Deconstructing Dallas

Author: Deconstructing Dallas

Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble deconstruct politics, government, sports, entertainment current events, all things Dallas and all things Texas. An Allyn Media production.Deconstructing Dallas has garnered multiple awards. The podcast was internationally recognized with a 2021 Hermes Creative Award and a 2021 Communicator Award, and was part of Allyn Media's work that helped the firm win D CEO's Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards 2021 for Equity Leadership, out of fellow finalists the Boston Consulting Group, Cardinal Health Sonexus Access and Patient Support, Texas Instrument and Dallas Mavericks.
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The Rise of the Dallas Economy with Cullum Clark
Episode 16
Tuesday, 2 December, 2025

Interview Begins @6:50Episode Summary:In this on-site video episode of “Deconstructing Dallas,” Shawn and Ryan sit down inside the George W. Bush Institute with one of the region’s most respected economic thinkers — Dr. Cullum Clark, Director of the Bush Institute, SMU Economic Growth Initiative and adjunct economics professor at SMU.Dr. Clark shares his remarkable journey from a long career in investment management to earning a Ph.D. in economics at age 50 and how that path led him to focus on urban and regional economic growth, public policy and the future of North Texas.He breaks down the “formula” behind Dallas–Fort Worth’s incredible rise — from affordability and business climate to innovation, immigration and human capital — and explains why housing costs, workforce education and infrastructure will determine whether the region can sustain its momentum.Listeners also will hear behind-the-scenes stories about former President George W. Bush, favorite Dallas eats (including soup dumplings!) and Cullum’s leadership lessons for entrepreneurs and changemakers navigating today’s economy.Highlights from the Conversation:How the Bush Institute applies “timeless American values to today’s pressing issues” through research and policy work.Why DFW succeeds not by being No. 1 in any single category but by being consistently good across the board in key economic drivers.The biggest risks to Dallas’ continued growth — especially housing affordability and talent development.How trade protectionism and populist policies uniquely impact Texas’ trade-driven economy.Why employers must play a more active role in shaping the region’s workforce pipeline.Cullum’s journey from investor to economist — and the mentors who changed his life and career direction.Stories from surprise classroom visits by President Bush and what Cullum has learned from working closely with the Bush family.Leadership advice for entrepreneurs: “Read massively. Ask questions. Treat people well. Be nimble.”Learn more: BushCenter.org🍽️ Cullum’s Favorite Dallas SpotsShinseiFortune HouseKirin CourtAny place with great soup dumplings