At the Aerozone, we have been spending some considerable time thinking about how we embrace our role as a changemaker. Especially in the wake of unignorable global crises that face us daily. How can we play a meaningful role in solving wicked problems without becoming overwhelmed by daunting issues we see in the news or even locally in our own communities? And where is the sweet spot that allows us to address such substantial challenges while yielding impactful opportunities on a large scale, yet at a magnitude that does not debilitate our spirits?

(I talk more about the Changemaker Goldilocks Zone principle in much greater depth here, if you want to put your economist hat on and delve into the details.)

Here at the Aerozone, we believe we reside in that sweet spot – a ‘Changemaker Goldilocks Zone’ – where we can tackle issues at scale and at the same time empower local partners. Given our local and multi-jurisdictional/municipal structure, our network of eight thriving municipalities (Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Middleburg Heights, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Strongsville), our 1,100-acre Aerozone region, 11k local businesses, 100k jobs, and world class federal installations such as the NASA Glenn Research Center, we are in an incredibly powerful position to make meaningful change.

And, indeed, through our partners, we will catalyze positive change.

One example of a complex and empowering challenge that we are currently tackling relates to the regional aviation workforce. Over the last year, we have visited and had in-depth conversation with approximately 100 businesses in the Aerozone, and time and time again our local companies cite the skills gap as an impediment for them to thrive in the region. So, rather than sit back and postulate on the challenges and possible solutions, a host of Aerozone Alliance partners (Ohio Means Jobs, Manufacturing Works, Hopkins Airport, RTA) met a few weeks ago and started to work on this ‘Goldilocks problem’ together.

The result: On Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm) we will be bringing a ‘Smart Job Fair’ to the Aerozone. This event will take place at Cleveland Hopkins Airport and focuses on helping our Northeast Ohio residents connect with aviation related jobs. Available opportunities will encompass everything from to highly technical aviation positions, to general airport services, to retail stores at the airport. We will be inviting 25 employers, and we hope to see 250 job seekers at the event.

We believe this opportunity will allow us to learn more about the needs of our businesses and the barriers that our job seekers face. Further, we are hoping to create a stronger system that allows us to judiciously work on key issues and erase workforce limitations (e.g., like the last mile transit) together. By gaining a better understanding of the underpinning challenges, we will redefine and reformulate actions that can drive positive impact. And we will regain control over complex challenges by breaking large problems down into micro bits that can more easily be squashed.

A final thought: How do you know that you are approaching the Goldilocks Zone? One validation you will experience is when the effort-to-outcome ratio starts to shift in your favor. Somehow, the scale of impact starts to expand beyond what you thought was initially feasible, and almost magically, the weight of the effort begins to evaporate. More partners show up the party, they roll up their sleeves, and jump in to help.

I hope that your inner changemaker also finds their Goldilocks Zone.

Warm regards,

Hrishue Mahalaha
Executive Director
Aerozone Alliance