Named one of The Peach State’s most influential leaders, Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, joins us to talk clean manufacturing, the CEO Imperative, and The Georgia Way, for the first ever live recording of Consensus in Conversation, at our recent event: Southern Surge: Next Generation Manufacturing Summit. 

Next-gen clean energy manufacturing is already driving powerful economic growth in Georgia and throughout the South, while also delivering positive impacts for the planet. With a commitment to building the American workforce and strengthening local communities, business environments that prioritize people, planet, and profit are gaining a competitive advantage in attracting the most innovative companies and their transformational investments. 

Chris preaches the opportunity, and imperative, for corporate leaders to be servant-hearted and to build purpose-driven organizations. Beyond the power of businesses to make the world a better place, this approach also attracts the best young talent, whose contributions are essential for long-term growth. Yet again, corporate stewardship and profits coincide. 

Chris has a long and distinguished career in public service, including serving as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Economic Development. His new book - The CEO Imperative: Faith Based Service in a Toxic World - challenges the status quo in business leadership narratives by illustrating the values that executives can and should adopt to help address society's biggest problems. Additionally, his TEDx encourages the corporate community to be servant-hearted– leading with character, purpose, and love– with broader ambitions to create a better world for future generations.

After you listen to the podcast, buy Chris’ book here and watch his TED Talk. 

More from the episode:

Georgia Chamber on LinkedIn

Chris on LinkedIn

Conor on LinkedIn

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 A Special Live Edition of Consensus in Conversation

01:28 Introducing Chris Clark

02:28 Servant-Hearted Leadership 

07:34 The Georgia Way and Attracting Clean Manufacturing Investments

13:40 Georgia's History of Conscious Capitalism 

15:40 The Three Pillars of the New Georgia Economy: A Future-Focused Strategy

17:32 Inspiring a Youthful Workforce

30:35 End Credits

Our conversation took place on stage at Southern Surge: Next Generation Manufacturing Summit, bringing together political leaders, industry executives, economic development officials, and local stakeholders to discuss the recent announcements of new production facilities for electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and microchips. And, it wouldn’t have been possible without our partnership with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, as well as event support from American Clean Power, Bipartisan Policy Center, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, and Electric Drive Transportation Association. For more information, check out www.southern-surge.com.