Our work is more than a job. It is a calling and a chance to cultivate prosperity among people and places.

Central SC Alliance, a regional economic development organization in the heart of South Carolina, fosters economic growth and prosperity among eight counties and the capital city of Columbia. Jason J. Giulietti, their president and CEO, leads the alliance’s charge to showcase the central region of South Carolina as a wonderful place to live, work and play, offering everything a company or employee could possibly desire.

Jason, as a leader, has always focused on learning and growing from his experiences, never settling for anything less than extraordinary. He's picked up a lot of his management style from lessons learned along the way and is always trying out new approaches to help his teams reach new levels of success.

Throughout his career and personal life, he credits various individuals for shaping who he is today. Their influence, coupled with his relentless drive to improve, has helped define him as a person and leader. He emphasizes the importance of his family's support, which has given him the confidence to tackle any challenge.

Having a "personal board of directors" is essential, in Jason's opinion, to avoid complacency. These individuals challenge and support him, providing a safe space for discussion and decision-making. He is grateful for their presence and sees each of them as instrumental in his personal and professional development. Over the years, this group of trusted advisors has contributed to his continual growth.

Up to this point, Jason still feels like he has never worked a day in his life. He genuinely enjoys his profession, embracing both its ups and downs. His personal passions align seamlessly with his professional pursuits. Rather than seeing his work as a “job,” he views it as a continuous desire to learn from every opportunity. He eagerly absorbs new information from all sources and finds inspiration in every interaction, discussion and event.

For Jason, leadership is a reflection of an organization’s culture. He believes that creating a culture of excellence requires intentional effort. It is important to create a safe and supportive environment where employees can take risks, think creatively and rely on each other for support. Individuals, teams and the organization should view success as a collective effort. As Central SC Alliance’s leader, Jason plays a crucial role in providing all the resources and support necessary for employees to succeed. Following the philosophy of globally recognized economic developer Ron Kitchens, he aims to eliminate any barriers to excellence and empower his team to take ownership of their roles while celebrating the achievements of his staff. Jason prioritizes team success over his own because he believes they are interdependent.

Setting, and sticking to, organizational goals is a key tenet of Jason’s leadership philosophy. Defining clear goals and objectives is essential for the Central SC Alliance team, with a focus on transparency and accountability. “As a leader, it's my job to guide our team with a clear vision, overcoming any problems that might get in the way of reaching our goals. When a company sets goals for the whole organization, they are for each department and person; doing so helps everyone understand how they can help the company succeed,”says Jason.“By making sure each level has clear goals, the company can make changes, focus on what's most important and ensure everyone benefits. If everyone does well, then the organization does well.”

To ensure alignment with its mission, Central SC Alliance involves all team members in strategic discussions. Their team stands out among peer organizations by leveraging their knowledge of local communities and partnerships. Success in economic development relies on collaboration and genuine relationships, as technology cannot replace human connections. According to Jason, “The industry must embrace change and innovation by challenging itself and being open to new ideas. Collaboration with external stakeholders is crucial for achieving positive outcomes in our region.”

Jason believes that organizations like Central SC Alliance succeed in a crowded field not only because they are better than their competitors. Their success lies in providing unique solutions for prospects and regional partners, prioritizing people first and following their values of being real, responsible and clear. Central SC Alliance prioritizes transparency, accountability and authenticity in its business approach as a means of building trust and partnerships.

Central SC Alliance is constantly seeking to revolutionize its approach to economic development by applying cutting-edge solutions for its stakeholders. One innovative advancement includes incorporating augmented reality and virtual reality into their processes, with further developments on the horizon. They are committed to providing exceptional service by any means necessary without letting distance or other limitations create barriers within their work.

Jason and Central SC Alliance are guided by the belief that they work in a rewarding industry that allows them to positively impact people's lives by providing better economic opportunities through well-paying jobs. He sees their work as a calling and a chance to cultivate prosperity among people and places. Jason and his team value making a difference over seeking recognition, as collaboration is critical to success in the field of economic development. Jason is grateful to be a leader in this field and contribute to the growth and prosperity of his region, state and country!