What does it take to pioneer an entirely new industry? In this episode of Talent Wars, host Patience Fairbrother interviews Katie Shorey, director of engagement at Live + Work in Maine, about one of the very first employer-led talent attraction initiatives in the U.S.
Launched in 2015, when the idea of statewide talent marketing was still uncharted territory, Live + Work in Maine helped create a playbook and approach that's now used by communities across North America. Katie shares how a simple shift—from thinking of Maine as a vacation destination to a place you can build a life and career—sparked a decade of growth, experimentation and impact. From swag drops at local breweries to takeovers at the Portland airport, Katie reveals how scrappy, community-driven tactics turned into measurable ROI.
Patience and Katie unpack the challenges and advantages of Maine's unique employer-led model, how the initiative balances boomerang recruitment with attracting new residents and why long-term relationship-building is the key to statewide success.
If you're building a talent attraction strategy from the ground up—or wondering how to make more impact with fewer resources—this episode is a must-listen.
