A changing of the guard is underway in Central Iowa — and it’s happening at a record pace. Some in the community may have detected the recent increase in retirements and the variety of other departures, new hires and newly created roles across the region. A review of five years of Business Record archives found a record 111 executive leadership transitions in 2024, and 2025 is on pace to set another record with 100 leadership changes as of Aug. 31. Leadership transition is nothing new, but as long-time leaders step back and new faces take the helm of key organizations in Greater Des Moines, the community as a whole will need to navigate both the opportunities and challenges that presents. During our last Power Breakfast of 2025, a panel of business and community leaders will reflect on the history and culture of community leadership in Des Moines and the collective effects of widespread leadership transition on regional collaboration, community involvement and philanthropy.

Among the topics we will discuss:

• How the culture of leadership in Greater Des Moines has evolved over the years and what defining influences could be looking into the future.
• What are the potential positive and negative impacts that will result from an accelerated pace of leadership change.
• How an executive leadership transition changes the operation of an individual organization.
• How organizations can prepare for the effects of leadership transitions in and outside of their companies.