#41 What Can Government Learn from Business? A Conversation with Bill Carlson

In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with Tampa City Councilman and Tucker Hall President Bill Carlson to explore what government can learn from the business world—and where the two fundamentally differ.

Drawing from decades of experience in both sectors, Bill shares insights on leadership, financial accountability, and the challenges of managing public resources versus running a private company. The conversation dives into real-world issues impacting Tampa, including rapid urban growth, infrastructure strain, affordable housing, and the complexities of serving a diverse community.

They also unpack the role of relationships, mentorship, and communication in both business and government—and why transparency and efficiency are critical in earning public trust.

From economic development and entrepreneurship to the importance of the arts in building thriving cities, this episode offers a thoughtful, insider perspective on how leadership decisions shape communities and the future of local economies.

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#9 Giving Non-Verbal Kids a Voice | The Story Behind the Robert Norton Foundation

In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with Isabel Norton, founder of the Robert Norton Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping non-verbal autistic children communicate. After her son Robert was diagnosed with autism, Isabel was told he needed an AAC communication device—costing between $4,000 and $7,000, with long waitlists and limited access. Instead of waiting, she took matters into her own hands. With the help of her partner, Isabel developed a simplified communication device. What started as a mission to help her own son quickly evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at helping other families facing the same challenges. In this episode, you’ll learn: • The real challenges families face when raising non-verbal autistic children • Why existing communication tools often fail the children who need them most • How Isabel built a nonprofit from the ground up • The step-by-step reality of launching a 501(c)(3) • How purpose-driven ideas can evolve into

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