In this special 7-year anniversary edition of the Breaking Down Barriers podcast, the senior leadership team at Economic Impact Catalyst (EIC) reflects on its journey from a single founder’s vision to a growing, mission-driven organization. Founder David Ponraj, alongside Chief Operating Officer McKenzie Dial-Fritscher and VP of Client Experience Molly King, revisits the early days of EIC, the lessons learned, and the people who have made the most impact along the way. The conversation explores themes of growth, curiosity, resilience, and the evolving role of leadership. They discuss the importance of staying grounded, how personal values shape professional decisions, and the need for empathy in scaling a team. As they look to the future, the team shares their hopes for continued progress and the lasting legacy they aim to build through meaningful relationships and impactful work.