As we begin a new year, we at ICOSA hope to bring you more engaging conversations with great leaders in academia, business, and government. We promise to introduce you to the best and brightest, great thought leaders, and those who will share their best practices in business and collaboration. This week, we have an in-depth conversation with Jamie Van Leeuwan, Deputy Chief of Staff for Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. You'll want to hear about Jamie's impressive career, including his work with the poor - from working to end homelessness in Denver, to creating the Global Livingston Institute to impact the health and vitality of communities in East Africa - a mission summed up by the words; Listen. Think. Act.

Jamie stresses the importance of hearing the voices of the people who need help. He recognizes that too many of those who try to help, often force their own agenda rather than asking, and really considering what will truly help a community. Particularly one they only marginally know and comprehend. No one can understand a community until they are immersed in it and really know the people and their culture. We'll talk about the people he admires, how they have helped shape his journey.

Listen as Gayle extends an offer to match donations of $1000 to the Global Livingston Institute that mentions ICOSA or the Connect & Collaborate radio show. For information on how to donate go to www.globallivingston.org

Listen Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.