In this special edition of Circle Back, host Sam Davidson sits down with Nashville’s newly elected 10th Mayor, Freddie O’Connell, to dive into his entrepreneurial roots, his civic engagement, and the future he envisions for the city. The conversation sheds light on O’Connell’s unique perspective as a tech-savvy leader, deeply invested in Nashville’s growth, culture, and community.
From Tech Beginnings to Civic Leadership
Freddie O’Connell’s journey began not in politics, but in technology. He recounts his early experiences working with Telelink, a pioneering tech company in Nashville during the dawn of the internet era. From there, his involvement in startups like Site Mason and his time at Emma, Nashville’s prominent marketing platform, laid the foundation for his understanding of entrepreneurship, team building, and the challenges of growing a business in uncertain times.
O’Connell’s ability to navigate the startup world—amidst the dot-com collapse—has greatly informed his leadership style. He shares how those experiences taught him critical lessons about resilience, adaptability, and how external market forces can impact even the best-laid plans. These lessons have had a lasting effect as he transitioned from tech entrepreneur to civic leader.
Connecting Civic Engagement and Entrepreneurship
Davidson draws an insightful parallel between running a business and running a political campaign, to which O’Connell readily agrees. The Mayor explains how many of the skills honed during his time as a startup founder translated directly to his campaigns for Metro Council and eventually, Mayor. “It’s all about building a team, raising funds, and having a clear vision,” he says. Like any entrepreneur, O’Connell notes that running for office required assembling a strong, intentional team and navigating the risks involved in striving for success.
Throughout his eight years on Metro Council, O’Connell remained closely connected to Nashville’s entrepreneurial and business community, learning firsthand about their challenges and opportunities. His district, one of the city’s most densely populated with businesses, allowed him to engage deeply with entrepreneurs, hearing their stories and understanding the evolving business landscape in Nashville.
Building a Future for Nashville Entrepreneurs
A core message from O’Connell’s campaign, encapsulated in the simple yet powerful word “stay”, was aimed at encouraging both residents and businesses to continue investing in Nashville despite the challenges the city faces. This sentiment carries into his first year as mayor, where his administration is focused on reducing the cost of living and enhancing quality of life.
One of the key initiatives O’Connell discusses is Nashville’s Transportation Improvement Program, which is set to appear on the ballot on November 5th. O’Connell sees this as crucial to the city’s future, particularly for entrepreneurs. “The goal is to make it easier and more affordable to live, work, and build businesses here,” he says. With a focus on improving walkability, reducing traffic congestion, and creating accessible, vibrant business districts, O’Connell believes this plan is key to keeping Nashville a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Looking Ahead: 15 Years of Transformation
When asked to paint a picture of Nashville 15 years from now, O’Connell describes a city where thriving local businesses and creative entrepreneurs are at the heart of every neighborhood. With safer streets, better transit options, and vibrant business hubs, he envisions a Nashville where the entrepreneurial spirit continues to flourish.
Mayor O’Connell’s conversation with Sam Davidson on Circle Back offers a fresh perspective on how his entrepreneurial background influences his vision for Nashville. His journey from tech startup founder to civic leader is a testament to his commitment to creating a city where entrepreneurs can succeed and where quality of life and opportunity go hand in hand.
For more details on Mayor O’Connell’s Choose How You Move transportation plan and the upcoming vote, visit nashville.gov/transit.
Listen Now: Tune in to the full episode to hear more about Davidson’s insights and the exciting changes coming to Circle Back. Visit ec.co/circleback for all episodes.
