Chris Maier’s Post

Protecting time and energy for creativity at work has always felt like a fight, now it's a dance. Less convincing and justifying, more grace and fluidity. Natalie Nixon, PhD said it best, “I see creativity as the ability to toggle between wonder and rigor to solve complex problems.” Holding creativity in tension with efficiency is a "Way of Being." There's a list of 6 of these statements that guide the way we show up for our work at Stoked. We check in with ourselves monthly by running through the list and asking, "am I being this way?" for each. When talking about company values, I tend to glaze over. I tend to believe that intrinsic motivations, personal morals and convictions have way more influence on one's work that a list of vague ambitions for all. But I have to give credit to this list of intentions—it has refocused our behaviors and refined our culture. And it's earned us a Nashville Best in Biz!

Pioneer Service has been an active member of the Valley Industrial Association of Illinois for many years. From advocacy and legislative representation to networking opportunities and training and development programs, our leadership team (and staff across many departments) have found ongoing benefits to the collaboration and partnership we have found with other members in the organization and the staff of the association. Under Kathy Gilmore’s leadership, an amazing board of directors, and an exceptional team of staff members, this is an important organization for any manufacturer to consider. The Valley Industrial Association (#VIA) turns 122 years this year. Amazingly, It was founded in 1902 – when Teddy Roosevelt was President of the US, the radio was first demonstrated publicly, the first movie theatre opened in LA, the first JC Penny store opened in Wyoming, Target Corp is founded, air conditioning was invented in NYC, Richard Daley was born (Chicago mayor 1965-1971) and Ray Kroc was born (ie McDonalds) – to name a few other notable 1902 facts. Its longevity is a testament to the value it provides to its member companies. The original founding members included sixteen manufacturers in the Aurora area. Members today can be found across Northern IL, including Kane, DuPage, Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kendall, and DeKalb counties. Included in the over 200-member list are industrial companies, manufacturing companies, service providers, and suppliers to the industrial ecosystem across this part of IL. So, a shout out to Kathy and her team: Dawn Curran, CFRE (VP Workforce Development), Susan Secondi (Director Operations and Finance) Laura Swarts (Membership Director) and Molly Schiltz (Marketing Coordinator). Thanks for the work you are doing to support manufacturers across the region! #networking #manufacturingIL #Foxvalleybusiness #industrialcompaniesIL #partnership #success2024 #bestpractices #leadership #traininganddevelopment #growthstrategies

This is a fantastic post by Stacey Morse with tips on balancing the creative mind and the analytic to unlock new levels of success within teams. "When you think about it, as kids we all start out creative – finding unique ways to communicate who we are whether through drawing, dance, music, storytelling, building things, etc. It is part of our human DNA. Somewhere along the way the perceived ‘serious stuff’ takes precedence and, for most, creativity is left behind or as a side interest pursuit—if you have the time.....Rediscovering my own creativity evolved into new forms of helping leaders and their teams harness the power of creative thinking in balance with analytic thinking to achieve new levels of idea generation, engagement, insight, and growth." https://lnkd.in/gjmnXvRf

Embracing the Law of the Big Mo in Miami's Business Landscape. In John C. Maxwell’s "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership," the Law of the Big Mo stands out as a beacon for leaders seeking success. Momentum, once ignited, becomes a leader's steadfast ally, propelling endeavors to remarkable heights. Nowhere is this law more evident than in Miami, where the tale of Wynwood mirrors this principle with striking clarity. Wynwood, once a neglected enclave, bore witness to a remarkable transformation fueled by visionary leaders. By instigating an art walk event, these pioneers catalyzed a movement that breathed life into Wynwood's dormant streets. As foot traffic surged and interest swelled, businesses sprouted like blossoms in springtime, transforming warehouses into galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Miami, recognizing Wynwood's burgeoning potential, bestowed upon it the title of an arts district in 2009. This official recognition acted as a catalyst, drawing further investment and enthusiasm to the neighborhood. The once-forgotten district now thrives as a global destination, boasting a kaleidoscope of artistic expression, culinary delights, and cultural experiences. The Wynwood narrative serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of momentum. By seizing upon an initial spark of inspiration, a handful of leaders sowed the seeds of a movement that blossomed into a cultural phenomenon. Today, Wynwood stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring impact of visionary leadership and the unstoppable force of momentum. In Miami's dynamic business landscape, the Law of the Big Mo reigns supreme. Those who harness its power can ignite transformations that resonate far beyond the confines of their initial vision. Wynwood's journey is a potent reminder that with momentum on our side, there's no limit to what we can achieve. #Leadership #Momentum #Wynwood #MiamiBusiness #VisionaryLeadership https://lnkd.in/eBt7bSYw

Three days with 1,400 attendees from all the fields that make up commercial real estate. I have NEVER been surrounded by so much welcoming, genuine, intelligent, successful, well-wishing, group of ladies. I met ladies from DC, OKC, St. Louis, Atlanta, Miami, Des Moines, Birmingham, Cape Fear, Sacramento, NY, Vancouver, and probably more that I am missing. Each and every lady demonstrated the importance of networking, relationships and supporting each other. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all. #AtlantaDrumAcademy bookended the convention with such an infectious energy, you couldn't help but to get hyped. A few of the sessions I attended: - Adapt, Overcome, and Win as One - Retail Property Management in Today's Economic Environment - Global Economic Outlook - Marketplace - Essentials of Development As the 2023 Distinguished Leaders stated: find a mentor, go with your gut, build relationships, speak up for yourself, be bold, confident, authentic self and DO THE WORK. Thanks to #crewatlanta for being wonderful hosts, #crewconvention for such an eye-opening experience, l for being so welcoming. #teamofchoice for believing in and supporting me, demonstrating the importance of teamwork, hard work and support. And most of all, setting the example that opportunities are based upon ability and effort.

Today the 2023 Leadership Summit with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and team announced results of the Portland Central City Task Force final report. In that Central City Report the following recommendation was made. Pay special attention to the last sentence! “Make downtown a worthy destination. Downtown Portland does not rank high as a regional tourist destination—because it’s built for office workers. But there is so much potential. A destination-worthy downtown would start with a better activated Tom McCall Waterfront Park that could feature a rethink of the "Concert Bowl," event pavilions, permeable pavers to support year-round events, flexible spaces for recreation, and pop-up food and drink kiosks. The Willamette River is the Central City’s comparative advantage, and it needs to be better leveraged with food, entertainment, and river access options. Once off the river, visitors need more reasons to walk into the downtown core. Powell’s, Pioneer Square, and the Portland Art Museum are solid attractors, but they need company. The Salmon Street corridor could better connect the waterfront fountain and the Park Blocks. The Old Multnomah County Courthouse and the original U.S. Bank Building are architectural gems that could house food and entertainment options. And the long-envisioned James Beard Public Market  must finally be realized.” Portland Needs a Public Market!

In the latest Authority Magazine “Social Impact Heroes” column -- by editor in chief, Yitzi Weiner, here’s what Greg Miller of Dance Parade, Inc. has to say about perfectionism and purpose-driven leadership, “‘Perfect’ is the enemy of ‘Done’ — with complicated things, sometimes you need to get it done fast and with certain core aspects in mind. Don’t wallow in the details that no one will care about. And don’t care about people judging you, just get things done to a minimal standard and move on!” I'll drop some helpful links and information in the comments below so you can:  📖 READ the full article 💃🏾 LEARN more about Greg’s work at Dance Parade, Inc.   📣 SUPPORT zoning reform in NYC #linkincomments

Had the pleasure of listening to Skot Welch, President and Founder of Global Bridgebuilders, present to our Leadership Grand Rapids class a few weeks back, and since then I’ve been reflecting on a topic he discussed where I feel so many leaders and businesses miss the mark: the difference between welcoming and belonging. Welcoming feels like you have someone at the front gate, greeting you and letting you in, making you feel cozy. Hoping you say good things about them or their business because they’re nice to you (because it makes them more money, usually). But…not everyone gets through the gate, either. Not everyone gets to feel welcomed, often times due to systematic discrepencies. Belonging is when there is no gate. You walk in and you’re there because you’re made to feel like you’re supposed to be there. Those that surround you are genuine and intimate, and you relate to them through real life experiences. You remember that we are people before we are professionals, and they recognize this, too! Vulnerability and acceptance reign supreme because that’s how we make each other feel empowered and trusted. Think about how this can apply to your role in your business and your organization’s culture, and if you aren’t sure which side of the spectrum your company falls under, look at it like this: don’t be concerned with the gatekeeper. Be concerned that there’s a gate to begin with. Get rid of the gate.

What are two things that the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, Local First Arizona, Eliances, and Phoenix Business Radio X have in common? ONE: They are amazing organizations that connect a community of people with a collective voice as a force for good. TWO: If you want to come see them, you come to MAC6. MAC6 IS NOT Commercial Office Space. MAC6 IS NOT Coworking Space. MAC6 IS NOT Event Space. MAC6 Builds Better Communities Where People and Businesses Thrive. And yes, although we do have beautiful versions of each of those spaces that will knock your socks off, MAC6 is still less of a space you are than a PLACE you come TO BE. Explore an Entrepreneurial Landmark Place in Tempe where anyone is welcome to meaningfully connect with a Community of Communities. Come in for a tour. We’d love to hear what you and your business have to say. https://lnkd.in/gBt8KTdh #mac6 #flexibleworkspace #coworking #community #leadership

Here's what influential Birmingham leaders expect to see at Brookwood Village in the future.