Summary

Chief Growth Officer Brian Moldaner takes us inside T. Baker Smith’s culture-first playbook, where EOS becomes “the TBS Way” and heart, knowledge, and grit guide how teams work and grow. We unpack how a shared language and an internal communications hub align eight offices, why immersive office environments and authentic project photography deepen pride and connection, and how culture fuels recruiting, retention, and business development. Brian shares practical lessons from building a field-ready culture book, translating it into dashboards, video updates, and on-site visuals, and leading growth through clear frameworks people can use every day. The result is a firm focused on progress over perfection, with strategy and storytelling working together to build lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Culture is foundational for how we do what we do.
• The TBS Way is a unique interpretation of EOS.
• We want our individual offices to have their own identity.
• The TBS Way book serves as a tool for integration.
• Internal communication is critical for building trust.
• Creating an immersive environment reflects our culture.
• Authentic photography enhances our marketing efforts.
• Growth is about progress, not perfection.
• We aim to make our culture personal and relatable.
• Building a lasting culture is essential for future success.

You can find T. Baker Smith online at www.tbsmith.com

In this episode, land use expert Zach Smith breaks down how permitting and zoning really work in New Orleans and why policy and politics so often slow good projects. Drawing on years inside City Hall, he explains the ripple effect of delays on small businesses and neighborhood investment, why “time kills deals,” and how clearer rules and faster processes would lower costs and unlock growth. We dig into ADUs as a practical step to expand housing supply, the need for early zoning checks before leases and build-outs, and how collaboration among homeowners, developers, advocates, and policymakers can turn community engagement into real change. The takeaway is simple: simplify the rules, shorten the timeline, and let small businesses and housing solutions thrive.

Key Takeaways

• Zach Smith emphasizes the importance of understanding the permitting process.
• City Hall experience provides valuable insights into navigating land use.
• Policy and politics are major impediments to development.
• Delays in permits can lead to increased costs for businesses.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) could alleviate housing shortages.
• Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for progress.
• Small businesses are crucial to the local economy.
• Time delays in permits can kill deals and opportunities.
• Community engagement is necessary for effective policy change.
• Zach advocates for simplifying the permitting process.

You can find Zach Smith at www.zachsmithconsulting.cm

In this episode, Rachel Ledet and Christianne Brunini host a discussion with Jillian Carruth and Emily Pourciau about the importance of personal branding, color analysis, and photography in presenting oneself authentically and confidently. They explore how colors and styles can enhance personal branding, the significance of first impressions, and the role of confidence in front of the camera. The conversation also touches on the psychology of colors in branding, the balance between authenticity and aspiration, and practical tips for looking and feeling your best in professional settings.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal branding is about embodying your business's image.
• Understanding your colors can enhance your confidence.
• First impressions are crucial in professional settings.
• Confidence in front of the camera can be cultivated.
• Color psychology plays a significant role in branding.
• Styling should reflect both authenticity and aspiration.
• Posture and presence are key in photography.
• Investing in personal branding resources is essential.
• Details in styling can elevate your appearance.
• Mindset impacts how you present yourself.

Find can find our guests at www.jmpnola.com and https://www.houseofcolour.com/stylists/emily-pourciau-east-baton-rouge-louisiana

In this conversation, Rachel Ledet and Christianne Brunini discuss the transformative impact of AI in the real estate sector with Jake Heller, founder of AI for CRE Collective. They explore the origins of the collective, its mission to create a community around AI and technology in real estate, and the various use cases of AI in underwriting, lead generation, and property management. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sharing knowledge, and the future of AI in real estate education.

Key Takeaways:

• AI is a game changer in the real estate industry.
• Building a community around AI fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Underwriting processes can be significantly expedited with AI tools.
• The importance of sharing knowledge and resources in the community.
• AI can lower barriers to entry for minority and women-owned developers.
• A structured learning academy is being developed for community members.
• Members are encouraged to share their pain points and solutions.
• The future of AI in real estate is focused on implementation and education.
• Being uncomfortable can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in the evolving tech landscape.
• Learn more: https://aiforcrecollective.com/

In this conversation, Rachel Ledet and Christianne Brunini engage with Kelly Longwell, an attorney and leader in affordable housing, discussing her journey in building the Longwell Riess law firm. They explore themes of thought leadership, community engagement, and the importance of networking in the legal field. Kelly shares insights on establishing a brand, the significance of affordable housing, and the strategies for effective community involvement. The discussion also highlights the value of personal connections and the future growth plans for Longwell Reese.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a brand requires a clear vision and identity.
• Community engagement is essential for establishing a professional presence.
• Start small and create opportunities for visibility.
• Networking events can foster valuable relationships.
• Investing time in clients can lead to long-term loyalty.
• Understanding the client's overall goals enhances service delivery.
• Creating a supportive team environment is crucial for growth.
• Strategic growth should focus on maintaining service quality.
• Highlighting team members can enhance the firm's brand.
• Consistency in marketing and presence is key to success.

In this episode of the Comms Exchange, Rachel Ledet and Christianne Brunini engage with Oji Alexander, CEO of People's Housing Plus, to discuss the organization's mission in affordable housing and community development in New Orleans. They delve into the significance of the Louisiana Firehouse Project, which aims to restore a historic firehouse into a mixed-use space that includes affordable housing and an early childhood education center. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling in community projects, the impact of the recently passed housing trust fund, and reflections on the ongoing challenges and opportunities in New Orleans post-Katrina.

Key Takeaways:

• People's Housing Plus was formed through a merger of three nonprofits.
• The Louisiana Firehouse Project will provide affordable housing and childcare.
• Storytelling is crucial for community engagement and funding.
• The housing trust fund will provide dedicated resources for affordable housing.
• Community partnerships are essential for successful development projects.
• The project aims to address blight and provide economic opportunities.
• Affordable housing can create pathways to generational wealth.
• The importance of financial literacy in homeownership.
• New Orleans still faces significant challenges in housing and blight.
• Collaboration among various stakeholders is key to community development.

Episode 1: Strategy as the Starting Point

In our very first episode of The Comms Exchange, Rachel and Christianne talk about why strategy is the foundation of every successful project. We share how years of client work and the creation of culture books for organizations led us to build our own EOS-inspired framework. You will hear the story of our team retreat where we defined our core values, how those values now guide our daily decisions, and why they are central to the way we market, communicate, and grow. We also introduce our Strategic Intensive program, where core values and identity form Module 1. Join us for a conversation about how strategy shapes success.