In this episode of Dear San Diego, Tony and Juan sit down with the CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation - Mark Cafferty, to talk about family, leadership, boxing, and the challenges facing San Diego’s economy. From his Boston upbringing shaped by strong role models to raising two boys in San Diego, he shares how family keeps him grounded even while working on major projects for the region. The conversation dives into why San Diego struggles to keep young talent, the high cost of housing, and what leaders must do to protect the city’s future.

Listen to more episodes at olasmedia.com

Here are some key moments of the conversation:

00:03:20 – Growing up in Boston and moving to San Diego
00:06:20 – Family life, raising kids, and the role of his wife’s career
00:10:30 – Culture shock of Boston vs. San Diego
00:15:10 – Parenting, role models, and balancing work with family
00:20:10 – Sports, boxing, and lessons from athletics
00:33:10 – Developing a leadership style rooted in kindness and empowerment
00:42:00 – Why businesses and talent leave San Diego
00:48:00 – The cost of living and the challenge for young professionals
00:50:00 – Direct flights, trade missions, and building global connections

In this episode of Dear San Diego, Tony and Juan sit down with the CEO of the San Diego <a href="https://www.sandiegobusiness.org">Regional Economic Development Corporation</a> - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-cafferty-61b3765/">Mark Cafferty</a>, to talk about family, leadership, boxing, and the challenges facing San Diego&rsquo;s economy. From his Boston upbringing shaped by strong role models to raising two boys in San Diego, he shares how family keeps him grounded even while working on major projects for the region. The conversation dives into why San Diego struggles to keep young talent, the high cost of housing, and what leaders must do to protect the city&rsquo;s future.
Listen to more episodes at <a href="http://olasmedia.com">olasmedia.com</a>
Here are some key moments of the conversation:
00:03:20 &ndash; Growing up in Boston and moving to San Diego 00:06:20 &ndash; Family life, raising kids, and the role of his wife&rsquo;s career 00:10:30 &ndash; Culture shock of Boston vs. San Diego 00:15:10 &ndash; Parenting, role models, and balancing work with family 00:20:10 &ndash; Sports, boxing, and lessons from athletics 00:33:10 &ndash; Developing a leadership style rooted in kindness and empowerment 00:42:00 &ndash; Why businesses and talent leave San Diego 00:48:00 &ndash; The cost of living and the challenge for young professionals 00:50:00 &ndash; Direct flights, trade missions, and building global connections

Dear San Diego is a public affairs podcast with personality.

Hosted by veteran communication specialists Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez, Dear San Diego gives newsmakers and others a platform to discuss the big issues of the day, but that’s just the beginning. 

Tony and Juan’s guests share what’s not in their bios, who they are away from work, secrets to success, and more. Tony and Juan also discuss work, home, fatherhood, health and wellness, and youth sports – where the politics can be way more fierce than they are at city hall. 

Tony and Juan met a decade ago while working for dueling mayoral candidates in San Diego. Since then, the two friends have worked together on numerous public affairs, land-use, and issue campaigns. 

Dear San Diego is a public affairs podcast with personality.
Hosted by veteran communication specialists Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez, Dear San Diego gives newsmakers and others a platform to discuss the big issues of the day, but that’s just the beginning. 
Tony and Juan’s guests share what’s not in their bios, who they are away from work, secrets to success, and more. Tony and Juan also discuss work, home, fatherhood, health and wellness, and youth sports – where the politics can be way more fierce than they are at city hall. 
Tony and Juan met a decade ago while working for dueling mayoral candidates in San Diego. Since then, the two friends have worked together on numerous public affairs, land-use, and issue campaigns.

Dear San Diego

Hosted by veteran public relations specialists, Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez discuss the not so obvious talents, attributes, and behaviors of fellow colleagues. Learn what's not in the bios and CV's and what's be the secret to the sauce of their success.

Hosted by veteran public relations specialists, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymanolatos">Tony Manolatos</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-m-hernandez-pisano-3166a275/">Juan Hernandez</a> discuss the not so obvious talents, attributes, and behaviors of fellow colleagues. Learn what's not in the bios and CV's and what's be the secret to the sauce of their success.

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