“There is no finish line. There are only mile markers.” – Michael Ventura
I was scanning a business publication last week and came across that quote. Michael Ventura founded Sub Rosa, an experience design agency, in 2005 when he was only 23. Clients have included Levi’s and General Electric. In explaining his quote, he says, “No job is ever fully complete, also when one challenge is completed, another rises on the horizon, leading you and your company to the next stage.”
This quote makes me think of Nicki Anderson, who recently stepped down as President & CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC.) During her tenure, Nicki has been a champion of change. Not change for the sake of change, but strategic and intentioned change driven by a desire to meet the evolving needs of the membership.
One of the changes made during her 5-year term was a rework of, “Inside the Chamber” – the monthly TV talk show NCTV17 has produced in partnership with NACC for years. Previous CEOs had conducted an interview-style show talking with individual members about their specific business. In keeping with the NACC rebrand of Business Forward, Nicki wanted to put more focus on larger issues facing local businesses.
Therefore, in February 2016 we launched an entirely new show along with a new set and format. Nicki invited local experts within the Chamber membership to have a panel conversation about topics such as minimum wage, healthy corporate culture, evolution of sales, psychology of branding, the future of retail, and one of my favorites: breaking millennial stereotypes. Thank you, Emily Ory, Jessica Hall and Tom Peters for helping this Baby Boomer see those stereotypes through your eyes. Very enlightening!
If you have never tuned in, I encourage you to check out the show. All episodes are available on-demand at NCTV17.com and the Chamber’s YouTube channel.
Nicki has covered many miles during her time at NACC. She leaves it better than she found it and positively positioned for the future under the new leadership of Kaylin Risvold.
On behalf of NCTV17 (a 19-year Chamber member), we wish Nicki all the best in her next race!
