<![CDATA[Prosperity That Works]]>Welcome to Prosperity That Works, a podcast from the James S. McDonnell Foundation, where we explore bold innovations and real-world actions that can unlock the St. Louis economy for growth and opportunity for everyone.

]]>https://www.jsmf.org/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 02 Nov 2026 19:12:27 GMTWed, 19 Nov 2025 17:42:21 GMT60James S. McDonnell Foundation<p>Welcome to Prosperity That Works, a podcast from the <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="jsmf.org" target="_blank">James S. McDonnell Foundation</a>, where we explore bold innovations and real-world actions that can unlock the St. Louis economy for growth and opportunity for everyone.</p>episodicJames S. McDonnell Foundationnolen@jsmf.orgno<![CDATA[Introducing the IPP with Insights from John McDonnell]]>JSMF President and CEO Dr. Jason Q. Purnell talks with JSMF Vice Chair and former Chair John McDonnell about the Foundation’s decision to shift its mission to focus solely on St. Louis.

They also discuss JSMF’s largest St. Louis investment to date, the Inclusive Prosperity Partnership (IPP). The IPP is a 10-year, $161M initiative that supports the collaboration needed to co-design solutions that will unlock economic opportunity for more St. Louis residents and provide substantial financial support to make those solutions a reality.

 

Keywords

St. Louis, economic mobility, inclusive prosperity, community collaboration, James S. McDonnell Foundation, regional development, shared metrics, social impact, leadership, economic growth

 

Key Topics

Inclusive Prosperity Partnership (IPP)

Regional collaboration and shared metrics

Leadership and teamwork in economic development

Community engagement and inclusivity in growth strategies

 

Guest

John McDonnell

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:59 Foundation's Shift in Focus

05:04 Economic Development vs. Charity

06:32 Teamwork and Community Engagement

08:46 Importance of Metrics and Accountability

09:31 Inclusivity: A New Vision for St. Louis

15:29 Empowering Voices: The Role of Collaboration

15:29 Learning from Experience: Leadership Insights

18:18 A Hopeful Future: Building a Thriving St. Louis

22:53 The Power of Collective Efforts

 

·       Inclusive Prosperity Partnership (IPP)

·       James S. McDonnell Foundation

 

]]>c4798100-daf0-4b11-957d-100650bdb644Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:41:13 GMT<p>JSMF President and CEO Dr. Jason Q. Purnell talks with JSMF Vice Chair and former Chair John McDonnell about the Foundation’s decision to shift its mission to focus solely on St. Louis. </p><p></p><p>They also discuss JSMF’s largest St. Louis investment to date, the Inclusive Prosperity Partnership (IPP). The IPP is a 10-year, $161M initiative that supports the collaboration needed to co-design solutions that will unlock economic opportunity for more St. Louis residents and provide substantial financial support to make those solutions a reality.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Keywords</b></p><p>St. Louis, economic mobility, inclusive prosperity, community collaboration, James S. McDonnell Foundation, regional development, shared metrics, social impact, leadership, economic growth</p><p> </p><p><b>Key Topics</b></p><p>Inclusive Prosperity Partnership (IPP)</p><p>Regional collaboration and shared metrics</p><p>Leadership and teamwork in economic development</p><p>Community engagement and inclusivity in growth strategies</p><p> </p><p><b>Guest</b></p><p>John McDonnell</p><p> </p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>01:59 Foundation's Shift in Focus</p><p>05:04 Economic Development vs. Charity</p><p>06:32 Teamwork and Community Engagement</p><p>08:46 Importance of Metrics and Accountability</p><p>09:31 Inclusivity: A New Vision for St. Louis</p><p>15:29 Empowering Voices: The Role of Collaboration</p><p>15:29 Learning from Experience: Leadership Insights</p><p>18:18 A Hopeful Future: Building a Thriving St. Louis</p><p>22:53 The Power of Collective Efforts</p><p> </p><p>·       <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ippstl.org/" target="_blank"><b>Inclusive Prosperity Partnership (IPP)</b></a></p><p>·       <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jsmf.org/" target="_blank"><b>James S. McDonnell Foundation</b></a></p><p> </p>no00:23:4615Introducing the IPP with Insights from John McDonnellfull<![CDATA[Cooperation Beyond Crises: Insights from Rebeccah Bennett]]>JSMF President and CEO Jason Q. Purnell and Emerging Wisdom's Rebeccah Bennett discuss how St. Louis can harness the cooperation the region has demonstrated during crises to tackle economic challenges that see less publicity but still demand urgent attention.
Bennett serves as a facilitator for the Inclusive Prosperity Partnership, where this kind of collaborative muscle is being developed among people from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life.

The conversation explores the connection between cooperation and relationships, emphasizing the idea that we are all connected. It delves into the significance of cooperation in reinforcing relationships and highlights the importance of relationships in driving human behavior.

Takeaways

  • Cooperation reinforces relationships
  • We are all connected
  • How St. Louis can maintain the level of collaboration and shared responsibility after a crisis when the cameras leave and headlines fade.

]]>fe02d51a-8969-4d76-a0e6-12acb40a0b96Fri, 15 May 2026 18:37:54 GMT<p>JSMF President and CEO Jason Q. Purnell and Emerging Wisdom's Rebeccah Bennett discuss how St. Louis can harness the cooperation the region has demonstrated during crises to tackle economic challenges that see less publicity but still demand urgent attention. <br />Bennett serves as a facilitator for the Inclusive Prosperity Partnership, where this kind of collaborative muscle is being developed among people from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life.</p><p>The conversation explores the connection between cooperation and relationships, emphasizing the idea that we are all connected. It delves into the significance of cooperation in reinforcing relationships and highlights the importance of relationships in driving human behavior.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Cooperation reinforces relationships</li><li>We are all connected</li><li>How St. Louis can maintain the level of collaboration and shared responsibility after a crisis when the cameras leave and headlines fade.</li></ul><p></p><p></p>no00:38:04Cooperation Beyond Crises: Insights from Rebeccah Bennettfull<![CDATA[The Power of Regional Collaboration: Insights from Sherri Chisholm]]>The conversation explores the transformation of economic mobility outcomes in Charlotte and the lessons that St. Louis can learn from this region's success. It delves into the wake-up call that Charlotte received, the formation of the task force, the establishment of Leading on Opportunity, and the challenges and strategies for community engagement and leadership representation. The conversation explores the evolution of economic mobility in Charlotte, emphasizing the city's growth, collaborative efforts, and long-term commitment to progress. It also delves into the development and use of the Opportunity Compass as a tool for accountability and civic imagination. The discussion highlights the importance of effective data utilization and communication in driving positive change.

Takeaways

  • Economic mobility transformation in Charlotte
  • Community engagement and leadership representation
  • Economic mobility requires a long-term commitment and collaborative effort
  • The use of data as a tool for accountability and civic imagination is crucial

]]>9b380615-f4bb-4b18-9dac-73fe22196121Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:27:42 GMT<p>The conversation explores the transformation of economic mobility outcomes in Charlotte and the lessons that St. Louis can learn from this region's success. It delves into the wake-up call that Charlotte received, the formation of the task force, the establishment of Leading on Opportunity, and the challenges and strategies for community engagement and leadership representation. The conversation explores the evolution of economic mobility in Charlotte, emphasizing the city's growth, collaborative efforts, and long-term commitment to progress. It also delves into the development and use of the Opportunity Compass as a tool for accountability and civic imagination. The discussion highlights the importance of effective data utilization and communication in driving positive change.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Economic mobility transformation in Charlotte</li><li>Community engagement and leadership representation</li><li>Economic mobility requires a long-term commitment and collaborative effort</li><li>The use of data as a tool for accountability and civic imagination is crucial<br /><br /></li></ul><p></p>no00:40:5713The Power of Regional Collaboration: Insights from Sherri Chisholmfull<![CDATA[The Economics of Opportunity: Why Broad Growth Wins — Insights from Manuel Pastor]]>In this conversation, Jason Purnell and Manuel Pastor discuss the critical relationship between equity and economic growth, emphasizing that regions with equitable opportunities tend to experience sustainable job growth. They explore the detrimental effects of inequality on economic development, including underinvestment in education and social conflict. Pastor introduces a framework of 'data, deliberation, and destiny' to address inequality, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and community collaboration. The discussion also focuses on the specific challenges and opportunities in St. Louis, advocating for a more inclusive growth strategy that benefits all community members.
https://www.jsmf.org/

Takeaways

  • Regions that are more equitable generate more sustainable job growth.
  • Inequality leads to social tensions and underinvestment in future workers.
  • Building a diverse and dynamic community is essential for growth.
  • Data creates a shared understanding of community challenges.
  • Deliberation fosters a sense of shared destiny among community members.
  • Persistent trust-building is crucial in addressing community skepticism.
  • Economic growth should focus on meaningful work and participation.
  • Civic infrastructure is vital for inclusive development.
  • Future projections can guide investment in emerging industries.
  • Collaboration across sectors is key to addressing inequality.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Context of Research

    00:28 Key Findings on Equity and Economic Growth

    06:10 The Detriments of Inequality on Growth

    14:30 Data, Deliberation, and Destiny: A Framework for Action

    21:59 Building Civic Infrastructure for Equity

    25:26 Civic Infrastructure

    28:48 Insights on St. Louis: Opportunities and Challenges

]]>743b3247-862c-40ad-abac-1e83609486f9Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:23:17 GMT<p>In this conversation, <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jsmf.org/people/" target="_blank">Jason Purnell </a>and <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/eri/manuel-pastor/" target="_blank">Manuel Pastor</a> discuss the critical relationship between equity and economic growth, emphasizing that regions with equitable opportunities tend to experience sustainable job growth. They explore the detrimental effects of inequality on economic development, including underinvestment in education and social conflict. Pastor introduces a framework of 'data, deliberation, and destiny' to address inequality, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and community collaboration. The discussion also focuses on the specific challenges and opportunities in St. Louis, advocating for a more inclusive growth strategy that benefits all community members.<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jsmf.org/" target="_blank">https://www.jsmf.org/</a><br /><br /><b> Takeaways</b></p><ul><li>Regions that are more equitable generate more sustainable job growth.</li><li>Inequality leads to social tensions and underinvestment in future workers.</li><li>Building a diverse and dynamic community is essential for growth.</li><li>Data creates a shared understanding of community challenges.</li><li>Deliberation fosters a sense of shared destiny among community members.</li><li>Persistent trust-building is crucial in addressing community skepticism.</li><li>Economic growth should focus on meaningful work and participation.</li><li>Civic infrastructure is vital for inclusive development.</li><li>Future projections can guide investment in emerging industries.</li><li>Collaboration across sectors is key to addressing inequality.<br /><br />Chapters<p>00:00 Introduction and Context of Research</p><p>00:28 Key Findings on Equity and Economic Growth</p><p>06:10 The Detriments of Inequality on Growth</p><p>14:30 Data, Deliberation, and Destiny: A Framework for Action</p><p>21:59 Building Civic Infrastructure for Equity</p><p>25:26 Civic Infrastructure</p><p>28:48 Insights on St. Louis: Opportunities and Challenges</p><p></p></li></ul>no00:44:1612The Economics of Opportunity: Why Broad Growth Wins — Insights from Manuel Pastorfull<![CDATA[The Geography of Opportunity: Insights from Raj Chetty]]>In this conversation, Dr. Jason Q. Purnell and his guest, Dr. Raj Chetty, discuss the critical role of place in determining economic mobility, emphasizing that the context in which individuals grow up significantly impacts their future success. Dr. Chetty highlights key factors influencing upward mobility, including the quality of schools, family structure, and social capital. The discussion also addresses the effects of racial disparities and income inequality on mobility, as well as potential interventions to foster economic opportunity. Dr. Chetty advocates for innovative approaches to integration and the importance of harnessing talent across communities to drive economic growth.

Takeaways

Place matters significantly in determining economic outcomes.

Economic mobility varies greatly depending on geographic location.

The quality of schools and family structure are key predictors of upward mobility.

Neighborhood segregation can hinder children's prospects for success.

Racial disparities exist in economic mobility, particularly for black males.

Income inequality correlates with reduced upward mobility.

Interventions can create more opportunities for economic mobility.

Social capital plays a crucial role in economic success.

Innovative programs can help bridge gaps in opportunity.

Harnessing talent from all communities is essential for economic growth.

]]>bf7e4d20-6a7c-4531-a74e-f4759be55878Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:49:56 GMT<p>In this conversation, Dr. Jason Q. Purnell and his guest, Dr. <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rajchetty.com/" target="_blank">Raj Chetty</a>, discuss the critical role of place in determining economic mobility, emphasizing that the context in which individuals grow up significantly impacts their future success. Dr. Chetty highlights key factors influencing upward mobility, including the quality of schools, family structure, and social capital. The discussion also addresses the effects of racial disparities and income inequality on mobility, as well as potential interventions to foster economic opportunity. Dr. Chetty advocates for innovative approaches to integration and the importance of harnessing talent across communities to drive economic growth.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><p></p><p>Place matters significantly in determining economic outcomes.</p><p>Economic mobility varies greatly depending on geographic location.</p><p>The quality of schools and family structure are key predictors of upward mobility.</p><p>Neighborhood segregation can hinder children's prospects for success.</p><p>Racial disparities exist in economic mobility, particularly for black males.</p><p>Income inequality correlates with reduced upward mobility.</p><p>Interventions can create more opportunities for economic mobility.</p><p>Social capital plays a crucial role in economic success.</p><p>Innovative programs can help bridge gaps in opportunity.</p><p>Harnessing talent from all communities is essential for economic growth.</p><p></p>no00:41:07The Geography of Opportunity: Insights from Raj Chettyfull