Today’s conversation did not take me far from home because my guest, Jess Edwards, is in the midst of wrapping up a project in Danville, VA.

Jess is a project-based ecosystem builder who has done this work in her hometown of Buffalo, NY, in Dubai as well as in Alaska and - most recently - in the South of Virginia.

Jess spilled the beans on how she builds and leverages her social capital when she parachutes into a community and explains why ecosystem projects are very much like going on a roadtrip to Florida.

Jess Edwards is a systems leader that can quickly identify talent and resources from various industries and mobilize them. She has an exceptional ability to maintain a bigger picture mission while developing a comprehensive implementation plan. Jess has a vast ability to help people, organizations and communities reach their greatest potential.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• Why some measure of conflict is inherent in the work of ecosystem building
• How Jess defines social capital and why it’s not just about how big your network is
• The three groups ecosystem builders need to have positive social capital with
• The number one conflict Jess sees across ecosystems, and three key ways to manage it
• How ecosystem builders can use their social capital to navigate interpersonal conflicts among stakeholders
• Three ways that proving your credibility in a new environment builds trust

Learn More About Jess Edwards:

• JessEdwards.com
• Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Learn More About Anika Horn:

• Website: www.socialventurers.com 
• Instagram: SocialVenturers
• Newsletter: Sign up for Impact Curator

Resources:

• Kauffman Foundation
• Social Capital Research