The "Kingfish" of Goodwill | Always Lifting Ep. 4

Karen sits down with Ed “Kingfish” Lada, President & CEO of Goodwill Keystone Area, to explore how a $102M social enterprise is using workforce development, sustainability, and AI literacy to lift communities across 22 Pennsylvania counties. From re-entry success stories to “AI @ Home” and ethical tech conversations, Ed shares why the future of work must include everyone.

Today's Conversation Covers:

• The story behind Ed’s “Kingfish” nickname and how his Louisiana roots continue to shape his purpose
• Why Goodwill is truly more than a store and how donations power jobs, sustainability, and workforce development
• How Goodwill launched its first AI literacy program and why AI skills matter for economic mobility
• The ethical questions surrounding AI and why capability doesn’t always equal responsibility
• What leaders often overlook about creativity, time, and recognizing the impact of their work

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👉 Learn more about Goodwill at www.yourgoodwill.org

👉Connect with Ed at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardlada