Denver Metro Chamber Of Commerce: My 12 Lessons As Chamber CEO & President

Press release from Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce:

Kelly Brough

September 3, 2021

Lesson #12: Make decisions based on hope – not fear.
We make so many decisions, both in our personal and professional lives, to avoid problems or minimize the downside. Instead, we should make those decisions with a focus on what’s possible. It’s more rewarding, and it inspires others to jump in and help. At the Chamber, I worked directly for 59 board members who made their decisions based on what was possible, focusing on the future they want to create. It was truly inspiring.

Lesson #12: Make decisions based on hope – not fear. Lesson #11: There are too many politics in our policy.

My 59 type-A, highly opinionated bosses were unanimous in almost every decision. I honestly can recall only one time where one member of the board voted for a different approach. Lesson #11 is definitely that we need less politics as we work to solve the challenges we face today.

Lesson #9: There is urgency to our work. Lesson #8: Do the work.

Lesson #7: Happiness is hugely shaped by who we spend our days with.
I love working on teams. I love the energy and the ideas. I have loved the teams I worked with at the Chamber. Over 12 years, that team was extensive! Here’s what I say to you all:

Lesson #7: Happiness is hugely shaped by who we spend our days with. Lesson #6: Apparently, cussing is still not cool in all settings.

Lesson #5: Conflict is good.
Conflict means there’s an important issue that needs solving and I see that as an invitation. What I love about conflict is turning it into solutions we all support. I am attracted to conflict.

Lesson #5: Conflict is good. Lesson #4: Be intentional about what you invite into your life.

Here’s the part you will really hate: I learned that luck is another way of recognizing that we don’t control a lot in this world. And, frankly, it’s shocking how often things work out for us when you consider how little control we really have, so be intentional about what you invite into your life.

Lesson #3: Being vulnerable can open the door to do some of your most meaningful work.  Prosper Colorado

It was our members’ vulnerability to look deeper at what we can improve in our great state that is leading to some of the most meaningful work happening at the Chamber.

Lesson #2: We define our family.  And, that leaves Lesson #1: We have the power to ensure others succeed.

This press release was produced by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.