Celebrations

This past week we were invited to attend a big celebration. The 25^th Anniversary memorializing the founding of the Denver Sports Commission. I was blessed to serve as the organization’s first Executive Director from 2002 to 2008. It was a great experience and we had a really good run those years, due largely to those that attended the event this week.

Hard to believe it has been that long, twenty-five years went by in a flash. Looking back, many of the experiences we had in Denver formed the life that I have today. It is safe to say that if Denver (and the people we met there) had not happened, my world would be drastically different.

A few professional takeaways from our time in Denver are below. Let’s call them “Three things I learned in the Mile High City”…...

First, I learned what true loyalty looks like. The leaders at the Denver Sports Commission stood by me no matter what the circumstances. Win or lose, they were supportive and in the trenches with me and our staff. Unconditionally.

Second, a lot of the strategic planning work we do today is a byproduct of our time in Denver. Everything we did there was intentional, tactical, and measured. Sure we experimented with things, however we had an end goal in mind, even when we tried something new. Envisioning a strategic pathway for the sports organizations we serve today is nearly identical to how we set the ball rolling in Denver.

Third, building a team is one thing. Getting them to row the boat in the same direction is quite another. We had the best board in the community and they were all on the same page 99% of the time. That was largely tied to the types of people we had in the room and the leaders of that tribe. It wasn’t always perfect, but things were on the right trajectory far more often than not.

I learned quite a bit more during our tenure with Denver Sports. The people there I’m forever indebted to for their support and mentorship over those 6-plus years. When it is your turn to lead, be like the folks in Denver.

Build relationship bridges. Show unwavering support. Drive a united front towards whatever goal lies ahead. And lastly, remember to celebrate the milestones.