As 2017 nears its close, the Business Record asked you, our readers, to tell share what lessons you learned in the last 12 months that others in the business community could benefit from hearing. 

And you provided a wealth of knowledge, experience and ideas that we feature on these pages.

I know I’ve learned a great many lessons in my six months in the newsroom. Among them: Greater Des Moines’ leaders do a better job of collaborating and supporting the metro area together than I had previously realized; there’s a huge amount of potential talent out there to train and keep; the Business Record readers benefit from the experience and wisdom of seasoned reporters and other staff who care about their work and helping meet our mission (help businesses do business better); my job is to let the team do what they do best and support them in whatever way I can (and meet deadlines!); and, finally, have fun, embrace learning and meeting new people, and be kind to others around you.

Suzanne Behnke, editor of the Business Record

 

Rising above the noise

The methods we use to grow our personal brands continue to evolve at breakneck pace. There is a fine line between simply contributing to the noise and sharing a tailored message that others will find meaningful. Those who can creatively rise above the noise with something of value will continue to stand out.

Troy Anderson, vice president/financial adviser, Captrust

 

Keep your ear to the ground

Development at the western edge of the metro is expanding rapidly. Paying attention to what’s coming, who’s involved, and thinking creatively about how to leverage that knowledge for mutual benefit is critical.

Melissa Burdick, executive director, Brenton Arboretum

 

It’s all about what the customer needs

Talking less, listening more. I know that spending more time listening to the business issues and concerns of the customer will lead to more substantive discussions. It’s not about what I have to say. Rather, it’s about what the client has to say that really matters most. 

Nick Colletti, business development director, Genesis10

 

Learn from the past

The lesson that rings true for me this year is that the development cycles repeat. This may seem obvious, but many of my peers seem to forget this each time it happens. Real estate developers and their bankers should have their eyes open to the sectors that are showing signs of being in an oversupply situation.

Jake Christensen, president, Christensen Development

 

Creating a list

After years of encouraging mentees to define their career goals, I finally followed my own advice. I thoughtfully created my list and discussed with a mentor. When presented with opportunities throughout the year, I used my list to ask myself: Is this going to take me in the direction I want to go?

Angela Carnahan, consultant, Nationwide

 

Listen to the “other side”

We want unity in our workplaces, industries and society. Unity is not uniformity. Listening to divergent views — although inconvenient and even painful at times — is critical if we want to solve problems, as opposed to engaging in an endless power struggle. Humility and openness to others’ views are vital to success in all arenas.

Lori Chesser, Chair, Immigration Department, Davis Brown Law Firm

 

Establish listening posts

Formal and informal feedback is important to any organization and leader. Establishing listening posts to systematically capture and then evaluate and apply key stakeholder feedback are critical to creating business agility and competitiveness in an ever-changing world.

Daniel Connolly, dean, Drake University’s College of Business and Public Administration

 

Recognize your milestones

Bankers Trust is wrapping up a yearlong celebration — “100 Years of Trust” — and one of the biggest lessons we learned through this effort is that milestones are absolutely worth celebrating. So, whether your organization is celebrating its 10th, 50th or 100th anniversary, seize it! The pride and unity it inspires will energize and inspire your team members, customers and the communities you serve for some time — perhaps 100 years!

Emily Abbas, chief marketing and communications officer, Bankers Trust

 

A strong community, a strong business

Organizations like the Greater Des Moines Partnership are so important to our community’s success. Through these area organizations, there are so many ways that individuals can increase their involvement to help shape the city’s culture and the businesses within it. From talking with friends, colleagues and family outside the metro, I continually hear how amazing it is that we can reach out to nearly anyone in any position to discuss an idea or seek guidance. It reminds me how great it is to be here. #DSMUSA

Brett Burkhart, strategic director, Shift Interactive

 

Businesses are transitioning

With the “silver tsunami” of baby boomers transitioning their businesses beginning, I have learned that Iowa and Midwest businesses are being very strategic in how they approach that transition. Midwest companies are much more focused on their employees and communities and the effect that transition has on them. Being an ESOP banker, this is an exciting time as employee ownership is growing at a very strong rate, creating individual wealth at a much greater rate.

Joe DeJong, managing director, ESOP finance, Bankers Trust

 

Life happens and flexibility matters

This summer my son was unexpectedly hospitalized, and I needed to be by his side. My employer worked with me to create a flexible schedule where I could take the time I needed to care for my son and work during available hours. I learned life happens, but work can be therapeutic. It is important for businesses to realize many parents want to work during these difficult times, but flexibility makes it happen.

Carrie Clogg, director of philanthropy, Kum and Go

 

Make time for yourself

This year, my lesson learned is to make time for yourself. My inspiration comes from my recent journey in completing my MBA and the many words of wisdom from this year’s “90 Ideas in 90 Minutes” speakers. Too many times, we put off our personal development and growth to keep doing what we’ve always done. Making time for me has allowed for more creativity, mindfulness and joy, which has impacted my business for the better.

Miriam De Dios Woodward, CEO, Coopera

 

An important national conversation

We’re having an important and long-overdue national conversation about sexual harassment in the workplace. As leaders of both genders start to wake up to the scope of the problem, where the conversation takes us remains to be seen. What we do know is that a workplace that is physically and psychologically safe for everyone is in all our interests. 

Rowena Crosbie, president, Tero International

 

It’s not who you know

It’s not who you know, but who you introduce that can have the greatest impact. Being named a 2017 Woman of Influence caused me to reflect on what made the recognition possible. The moments that changed my professional life were the result of generous introductions. I believe connecting people who might benefit from knowing each other is the most powerful way of helping someone. 

Diana Deibler, president, Deibler & Co.

 

Become more confident and take some chances

As a young professional who has lived in Des Moines for almost nine years, I feel like I am still shy in my profession in general. I have learned in 2017 to be more confident and the need to take chances or else life is not that adventurous. Carpe diem and seize the day.

Alex Duong, marketing specialist, Mediacom

 

Stay focused and take action

It is better to try something and do it imperfectly than to wait to do it perfectly. Take action, listen to the feedback, learn, and apply what you have learned.

Jeri Frank, CEO, Stratafolio

 

Data are the next frontier

The information revolution that began in the ’70s evolved into a quest for intelligence through data. Businesses will need to focus on collecting, collating and accurately describing the data in their systems to derive the next output of economic value from technology.

Tej Dhawan, chief data officer, Principal Financial Group

 

Always expect to seek improvement

Think about disruption: Regardless of how well an organization is run or how great the mousetrap might be, it is incumbent upon all key business participants in our community to seek to be better every day. What worked well yesterday is not necessarily the answer for tomorrow. We must always improve.

Jim Green, principal, Mercer

 

Opportunity is all around us!

Our local economy is thriving. We often hear about the large companies who are making significant investments in infrastructure and jobs. I learned that many small to midsized companies in Central Iowa are thriving, and they are sometimes overshadowed by the larger companies. Take some time to notice the names on the buildings you drive by every day and learn about who they are and what they do.

Tony Dickinson, vice president, strategy and business development, NCMIC

 

Let the process work; trust your people

There was a work event where I really wanted a certain outcome. However, after following our normal processes, trusted co-workers respectfully disagreed but said they respected and backed my decision. As president, I could have gone ahead, but after a good amount of due diligence, I realized that they were likely correct. The process worked, and I even admitted they were correct.

Robert Denson, president, Des Moines Area Community College

 

A good reminder

I was reminded — “Learning is understanding something you’ve understood all your life, but in a new way.” While it’s always been evident our business leaders are at the heart of our region’s success, in 2017 they, along with the Partnership, took their influence and caring to a whole new level with a study to identify long-term funding strategies to support transit services. This backing emboldens the DART Commission and staff and is most appreciated!

Tom Gayman, chairman, DART Commission

 

Work on your business, versus in it

With elite training from Goldman Sachs and Boston College’s entrepreneur courses, I learned how important it is to set aside dedicated time to focus on business processes and operational audits, which help ensure business growth occurs at a higher and faster pace. Hiring the right individuals who are already passionate about your company’s culture when they walk in the door allows your team to deliver on client expectations, oftentimes exceeding them.

Michelle DeClerck, president, Conference Event Management

 

Catch tourism in Greater Des Moines

This year we commissioned a research company to identify how many people were traveling to Greater Des Moines. An estimated 13.7 million visitors came to our community last year, which means $838 million ($482 million overnight expenditures, $356 million day trip expenditures) in economic impact. We are not a Chicago or a San Francisco, but it is important for the community to understand the significant impact and importance that tourism has on the local economy. These people are bringing fresh dollars to Greater Des Moines and then telling their family and friends about their experience, which is why we work to ensure the visitor experience is the best.

Greg Edwards, president and CEO, Catch Des Moines

 

Turning data into relevant information

Business leaders have an evolving demand for relevant information. With the amount of data and benchmarking available online, some thought consultants were less valuable. However, the right consultants are now viewed with increased value because of their ability to simplify vast amounts of data and tie meaningful information to organizational goals and objectives. This gives business leaders confidence in decision-making and peace of mind, especially in non-core business activities like real estate, technology and other specialized industries.

Brandon Foldes, principal, Shyft Collective

 

Advantage of longer-term succession planning

This year’s positive reaction to our company’s long-term leadership succession plan has been gratifying, but those reactions have been accompanied by comments that also make it clear many businesses have yet to start the process despite acknowledging the need. Our lesson: Not only develop the plan well in advance but begin its implementation earlier as well. Doing so is reassuring to employees and clients alike.

Janette Larkin, president, Business Publications Corp.

 

Change

Change continues to happen at a much faster rate. Being comfortable with this and having the ability to adapt will ultimately determine our success.

Patrick Kueter, client director, Foth Infrastructure and Environment LLC

 

Leaning out

Sometimes it is OK to lean out. Things and people get out of balance when always leaning in. And, while striving for improvement and excellence are worthy goals, in certain circumstances “good enough” can be of equal or more value in reaching consensus to move a project forward. When progress is stalled, this approach can help teams re-evaluate and prioritize finite resources and refocus on key deliverables, without compromising quality of the final product or service. 

Kristine Frakes, director of community impact, Institute for Community Alliances

 

Boomer succession planning time is now

Seventy-eight percent of all jobs in the U.S. are in privately held companies, yet only 30 percent of those companies make it to the second generation. In 2017, 10,000 boomers turned 65 each day, and 80 percent of boomer business owners did not have a succession plan. In 2018 and beyond, this transition of business ownership will equate to more than $1 trillion of wealth transfer and will have staggering effects on the economy.

John Mickelson, managing partner, Midwest Growth Partners

 

The Iowa entrepreneur ecosystem is growing

The Iowa ecosystem for entrepreneurs is growing. Rapidly. Leadership from folks at IEDA, VentureNet, Iowa accelerators, NewBoCo, Square One DSM, EDC and many more is making it possible for startups to thrive in Iowa without having to look outside of the state for vital support.

Gabriel Glynn, CEO, MakuSafe Corp.

 

Des Moines takes care of its own

Des Moines is generous beyond belief! I founded a fundraising consulting firm for nonprofits in January of 2017. Organizations across the metro area selflessly serve the residents in and around Des Moines and individuals, corporations and foundations allow the organizations to thrive. Families, whether they are significant philanthropists or just doing the best they can, support the community they live in.

Eric Heininger, managing director, Eden+

 

Washington craziness doesn’t shake business plans

Each day of Washington news watch in 2017 seemed more surreal than the one before. Yet consumer confidence and economic development on Main Street seem to rise above the din of vulgar politics, even the distraction of state budget disasters and public policy vindictiveness. Life moves forward.

William Stowe, CEO/general manager, Des Moines Water Works

 

Learn to see the spaces, not the trees

As I think about Central Iowa and the upward trajectory of progress and momentum we continue to experience, I come to admire, respect and appreciate the collaborative effort of the business community leaders and government leaders who jointly drive the vision of a world-class city, region and state. The tree-skiing analogy comes to mind: We truly are seeing the spaces between the trees in our path. Our mindset is seeing the opportunity, and not the obstacles!

Michael Helak, market president, U.S. Bank

 

Earn while you learn

Business and education partnerships continue to play a vital role in the development of a viable talent pipeline. The Greater Des Moines Partnership and its members are essential in connecting businesses with high-quality pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships for high school age students. The power of the “earn while you learn” concept with real jobs and local businesses is extremely attractive and engaging for young adult learners. The investments in these programs from businesses are critical to our ongoing success in developing, recruiting and retaining highly skilled talent for Iowa.

Aiddy Phomvisay, director, Central Campus

 

Commitment to the process drives the desired result

One of the most powerful lessons in 2017 was earned through countless hours running soccer practices for my 10- and 12-year-old daughters’ teams. Early season disparities in experience, enthusiasm and attitude are wide — this forces a focus on the true fundamentals of the game, from novices to even the most talented and experienced kids. Day-by-day repetition of technique and base skills, far more than any specific game strategy or lineup stack, brought each player’s game to a new level of knowledge or refinement. The end result for the player experience and ultimately the success of the team is defined by the effort (sometimes joy and sometimes tears!) of these young ladies. Enthusiasm and pessimism are quite powerful and certainly infectious —whatever kind of day I had at the office, it was on me to bring the enthusiasm to the field. Something very refreshing that we can relate to our business relationships both internally and client-focused: Establish a consistent and effective process, inspire your team(s), and outstanding results are significantly more probable. And even when things don’t fall the way you desired, there is likely another opportunity next weekend!

Eric Lohmeier, president, NCP Inc.

 

Instead of assuming positive intent, assume nothing

It’s always been a mantra, and you’ve heard it: “Assume positive intent.” The idea is that we give people the benefit of the doubt, and I’ve said it hundreds — perhaps thousands — of times, but at a recent workshop on the Outward Mindset, a novel twist was put forward: Instead of assuming positive intent, assume nothing. If we start from that point, we approach others with curiosity and humility, instead of setting the agenda and taking control.

Alan Feirer, trainer and consultant, Group Dynamic

 

People still matter

Building relationships by providing high-touch customer service has become even more valuable today than in the past. With the technological advances in agriculture, it’s now more important than ever to remember business is about people.

Randy Hertz, CEO, Hertz Farm Management

 

Is that your real intention?

Everything we do is driven by our intentions, conscious or unconscious. I’ve learned this year that sometimes we have sneaky, shadow intentions that may influence our actions and conversations without even knowing it. Now when something doesn’t go quite right, I ask myself what my real intention was in this situation. If you are really honest you will often find an answer that explains why you didn’t have the impact you wanted.

Sarah Noll Wilson, chief edge officer, Sarah Noll Wilson Co.

 

Artificial intelligence cannot replace wisdom and relationships

As artificial intelligence and technology advances continue to positively impact lawyers and the businesses we represent, I am continually reminded how much more important two other factors are when it comes to success and failure: true wisdom and meaningful relationships. Technology increases efficiency. Wisdom, born of experience, gives direction, meaning and a deeper understanding. Relationships exponentially increase the wisdom. Moving faster is only a good thing if you’re moving in the right direction.

Chris Sackett, managing partner, BrownWinick Law Firm

 

Industry knowledge can create blinders to disruption

I read to keep up with the latest developments in a broad range of fields across the natural and social sciences, technology, and governmental policy. Until recently, I read those materials that supported my worldview and confirmed my thinking, while discounting that which I didn’t understand or believe to be important. I’m finding by broadening my worldview, it allows me to create possible futures that are favorable to the company and develop strategies to take advantage of opportunities that arise from patterns we see emerging.

Eric Schurr, chief strategy officer, TMG Financial Services

 

Business gives back

I learned that the Iowa business community is incredibly supportive and generous. In 2017, Sukup Manufacturing spent more time than ever sharing about our Safe T Home saving lives in Haiti, and the response from business leaders statewide has been staggering. Our next big project in 2018 is a refugee camp for 500 children in Uganda, and we can’t wait to see future opportunities to give back.

Emily Schmitt, general counsel, Sukup Manufacturing

 

Stop saying yes. Or rather, don’t overcommit.

It’s flattering to be asked, and we’re “Iowa nice” so it’s hard to say no. But getting focused on a limited number of volunteer and leadership commitments makes my efforts sustainable. Not trying to do too much makes me more effective, less stressed and more fun to be around. It’s great to give of oneself, but I’ll take a joyful, and less grouchy, giver any day.

Mary O’Keefe, consultant/retired CMO

 

Gene editing is game-changing technology

Across the biotechnology spectrum, revolutionary gene editing tools are now moving into the marketplace that will have significant impact on our industry. This technology will multiply the positive effects genetics has on both agriculture and life science.

Joe Hrdlicka, executive director, Iowa Biotechnology Association

 

Downtown dams can be made safe

A new truth emerged from the Water Trails Engineering Study in 2017: We now know from an engineering standpoint that, at the very least, the low-head dams in downtown Des Moines can be “safed” — eliminating the “drowning machines.” Importantly, there is significant potential for creating recreational destinations out of them.

Gunnar Olson, communications manager, Des Moines Metropolitan Planning Organization

 

Just say no

To experience radical growth and change in your personal and professional life, it takes determination and focus. Time blocking and saying no allowed me to double down on big goals and actually accomplish them.

Emily Steele, managing director, Think Digital

 

Your vision sets your course

A thriving community for all, served by an endless source of civic stewards. That is the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s new vision statement. We recognized that our guiding words needed to reflect our desired actions as well as our dream for our community and its leaders. Our vision now serves as our compass and a constant reminder that our community’s caretakers need to understand and model equity, empathy, collaboration and forethought to ensure Greater Des Moines truly thrives.

Amy Jennings, executive director, Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute

 

Just like riding a bike

In Thomas Friedman’s new book, “Thank You for Being Late,” he highlighted the difference between static stability vs. dynamic stability. We all want some stability in our lives. But think about riding a bike — it’s much easier to keep your balance when you are moving forward than when you are standing still. This is true in business and life, too. It’s easier to make small adjustments moving forward than trying to keep your balance staying where you are.

Jeff Russell, president and CEO, Delta Dental of Iowa

 

Receiving feedback with humility

The lesson of humility in receiving feedback that raised an unconscious bias I have as perceived by others. It’s hard work because I want to challenge and be judgmental of the feedback. To be humble is to be ruthlessly honest with oneself. I will try to do so, which will deepen my understanding of others and myself as a business owner.

Kevin Pokorny, owner and consultant, Pokorny Consulting

 

Leading the race

A great lesson for me was from a panel I was on this fall in Omaha. The conference focused on development opportunities in their community and the group was asked who their toughest competitors were. Their first answer was “Des Moines!” The good news is we are appearing on the radar of larger communities. The lesson is that we can’t rest on our successes as we are all competing for the same population growth in the future.

Kris Saddoris, vice president development, Hubbell Realty

 

Pay attention to what people are asking for

Community leaders asked me to consider using the University of Iowa’s new Des Moines campus (former AIB College of Business) for more than college classes. I am glad I listened. Our gymnasium is now busy with community activities almost every evening, our dorm houses college students from across the nation doing internships for local companies, and we provide office space for several small nonprofits.

Tom Rice, director, University of Iowa Des Moines Programs

 

Patience wins the race

Put your staff in a position that allows them to use their strengths to succeed. Also, listen and empower them, and then 
get out of their way.

Bill Sullivan, market president for Central Iowa, Two Rivers Bank and Trust

 

Maximum or optimum

Your team has an optimum level of performance — not to be confused with maximum performance. Teams can run at maximum, but run at maximum for too long and your team will make errors, degrade and eventually burn out. And without a team, you’re not making it to the finish line.

Derek Zarn, marketing and communications specialist, city of Urbandale

 

Focus and then prioritize

With technology continuing to change and distractions abounding, this year was my year of focusing. Not to get distracted with time vampires sucking my focus, and prioritize on what can maximize my efforts.

Paul Schut, technology adviser, Marco

 

Commitment to innovation

Communication with our customers is paramount. We utilize the best customer relationship management (SalesForce CRM) program that connects every department, allowing us to inform our customers on every step of their project. 

Joe Smith, president, Home Solutions of Iowa

 

The culture and organizational health of a company are vitally important

Conventional wisdom is that strategy trumps everything else. I disagree. If the “tone at the top” is not right, strategy does not matter. The tone is defined as doing the right things right. The culture of an organization defines the organization, and strong cultures yield stronger results and employee satisfaction.

Suku Radia, CEO, Bankers Trust

 

People can be their own worst enemy

The law is moving in the direction of people being able to solve their own legal problems by searching online. The problem is that they do not know what they do not know, and they ask the wrong question. It costs more to get them out of trouble than if they had called a lawyer the first time.  

Lyle Simpson, attorney, Simpson, Jensen, Abels, Fischer and Bouslog

 

Balancing growth and culture

The biggest lesson we’ve learned is in regards to balancing growth while maintaining the company’s unique culture. As a culture-first organization, we’ve learned that by bringing people on board who are eager to contribute to the culture, and empowering them to do so, we have not only stayed true to our roots but have also developed into a more complete company with expanded values and traditions. Simply put, when faced with with growth, putting the right people in place will lead to the culture taking care of itself.

Kevin Lentz, president and CEO, Performance Marketing

 

Investments are just the beginning

When someone invests in you, your organization or your community, that’s when the real work begins. In 2017 the Partnership’s five-year investor campaign set a record and also set high expectations for ROI. Now the real work begins as we collectively drive DSM USA to the next level of success.

Tiffany Tauscheck, chief communication officer, Greater Des Moines Partnership

 

Putting AI to work

While it still might seem straight from a sci-fi film, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are going mainstream. Virtual AI assistants like Siri and Alexa are on millions of devices, and we are leveraging them for the benefit of clients via APIs. We’ll start to see a variety of AI tools make their way into web design over the next year as machine learning continues to advance.

Jeremiah Terhark, CEO, Webspec Design