The Business Record is proud to once again produce one of our most popular events and publications: 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes.

Nine Iowa leaders will share 10 of their best ideas – both big and small – that can be applied to any organization at our Oct. 2 event. At the event we will hand out a publication with all 90 ideas. But for now – here’s a peek at one idea from each speaker.

– Emily Barske Wood, Business Record special projects editor

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EVENT INFO
Date: Oct. 2
Time: 9-9:30 a.m. (networking), 9:30-11 a.m. (program)
Location: Des Moines Heritage Center
Learn more at businessrecord.com/90ideas.

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Charise Flynn, chief operating officer and cofounder, Hummingbirds

Build a culture that prioritizes fun (seriously)

We need to stop acting like fun is the opposite of work. It’s the fuel for creativity, connection and better decision-making. The best ideas I’ve ever seen were born from laughter, play or a weird joke in a team Slack channel. Want better work? Make it more fun.

Kyle Gamble, president and chief operating officer, Hubbell Realty Co.

Adopt an entrepreneurial attitude

Embracing an entrepreneurial mindset within an organization encourages creativity, agility and innovation. Associates who take ownership, think outside the box and seek new opportunities to drive transformation keep the company ahead of industry trends and position your organization as a thought leader. Your input matters — no matter your title!

Brian Hardin, director of athletics, Drake University

Control the controllables 

We are all thrown curveballs in life. Don’t sweat the items outside of your control. Release it from your focus. Instead, dominate what you can control — your effort, attitude and your actions. The way you react and respond to unforeseen circumstances is your focus, and you want others to follow your example. By demonstrating a positive attitude even when faced with challenges, leaders can create a culture where failures and unexpected situations are viewed as opportunities — this is wisdom that can be applied to all aspects of life. 

Jamie Lee, fire chief, Pleasant Hill Fire Department

Provide professional development during recovery

Offer educational opportunities and skill-building programs that help employees rebuild confidence and career momentum following personal crises. This includes providing access to training programs, professional certifications and career counseling services. Supporting professional development during recovery periods demonstrates long-term commitment to employee success while helping individuals regain their sense of purpose and professional identity. These investments often yield significant returns in employee loyalty and performance.

David Leto, president and CEO, Palmer Group

Progress over perfection

Perfection is a myth. Progress is a mindset. Each day, aim to be a little better than the day before. Small, consistent steps forward create lasting impact. Focus on learning and growth, not flawlessness, and you’ll build a legacy that inspires others to do the same. What will you commit to doing today to make tomorrow better? This has been a major focus for all of us at Palmer Group.

Corey Dion Lewis, founder, the Healthy Project and My City My Health

You’re not unmotivated — you’re unstructured 

Entropy means systems naturally drift toward disorder unless you intervene. The more disorganized your day, the more energy you waste just reacting. Set a structure. Block your time. Use a repeatable morning routine. Make decisions once, then automate. Motivation grows when your mind isn’t drowning in clutter. An order gives you room to act.

Nancy Mwirotsi, founder and executive director, Pi515

Youths are not the future, they’re the present

We often say, “Youths are the future,” but the truth is, they’re already solving problems, leading movements, creating technology and building businesses. They don’t need permission, they need platforms. They don’t need saving, they need a safe space to learn to fail and grow. At Pi515, we treat youths as collaborators. They help craft our strategy, our story, lead programs and get paid for pitching ideas in AI, innovation and entrepreneurship. Valuing youths and treating their ideas as equal to others while honoring the unique perspectives they bring is what drives our success. When we give them real responsibility, we unlock innovation that institutions can’t replicate. 

Tricia Rivas, founder, Heart of a Hairdresser | chief purpose officer, Trixies Salon & Spa

If everyone likes you, you’re probably not honoring yourself

Leadership isn’t about being liked – it’s about being respected. Over the years, I’ve had to make decisions that disappointed people, but they were necessary to protect my peace, my team and my values. People-pleasing is a fast track to burnout. Honoring your truth may ruffle feathers, but it will ultimately lead to the most authentic, aligned version of your business and your leadership.

Tiffany Tauscheck, president and CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership

Share appreciation – right when you think about it

One of the most important lessons I have been reminded of is to tell people you appreciate them right when you think about it. It can be easy to move on to the next thing and think you’ll tell them next time you see them. You never know when or if you will get the chance. Take the opportunity when you get it to share gratitude with those around you.