Conversation with Howard Fox: Bringing Chambers and Communities Together Through Podcasting

Welcome to The Best Dam Podcast! In this episode, Jill Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, turns the spotlight on her own business coach and mentor, Howard Fox. Listeners will hear the story of how a well-timed cold call from Howard sparked the launch of this very podcast and helped Jill overcome her imposter syndrome to become a confident host.Together, they delve into the power of podcasting for community promotion, the evolution of their podcasting journey—from microphone selection to a mobile studio—and how their partnership has elevated the mission of the Boulder City Chamber. Howard also shares insights from his career in executive coaching and the importance of blending nature with personal development. Expect thoughtful conversation, personal stories, and actionable advice for business leaders, podcasters, and anyone looking to communicate their vision more powerfully.Join us as we explore the stories behind Boulder City’s community spirit, the art of effective coaching, and why podcasting is an essential tool for any chamber or destination looking to amplify its voice.DISCUSSION1. Introduction & BackgroundJill introduces the podcast and the focus on Boulder City 00:16Jill Lagan jokingly frames this episode as a "test" of what she has learned from her coach, Howard 00:45Howard comments on Jill’s imposter syndrome and praises her exceptional podcasting accomplishments 01:072. Origin Story: How Podcasting Began for JillHoward recounts how he and Ryan from Podcast Centric reached out to chambers about podcasting 01:42The initial contact with the Boulder City Chamber and how quickly it resonated with Jill 02:32Jill reflects on inspiration from podcasting peers and the imposter syndrome watching others succeed 02:45Technical and mental hurdles to starting a podcast 03:20Howard’s support and the providence of the timing 03:443. Growth and Evolution of the PodcastProgression from basic podcasting equipment to a mobile podcast studio 04:52Jill describes how scheduling and production have changed due to increased interest 04:31Commentary on the value this brings to the community and Boulder City 05:154. Howard's Relocation to Boulder CityDecision to move to Boulder City, influenced in part by working with Jill and the chamber 05:27Settling into the community 06:255. Howard’s Professional Work: Coaching & PodcastingOverview of Fox Coaching, Podcast Centric, and roles 06:29Description of both of Howard's podcasts: Outdoor Adventure Series and Success Insight Podcast 07:04The origin of Success Insight PodcastUse of interviews to generate LinkedIn articles 07:26Outdoor Adventure Series evolution after moving to Nevada 08:28Podcasting as a platform for destination marketing and chambers 09:08The business model: working with chambers to help them tell their story through podcasting 09:506. How Podcast Centric Works with ChambersStructure of the relationship: Jill as the first to sign up, turning over production to Podcast Centric 10:40Value for chambers: helping meet their mission, promoting businesses and community events 13:02Diversity of podcast guests: not just businesses, but also authors, youth, and artists 13:13Podcasting enhances leadership and interviewer skills 13:407. Podcasting Production & OpportunitiesImportance of content planning, leveraging local events 15:03Expanding to video content and Jill’s initial reluctance 15:35Emphasizing ongoing learning and pushing creative boundaries 16:27The evolving nature of the podcast and marketing outreach 16:428. Howard’s Business Coaching PracticeHistory of coaching since 2008 and transition from IT consulting 17:06Three core areas of work:Executive coaching (preparation for promotion, team effectiveness, resistance to strategy, leadership skills) 18:18Career mobility (helping organizations manage layoffs, re-skilling, internal transfers) 19:13Career transition (outplacement: resumes, branding, interviews, job search strategy) 19:43The role of LinkedIn for clients and leaders as both a resume and networking tool 21:009. Coaching Methodology and ValueThe function of coaching vs mentoring, consulting, and advising 22:39Explanation using the sailing analogy: client as skipper, coach as crewmate 23:09The importance of dialogue for clients’ self-discovery 23:41The necessity of the human element in coaching (contrasted with AI) 24:0010. Howard Fox’s Personal Background & InfluencesFirst job at a diner and learning lifelong skills from a mentor 25:06Culinary influences and learning to make spanakopita 25:47Starting in photography at the diner, leading to event photography 26:50Jill shares her parallel start in event business through photography 27:40The role of serendipity in life and career path 28:1611. Favorite Books and Thought LeadershipHoward Fox’s leadership book recommendations:"Turn the Ship Around" by David Marquet 29:15"The Leadership Challenge" by Kouzes and Posner"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni"What Got You Here Won’t Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith, with anecdote about meeting Goldsmith 30:50Introduction to outdoor-focused coaching 31:3512. Outdoor Coaching and Blue-Green PsychologyThe concept: integrating coaching with nature for mindfulness, reflection, and personal growth 31:38Examples of outdoor coaching sessions ("walk talks") and locations 33:01Review of the book "Outdoor Coaching: A Practical Guide..." 38:51Benefits of balance between technology and nature, both for leaders and teams 38:4413. Life Lessons and Parental InfluenceHoward Fox reflects on lessons from his parents, especially around the Jewish ethic of helping others and supporting the underdog 40:17Proverbs quote about always trying to make a difference 40:49Jill acknowledges the impact that these values have had through Howard coaching 41:1314. Closing Thoughts and EndorsementJill endorses Podcast Centric and offers to serve as a reference for other chambers or DMOs 41:29Howard Fox encourages chambers and DMOs to consider podcasting or being podcast guests 42:30Outro and information about where to find The Best Dam Podcast 42:55LEARN MORETo learn more about Howard Fox and his execuive coaching services, visit the Fox Coaching website at https://foxcoaching.com/ or Podcast Centric at https://podcastcentric.com/Howard's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcoachinginc/To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/Jill's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-rowland-lagan-157480b/KEYWORDSJill Lagan, Howard Fox, Business Coaching, Coaching Outdoors, Executive Coaching, Podcast Centric, Boulder City, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast#JillLagan #HowardFox #BusinessCoaching #CoachingOutdoors #ExecutiveCoachig PodcastCentric #BoulderCity #TheBestDamPodcast