E. Reed's journey from training and education to entrepreneurship and AI consultingThe story behind REEDality MEDIAHow AI is changing the way businesses approach content and workflowsUsing AI as a tool without losing your personal voiceAI strategy, prompt engineering, and workflow automationCustom GPTs and AI-powered products for creators and entrepreneursThe challenge of keeping up with constantly evolving AI technologyCreating systems that make AI work for your businessThe intersection of creativity, technology, and entrepreneurshipBuilding confidence and turning ideas into actionHow entrepreneurs can approach AI without feeling overwhelmedThe future of AI for small businesses and creatorsAbout REEDality MEDIA REEDality MEDIA is a Tacoma-based AI consultancy, media studio, and creator-education ecosystem helping creator-entrepreneurs, small businesses, and organizations use AI in practical and creative ways. Through AI strategy and consulting, personal voice integration, workflow systems, content strategy, and mentorship, REEDality MEDIA helps businesses turn AI from an overwhelming collection of tools into systems that support their goals. This episode is a conversation about more than just artificial intelligence. It's about creativity, confidence, entrepreneurship, and finding ways to use new technology without losing the human ideas and experiences behind the work.

    Ep. 14 Making AI Work for Your Business. With Erika Reed.

  4. Sep 17

    Ep. 13 Creating Space: Leadership, Creativity & Community. With Jennifer

    What happens when we make space for creativity, art, entrepreneurship, and ourselves? In this episode of the Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer, Program Director of Spaceworks Tacoma, for a conversation about the role creativity plays in building healthy, connected communities, and what leaders can learn from the importance of slowing down, setting boundaries, and taking care of themselves. Spaceworks Tacoma launched in 2010 as a joint initiative of the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, created to address vacant downtown storefronts by bringing creative businesses, events, and art installations into underutilized spaces. Today, Spaceworks continues to create opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses to grow while helping make Tacoma a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Jennifer shares how art and creativity contribute to the health and vitality of a community, creating places where people can connect, find inspiration, express themselves, and feel a sense of belonging. We also explore the economic impact of Tacoma’s arts and culture community and why investing in creativity can have effects far beyond the walls of a gallery, studio, or storefront. The conversation also gets personal. Jennifer opens up about leadership, burnout, and the importance of taking care of yourself while caring for and leading others. We talk about recognizing when you need to step back, creating healthy boundaries, and understanding that taking care of yourself isn't separate from being a good leader, it's part of it. Jennifer also shares her own experience as a pottery artist and creative entrepreneur, giving us a look at how having a creative practice outside of work can provide balance, fulfillment, and another way to connect with yourself and your community. In this episode, we talk about: The story behind Spaceworks Tacoma and its originsHow art and creativity can contribute to community health and well-beingThe importance of creating spaces where people can connect and feel a sense of belongingThe relationship between the arts, community development, and economic vitalitySupporting artists, creative entrepreneurs, and small businessesWhat Jennifer has learned about leadership through her workFinding balance while leading, serving, and supporting othersJennifer's personal pottery business and creative journeyHow creativity can enrich our lives both personally and professionallyThe importance of making space for people, ideas, creativity, and ourselvesAbout Spaceworks Tacoma Spaceworks creates and unlocks opportunities by providing space — space for new and established businesses to grow, space for artists to inspire, and space for everyone to work, create, connect, and enjoy. Launched in 2010 as a partnership between the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Spaceworks was created to help transform underutilized spaces and bring new energy, creativity, and opportunity to Tacoma. In 2022, Tacoma's nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $163 million in economic activity, supporting 2,065 jobs, generating $28.7 million in tax revenue, and providing $87.2 million in personal income to local residents. This episode is a conversation about more than just creating physical space. It's about creating room for creativity, connection, community, rest, and the people who make a place thrive.

    Ep. 13 Creating Space: Leadership, Creativity & Community. With Jennifer

  5. Sep 3

    Ep. 12 Behind The Tacoma Show: Creativity & Community. With Kwabi and Derek.

    On this episode of The Chamber Pod, we're joined by Kwabi Amoah-Forson and Derek Nunn for a conversation about creativity, filmmaking, storytelling, community, entrepreneurship, and the people helping shape Tacoma’s creative identity. Kwabi and Derek each bring their own experiences and perspectives to Tacoma’s creative community, and throughout the conversation, they share the journeys that led them to where they are today. We talk about what it means to pursue creative work in Tacoma, the challenges that can come with building something from the ground up, and the importance of finding your voice while staying connected to the community around you. A major part of the conversation is The Tacoma Show, a project created to shine a light on the people, businesses, culture, and stories that make Tacoma what it is. Kwabi and Derek share more about the inspiration behind the show, what they hope to accomplish through it, and why telling local stories matters. We explore how a platform like The Tacoma Show can help introduce people to the individuals and ideas that are contributing to Tacoma’s growth while giving creatives another space to share their work. We also talk about the relationship between creativity and community. Tacoma has a strong and distinctive identity, and Kwabi and Derek reflect on how the city itself can serve as inspiration for creatives. From the people they have met to the experiences they have had, they discuss how being part of a local creative ecosystem can influence the stories we tell and the projects we choose to pursue. Throughout the episode, Kwabi and Derek share insight into what it actually looks like to turn creative ideas into tangible projects. We discuss the importance of taking an idea and doing something with it, learning through the process, and being willing to adapt along the way. They also talk about collaboration and the ways creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses can support one another rather than working in isolation. The conversation also touches on the business side of being a creative. Pursuing creative work isn't always a straightforward path, and Kwabi and Derek offer perspective on building relationships, creating opportunities, and continuing to develop your craft while figuring out how your creativity can become part of a sustainable career. At the heart of the episode is a conversation about the next generation of creatives. Whether you're a longtime Tacoma resident, a small business owner, an aspiring creative, or simply someone interested in the people and ideas shaping the South Sound, this episode offers an inside look at the creative energy happening in Tacoma and the people working to amplify it. On this episode you will hear: The creative journeys of Kwabi Amoah-Forson and Derek Nunn and the experiences that shaped their work.How their passion for storytelling and creativity has influenced the projects they pursue.The story behind The Tacoma Show and the inspiration for creating a platform centered around Tacoma.Why highlighting local people, businesses, creatives, and stories is important to Tacoma’s identity and future.How Tacoma’s culture, community, and people have influenced their creative perspectives.The importance of collaboration and building relationships within the local creative community.What it takes to turn a creative idea into an actual project and keep moving it forward.

    Ep. 12 Behind The Tacoma Show: Creativity & Community. With Kwabi and Derek.

  6. Aug 20

    Ep. 11 Building a Brand, Shaping a City. With Umi Wagoner.

    On this episode of The Chamber Pod, we're joined by Umi Wagoner, co-creator of eTc Tacoma and founder of Umi’s Corner, for a conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, community, and finding the freedom to build what inspires you. Umi shares the story behind eTc Tacoma, the streetwear brand he launched with co-founder Perris Wright more than a decade ago. What began as a niche idea rooted in Tacoma culture has grown into a recognizable part of the city’s creative identity, with eTc becoming known for its limited-release collections and distinctive celebration of the 253. We explore what it means to build a business in the community where you grew up and how Tacoma has influenced Umi’s creative perspective. He shares insight into his creative process at eTc, from imagining an idea to executing it in a way that communicates with and resonates across Tacoma’s diverse community. Umi also reflects on the importance of collaboration and the relationships he has built with other Tacoma businesses and organizations. He discusses eTc’s collaborations and the opportunities that have allowed the brand to connect fashion, art, and culture in new ways, including eTceTera’s 2021 partnership with the Tacoma Art Museum and The Kinsey Collection for a five-month pop-up exhibition. The collaboration brought eTceTera’s work alongside The Kinsey Collection, one of the largest collections of African American art owned by a Black family, creating a unique intersection of fashion, art, and cultural storytelling. At the heart of the conversation is Umi’s connection to the next generation of Tacoma creatives. He reflects on growing up in the city, the people and experiences that shaped him, and his hope that the things he creates can help nurture other young people who are searching for their own creative path. Umi also shares a piece of unforgettable advice for anyone thinking about starting something of their own: “You start with doing it, not necessarily discussing it.” His perspective offers a powerful reminder that sometimes the first step isn't having everything figured out—it’s simply taking action. Whether discussing streetwear, entrepreneurship, collaboration, creativity, or the future of Tacoma, Umi’s story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful things we build come from following our curiosity, taking the shot, and creating space for others to discover what inspires them. On this episode you will hear: How Umi Wagoner and Perris Wright turned a niche streetwear idea into eTc Tacoma, a brand rooted in the culture and identity of the 253.The creative process behind eTc and how Umi thinks about communicating ideas with Tacoma’s broad and diverse community.The power of collaboration and how partnerships with local businesses and cultural organizations have helped bring new ideas to life.The importance of taking risks, trusting your creative instincts, and building something because you believe it should exist.The advice that has shaped his approach to entrepreneurship: “You start with doing it, not necessarily discussing it.”

    Ep. 11 Building a Brand, Shaping a City. With Umi Wagoner.

  7. Aug 6

    Ep. 10 The Great Adventure that lead to Odd Otter. With Gary Wescott.

    What if success wasn't measured by the businesses you own, but by the community you create? Long before becoming the owner of Odd Otter Brewing Company, Gary Wescott built a career that spanned law enforcement, apparel manufacturing in Tacoma, business leadership, and economic development. Throughout every chapter, one thing remained constant: a passion for revitalizing businesses and bringing people together. In this episode, Gary shares how turning around businesses and leading across industries ultimately led him to Odd Otter Brewing Company. But for Gary, owning a brewery was never just about beer. It was about creating a place where people feel welcome, conversations happen naturally, and community comes first. We also discuss: Gary's journey from manufacturing apparel in Tacoma to brewery ownershipWhat it takes to turn around businesses and build strong teamsWhy creating spaces for connection is essential to a thriving downtownThe vision behind a family-friendly brewery where everyone feels they belongHow events like silent community book readings with a mobile library, local vendor markets, and neighborhood gatherings are helping breathe new life into TacomaWhy activating downtown means giving people meaningful reasons to get out, connect, and support local businessesThe role businesses can play in creating safer, more vibrant communities Gary believes a great business is more than a place to buy a product, it's a place where people can gather, feel accepted, and build relationships. Through Odd Otter, he's creating opportunities for connection, championing local entrepreneurs, and helping shape a downtown Tacoma where people want to spend time together. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, community development, or the future of Tacoma, this conversation is a reminder that the most successful businesses don't just serve their customers, they strengthen the communities around them.

    Ep. 10 The Great Adventure that lead to Odd Otter. With Gary Wescott.

  8. Jul 23

    Ep. 9 From Winning a Horse to Telling the South Sound's Stories. With Josh Dunn.

    What do a middle school writing contest, a horse, and one of the Pacific Northwest's leading regional media companies have in common? Josh Dunn. In this episode of The Chamber Pod, Anna and Pachia sit down with Josh Dunn, Founder and CEO of Premier Media Group, to explore the remarkable journey behind one of the South Sound's most influential storytellers. From an unforgettable middle school writing competition that earned him a horse to building a media company that reaches communities across Washington, Josh's story is one of vision, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of local stories. Josh shares how he recognized opportunity during a rapidly changing media landscape, took a leap of faith, and built Premier Media Group into a trusted voice for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities throughout the region. His entrepreneurial mindset is matched by a genuine passion for storytelling—not just to inform, but to celebrate the people, businesses, and organizations that make the South Sound a remarkable place to live and work. Throughout the conversation, Josh reflects on the mentors who shaped his journey, the lessons he's learned as a business owner, and why giving back has always been at the heart of his work. Whether serving on nonprofit and business boards, supporting local initiatives, or using his publications to shine a light on community leaders, Josh believes that success means helping others succeed, too. In this episode, you'll hear about: The incredible story of winning a horse through a middle school writing contest.The entrepreneurial leap that led to founding Premier Media Group.Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for building stronger communities.How embracing change and innovation helped his company thrive through decades of media transformation.The role mentorship, relationships, and curiosity have played throughout his career.Why investing in local businesses and celebrating community success stories continues to drive his work today. This episode is a reminder that great leaders don't just build businesses—they build communities. Josh's passion for storytelling, his entrepreneurial vision, and his commitment to elevating the South Sound make this a conversation you won't want to miss.

    Ep. 9 From Winning a Horse to Telling the South Sound's Stories. With Josh Dunn.
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Sound Track, where we dive into the heart of Tacoma and Pierce County's business landscape. From local entrepreneurs to industry leaders, we bring you stories, insights, and strategies to help your business thrive. Tune in for actionable tips, inspiring stories, and the latest trends in Tacoma's thriving business community. Sound Track is the evolution of the Chamber's previous podcast: "Making It In the South Sound."

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