Innovative purpose-driven leaders connect and inspire at Leading for Good
Thru Shivakumar, Colleen Tunney-Ryan, and Michael Strautmanis joined Baumhart Center Director Karen Weigert for the opening panel. Not pictured: Michael Fassnacht
Over the course of nine days, more than 60 exceptional speakers and hundreds of incredible participants from across the country and across sectors joined Leading for Good, the Baumhart Center’s annual gathering.
The unifying theme was “On Purpose: Accelerating Impact in a Changing World.” Through new ways of collaborating, listening, speaking and delivering, leaders of all levels explored pathways to a future of thriving communities in an inclusive economy on a healthy planet.
The stage was set in the opening discussion where an extraordinary group of business and civic leaders shared their lessons and inspirations in a discussion moderated by Baumhart Center Director Karen Weigert. The panel featured:
- Michael Fassnacht, Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago & President and CEO, World Business Chicago
- Thru Shivakumar, CEO and Co-Founder, Cohesion
- Michael Strautmanis, Executive Vice President, Obama Foundation
- Colleen Tunney-Ryan, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, First Women’s Bank
"Values will stand the test of time and will drive the innovation, the decision-making, the change."
Michael Strautmanis, Executive Vice President, Obama Foundation
Key takeaways from the panel
1. Lead with purpose
The world is changing, and the demand for businesses to do their part in driving impact has never been greater. The most impactful businesses are those leading with empathy, transparency, and – most importantly – purpose. First Women’s Bank was “built with purpose at its core,” and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Colleen Tunney-Ryan states that by having purpose at the core, there is the power of attraction. “We attract people that care about the mission and have built an incredible team.”
2. Don't underestimate the power of stories
“Stories are powerful. Stories can become reality,” shares Michael Fassnacht. “We can drive change by embracing all the different stories across our city...(we) cannot underestimate the power of stories and who is telling them.”
Michael Strautmanis adds, “over time, I’ve come to own my story. Owning and understanding my story allows me to be intentional about the community I build.”
3. Advice for the next generation of purpose-driven leaders
Thru Shivakumar encourages leaders to “work hard and remember why you’re doing the work.”
The “why” of the work is the mission, and the mission should be fueled by your values. The path ahead is clear, as Michael Strautmanis shared, “Values will stand the test of time and will drive the innovation, the decision-making, and the change.”
Conference highlights
Missed Leading for Good this year? Check out the highlights.
Flip through the event photos below or on Flickr.
See the Innovator in Social Business Award winners who are recoginzed at Leading for Good below or on Flickr.
Experience the conference through social media posts below or at Wakelet.