Miami’s population is booming, but where are the jobs coming from?

In this episode of The Intersection, host Chanae L. Wood sits down with Rodrick Miller, CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the organization driving economic development across Miami-Dade and creating jobs for the community.

Rodrick shares how the Beacon Council leverages Miami’s unique assets—universities, ports, airports, and workforce—to attract high-value industries like life sciences, logistics, finance, and tech, while building a stronger local business ecosystem. Drawing on his experience leading economic recoveries in Detroit, New Orleans, and Puerto Rico, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at the deals, strategies, and collaborations driving Miami’s booming economy.

Youtube Video For Episode 3: https://youtu.be/qhKrcze5df8

HOST:

Chanae L. Wood, Esq. on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanae-l-wood-4a61ab57

GUESTS:

Rodrick Miller, President and CEO of Miami-Dade Beacon Council

With extensive experience leading economic recoveries in Detroit, New Orleans, and Puerto Rico, Rodrick brings strategic expertise in leveraging regional assets to attract high-value industries

"LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrickmiller/?locale=en_US

The Beacon Council.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beaconcouncil/

Miami-Dade Beacon Council Instagram: @beaconcouncil

EPISODE 3 BREAKDOWN

[00:00:15] - [00:02:45] Introduction & Personal Connection. Chanae L. Wood sets the stage for a conversation about Miami's economic boom with Rodrick Miller, CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council.

[00:02:45] - [00:04:47] Leadership Philosophy: Collaboration & Finding Common Ground. Rodrick articulates his leadership approach and how leaders must adapt their style.

[00:04:47] - [00:08:15] The Beacon Council: Mission, Impact & Assets. Rodrick explains the Beacon Council's 40-year history and the synergistic economic opportunities available in Miami.

[00:08:15] - [00:12:00] Strategic Industries & Miami's Competitive Advantages. Rodrick articulates on the Beacon Council's role and Miami being the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.

[00:12:00] - [00:17:30] How Economic Development Creates Jobs & Global Growth. Rodrick explains why Miami is uniquely positioned for job creation and economic growth.

[00:17:30] - [00:20:00] Real Estate, Infrastructure & Tech Innovation Ecosystem. Rodrick reveals the visible markers of Miami's growth.

[00:20:00] - [00:27:15] Rodrick's Journey & The Preparation Principle. Rodrick shares his international experience and reveals what successful companies need.

[00:27:15] - [00:28:55] Closing Reflection: What Miami Are We Building? The episode concludes with a powerful reflection about Miami's future.

Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman

2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1200 Coral Gables, FL 33134

website: https://www.wsh-law.com/

SPONSOR:

A Crafty Chick Miami! The company that's “Bringing floral dreams to life in the heart of Miami."

Visit their instagram page at: @acraftychickmiami

https://youtu.be/J8Gr6rx6prM

Sports are no longer just games. They’re billion-dollar businesses.

In this episode of The Intersection, host Chanae L. Wood joins Sports Marketing Executive & Strategist Arlesha Amazan and Alan Fertel, Chair of the Sports, Arts & Entertainment Law Group at WSHC+B, to unpack the business of athletes as brands.

From NIL deals to endorsement contracts, scandals to legacies, this episode explains why athletes today function more like corporations than players, and how protecting their image, rights, and intellectual property is essential to long-term success.

EPISODE 2 BREAKDOWN

[00:00:15] - [00:01:23] Introduction/Welcome To The Intersection: Athletes as CEOs. Chanae Woods, Esq. sets the stage for a deep conversation about sports, business, branding, and law with 2 industry experts.

[00:01:23] - [00:04:27] Arlesha's Journey: From High School Sports Editor to Managing D-Wade and Steph Curry. Arlesha Amazan shares her remarkable career trajectory, networking in Miami and role on Dwyane Wade's management team.

[00:04:27] - [00:09:00] Alan Fertel: The Lawyer Who Chose Not to Be an Agent. Alan Fertel, Esq. explains his unconventional path from bagel bakery to top lawyers in sports and entertainment.

[00:09:00] - [00:13:04] Miami: The Sports Capital of the World. Arlesha shares foresight in staying in Miami and Miami's evolution from a city with limited sports culture to the hub it is today featuring major sports league, Formula 1, tennis championships, and more.

[00:13:04] - [00:16:52] Athletes as Brands: The Performance-Business Balance. How modern athletes function as complete brand ecosystems..

[00:16:52] - [00:23:41] NIL Revolution: The Wild West of College Athletics. Alan and Arlesha tackle the controversial NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape, discussing both its benefits and serious concerns.

[00:23:41] - [00:26:29] When Business Overshadows Athletic Performance: Win or Distraction? Panel discussion on business empires and athletic abilities.

[00:26:29] - [00:29:17] Generational Wealth Through IP: The Real Long Game

Alan and Arlesha discuss the ultimate goal of athlete representation: creating generational wealth and passing down to future generations family wealth.

[00:29:17] - [00:32:00] This or That: Courtside Edition & Final Takeaways. The episode closes with a rapid-fire session and closing statements.

SPONSOR:

A Crafty Chick Miami! The company that's “Bringing floral dreams to life in the heart of Miami."

Visit their instagram page at: @acraftychickmiami

HOST:

Chanae L. Wood on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanae-l-wood-4a61ab57

GUESTS:

Alan Fertel Partner at WSHC+B

Sports & Entertainment "The lawyer's lawyer" .

Arlesha Amazan Founder, Champion Strategies | Sports Marketing Executive & Strategic Advisor 15+ years managing elite athletes including Dwyane Wade and Steph Curry's private endeavors. Former CAA Sports executive specializing in brand development and IP strategy. Follow Arlesha on Instagram: @heyitsarlesha

Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman

2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1200 Coral Gables, FL 33134

website: https://www.wsh-law.com/

In this premiere episode of The Intersection, host Chanae L. Wood sits down with Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III, a dynamic leader whose career has spanned being a prosecutor, mayor of Miami Gardens, chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission, and beyond.

From transforming Miami Gardens into an all-American city to shaping policy on housing, density, and development across Miami-Dade, Gilbert shares candid insights on balancing politics, culture, and community while staying rooted in authenticity.

Youtube Video For Episode 1: https://youtu.be/HBZ3XhjpXGk

HOST:

Chanae L. Wood on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanae-l-wood-4a61ab57

GUEST:

Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 1

Contact Information:

• Instagram: @ogilbert3
• Commissioner Page: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/government/commission/district01/home.page About Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III

Follow Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III on Instagram: @ogilbert3

Episode 1 Breakdown

[00:00:15] - [00:01:47] Introduction & Opening

[00:01:47] - [00:03:54] Leadership Philosophy: Leadership and Communication Style

[00:03:54] - [00:06:52] The Power of Consistency & Matching Energy

[00:06:52] - [00:09:50] From Prosecutor to Politics: The Unexpected Journey

[00:09:50] - [00:13:00] Running for Office in Miami Gardens

[00:13:00] - [00:17:00] Transforming Miami Gardens: Strategy & Vision In Action

[00:17:00] - [00:19:00] Leading With Conviction: Public Servant vs. Politician

[00:19:00] - [00:23:30] Staying Connected to Your Roots; Authenticity

[00:23:30] - [00:27:30] The Sock Philosophy: Challenging Social Constructs

[00:27:30] - [00:30:00] Balancing Interests with Constituent Needs

[00:30:00] - [00:33:00] Capacity vs. Willpower: Rapid Transit & Housing

[00:33:00] - [00:35:30] The Underrated Issue: Solid Waste Management

[00:35:30] - [00:40:00] Wishful Thinking Rapid Fire Round

[00:40:00] - [00:40:35] Closing & Appreciation

Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman

2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 1200 Coral Gables, FL 33134

website: https://www.wsh-law.com/

SPONSOR:

A Crafty Chick Miami! The company that's “Bringing floral dreams to life in the heart of Miami."

Visit their instagram page at: @acraftychickmiami