- December 3, 2024
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Editor’s note: Heather Kasten, president and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, which was recently named the state Chamber of the Year in the category of chambers with budgets of $1 million, gave these remarks Oct. 24 at the chamber’s annual meeting.
It’s truly an honor to stand before all of you, such an extraordinary group of leaders and visionaries.
You’ve each built something remarkable, navigating the highs and lows that come with the territory of running a business.
Today, I want to tee up the theme of today’s event that binds us all together: Excellence. Not just when things are going well, but also when challenges arise — like our friends Debby, Helene and Milton.
Let’s start with the good times — when business is booming, the economy is strong and growth seems almost effortless. These are the moments when it’s easy to demonstrate excellence.
But true excellence in prosperity isn’t just about riding the wave. It’s about maximizing those moments, creating a culture of success and giving back to the community that helped you grow.
When times are good, we should be asking ourselves: Are we taking bold, innovative steps that position us for the future? Are we investing in our people, nurturing talent and fostering an environment where ideas can thrive? And perhaps most important: Are we using our success to create a positive impact beyond our walls?
It’s in these prosperous times that we have the resources and the influence to uplift our communities, mentor others and support causes that matter. This is not just a moral imperative; it’s good business.
Thriving communities create thriving businesses. When we give back, we build trust and loyalty, and we strengthen the ecosystem of which we all are a part.
But excellence is truly tested when things aren’t going well.
When the economy tightens, when sales dip, when uncertainty knocks — this is when the essence of leadership comes to the forefront.
How we handle adversity defines the culture of our businesses.
Do we panic, retreat and cut corners? Or do we adapt, innovate and lead with resilience?
Remember, adversity reveals the character of a leader and the strength of an organization.
In challenging times, excellence is about staying focused on your values. It’s about transparency with your team, showing empathy and understanding that they too are navigating the storm.
Sometimes, it’s about making hard decisions, but making them with thoughtfulness and care.
To whom much is given, much is required.
And as leaders, we must also remember that the community we’ve served in times of prosperity is watching us. How we lead in these moments reflects on our businesses and on the broader ecosystem we influence.
Excellence, both in good times and bad, is about resilience. It’s about having the foresight to see opportunity in adversity and the humility to understand that success is fleeting without the foundation of strong values.
As business owners and CEOs, we are not just responsible for our bottom lines. We are stewards of something greater. The communities we operate in, the teams we lead and the partnerships we forge — these are all part of the legacy we build.
When we commit to excellence, we create lasting value —not just for ourselves but for everyone around us.
So, as we look ahead, let’s remember that excellence is not a destination. It’s a continuous journey. Whether the tides of business are high or low, our commitment to excellence should never waver. Let’s lead with courage, with compassion and with a vision that extends beyond our own success and into this community that we love and serve.
Heather Kasten is president and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
