Persistent economic uncertainty and global disruption, coupled with the rapid evolution of technology and artificial intelligence, present new challenges and opportunities to today’s business leaders.

In the Business Record’s upcoming Power Breakfast: Leadership in Changing Times on May 16, we’ll hear from a panel of five Central Iowa executive leaders on how they adapt and lead through change and disruption. 

In advance of the event, read what our panelists had to say about the question: 

What is one leadership skill you have been working on yourself to steer your organization more effectively in today’s uncertain and volatile environment?

Pete Brownell
chairman of the board, Brownells

I am working on consistently and clearly articulating our strategy. When team members grasp our goals, understand where they can contribute, and feel empowered to make decisions consistent with our strategic direction and shared values, we build trust, engagement and speed in execution.

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Miriam Erickson Brown
chair and CEO, AE Dairy

I didn’t plan it this way in my career, but I have always been in a change agent role and that role has evolved for me. Creating change isn’t just about leading differently than my predecessors. I am working on developing a legacy of growth, innovation and purpose through the humble roots of packaging dairy products with excellence.

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Angela Franklin
president and CEO, Des Moines University

As I have led my organization through a major transition, it has become more evident that my training as a clinical psychologist has added great insight and value. Not only do good listening, communication and conflict-resolution skills come with that training but [also] empathy and compassion. It’s essential to have a genuine and sincere desire to care about the impact [that] organizational transitions will have on personal transitions. Each individual will have their own set of circumstances in life that will impact them as the overall organization is transitioning. Recognizing that individuals are spinning on their own personal axis while the world revolves and changes around them is an important acknowledgment for the leader. Caring enough to pause, reflect and meet people where they are to allow them time to understand and embrace change is an important step.

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David Stark
chief of government, external affairs and philanthropy, UnityPoint Health

Relationship building. What happened during the pandemic caused a degradation of personal connections and awareness of what is truly important to get work done. And that is connecting with people. This takes time, but it’s a critical investment to move any initiative or organization forward.

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Emily Steele
CEO and co-founder, Hummingbirds

When you choose the startup/scaleup path, there’s a sense of urgency every single day to ensure we hit milestones that allow us to raise the next round of funding. It can create a sense of anxiety when not managed correctly. As I work diligently to keep everyone focused and hitting goals, I find it equally important to see, value and validate the humans doing the work. It’s hard to hit goals and work hard when you don’t feel appreciated in the day to day. As a first-time CEO to a team of 25, I am learning how to hit the gas and bring people along for an energizing, empowering ride.

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Thursday, May 16

Des Moines Heritage Center | 120 E. Fifth St.

9-9:30 a.m. Networking, breakfast

9:30-11 a.m. Program

Registration is required. Seating is limited.