December 11, 2025
Listen on:
Drawing on five decades at the center of civic, business, and community life, Kathy reflects on how deep neighborhood relationships and top-tier corporate engagement work together to drive real progress. She breaks down her concept of “horizontal and vertical networks”, the interconnected layers of community leaders, employers, banks, government partners, and federal institutions that must align to solve challenges like housing, childcare, and workforce development.
Greg and Kathy explore what the new administration will need to prioritize, from accelerating housing production and preserving aging rent-stabilized stock, to activating employers around childcare supports and talent pipelines. They discuss CUNY’s new CUNY Beyond initiative, lessons from industry pivots toward AI, and why collaboration, not siloed policymaking — is essential to strengthening economic mobility.
The episode looks at political power shifts, what surprises business leaders, and the qualities Kathy believes define an effective mayor: hire great people, stay relentlessly positive, and champion New York with clarity and conviction. She closes with reflections on legacy, leadership, and how time in Puerto Rico offers perspective on resilience, infrastructure, and community.
Tune in for a conversation with one of New York’s most influential civic leaders and a roadmap for leading the city forward through partnership, focus, and shared purpose.
Listen on: