Above the Sides

From Listening to Doing: Centering Community Voice in Economic Development with Brent Kakesako (HACBED)

Episode Summary

In this episode of Above the Sides, we sit down with Brent Kakesako, Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development (HACBED). Brent shares stories from his upbringing in Honolulu, Hawai'i and reflects on the experiences that shaped his path into community-based economic development. We explore HACBED’s approach to development rooted in active listening, facilitation, and uplifting community voice. The conversation also touches on aloha in action and Brent’s connection to Pono Shim and the integration of the aloha values into his day-to-day life. We hope you find this conversation to be a thoughtful look at how values, relationships, and place-based work can shape a more caring and connected future for Hawaii. Learn more about HACBED at: https://hacbed.org/ Episode Highlights 00:52 Brent's Background 01:57 HACBED's Mission and Approach 02:40 Programs and Community Impact 07:36 The Power of Active Listening 10:29 Brent's Journey into Economic Development 17:57 Influence of Mentors and Community Connections 20:07 Aloha in Action and Personal Reflections 25:40 Navigating Parenting 25:51 Understanding Oluolu 26:40 Incorporating Aloha in Daily Life 27:09 Honoring Mentors and Community Values 27:39 Economic Development Grounded in Values 27:59 Hopes for Hawaii's Economy 28:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Community Work 32:34 Institutional Commitment to Community 37:44 What is Enough? Workplace Culture and Wellbeing - 4 Day, 32 Hour Work Weeks 45:33 Reflections on Aloha and Community Engagement

Episode Notes

In this episode of Above the Sides, we sit down with Brent Kakesako, Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development (HACBED). Brent shares stories from his upbringing in Honolulu, Hawai'i and reflects on the experiences that shaped his path into community-based economic development. We explore HACBED’s approach to development rooted in active listening, facilitation, and uplifting community voice. The conversation also touches on aloha in action and Brent’s connection to Pono Shim and the integration of the aloha values into his day-to-day life. We hope you find this conversation to be a thoughtful look at how values, relationships, and place-based work can shape a more caring and connected future for Hawaii. Learn more about HACBED at: https://hacbed.org/

Episode Highlights

00:52 Brent's Background 

01:57 HACBED's Mission and Approach

02:40 Programs and Community Impact

07:36 The Power of Active Listening

10:29 Brent's Journey into Economic Development

17:57 Influence of Mentors and Community Connections

20:07 Aloha in Action and Personal Reflections

25:40 Navigating Parenting

25:51 Understanding Oluolu 

26:40 Incorporating Aloha in Daily Life

27:09 Honoring Mentors and Community Values

27:39 Economic Development Grounded in Values

27:59 Hopes for Hawaii's Economy

28:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Community Work

32:34 Institutional Commitment to Community

37:44 What is Enough? Workplace Culture and Wellbeing - 4 Day, 32 Hour Work Weeks

45:33 Reflections on Aloha and Community Engagement