As Billie Jean King once wisely observed, “Create your legacy, and pass the baton.” This summer, I had the privilege of announcing a leadership transition at Business Publications Corp. (BPC), where I will be stepping down as CEO at year-end and handing the baton over to Chris Conetzkey.

My six years at BPC have been a rewarding journey. Collaborating with the legendary Connie Wimer and our talented team to support our community has been a joy. We’ve achieved significant milestones: launching innovative products and events, advancing digital capabilities, and welcoming new talent – growing and becoming a stronger organization even in a rapidly changing environment.

It has been incredibly inspiring to work alongside the dedicated and passionate individuals on the Business Record, Magazine, BPC Custom and administrative teams. From our seasoned veterans to our emerging talent, every person on the staff has contributed to our success. 

I am particularly proud of the leadership development within our team. I have witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of team members as they have embraced new challenges and advanced our organization. Their consistent commitment to quality and excellence has earned the continued trust of the community and been recognized with numerous honors from industry peers.

Reflecting on my time at BPC, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary organization. I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of strong leadership — how it can inspire, motivate, and transform individuals and organizations alike. I’ve strived to create a culture of innovation, collaboration and empowerment, where everyone feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential. While I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved together, I’ve also learned valuable lessons along the way. Leadership is a continuous journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunities to grow and evolve.

One of the most significant challenges I faced during my time at BPC was navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented event forced us to adapt quickly and innovate in order to continue serving our readers and clients. I vividly remember calling our executive leadership team together in my office in March of 2020 and challenging us not only to move to fully remote operations in a matter of days, but also to create a virtual event to immediately connect the community during this crisis. Even in the face of so much uncertainty, the entire team led with ingenuity and resilience to accomplish that objective and many more. The lessons we learned and skills we developed have shaped our success today; by embracing remote work, virtual events and digital solutions, we were able to weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever. 

Over the years, I’m proud to have witnessed Chris Conetzkey’s growth into an exceptional leader. His thoughtful and caring style, combined with a deep understanding of our industry and community, makes him the ideal choice to guide BPC into the future. I’m excited to witness the new opportunities and advances that are already emerging under his leadership.

As I embark on this new chapter in my life, I am filled with optimism and excitement. I am eager to continue contributing to the field of leadership through teaching, advising, coaching and mentoring, with a focus on CEOs, boards and family businesses. I will continue writing my “On Leadership” column at BPC as an editorial contributor and for other publications. I look forward to spending time with family and friends, pursuing my creative interests, and staying active in the community.

In conclusion, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of BPC. It has been an honor to be a part of the 40-plus year legacy Connie created with this organization, and I am incredibly grateful to her for the opportunity to work with such talented and dedicated individuals. 

I invite you to continue reading our publications, attending events and advertising in our products; by supporting BPC in these ways, you’re not only contributing to the organization’s success but also helping to shape the future of our community. I am confident that the future of BPC is bright, and I look forward to watching the organization and region continue to thrive. 

The Art of Passing the Baton

As I pass the leadership baton to Chris, I am reminded of the importance of succession planning. A well-executed succession plan ensures a smooth transition of leadership and minimizes disruption to the organization. It involves identifying and developing high-potential leaders, providing them with opportunities to grow and develop, and creating a clear path to leadership positions.

If you are a leader considering a leadership transition, here are some key tips:

• Start Early: Begin planning your succession early to allow ample time to identify and develop potential successors.
• Involve Key Stakeholders: Consult with your board of directors or owner, executive team, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and buy-in.
• Provide Mentorship and Coaching: Offer guidance and support to your successors to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
• Communicate Effectively: Keep your team informed about the transition plan and process and address any concerns or questions they may have.
• Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge the accomplishments of your successor and the team as a whole.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a successful leadership transition and set your organization up for future success.