The Business Development Guild hosted its Second Annual Business Development Leadership and Strategy Symposium at the offices of RC Lurie on November 5th. Over 100 BD and Operational professionals gathered to listen and learn from fellow industry executives and leaders on a range of critical subjects. It also honored one if its own – A Lifetime Achievement award presentation to Donna Chiappini, who is retiring after a worthy Business Development Career.
Joelle Hadley set the stage and tone with an insightful look at the meaning and power of emotional intelligence.
Laura Davis of Atmosphere Commercial Interiors lead the first panel of developing a Business Development Culture. Paula Stamp, Director of Business Development, PCL Construction, Rick Stoddard, VP of Client Services, Indecomm Digital, Ryan Grote, Business Manager at Steelcase and Ms. Lori Gary from the City of Goodyear, Arizona brought eclectic perspectives but all with similar fundamentals.
Mark Stapp, Director of the Master of Real Estate Development at Arizona State University challenged the group by asking “What is your business IQ” and why that is important.
Dean Howard, Director of Business Development at Hill International lead the final panel discussion on “Leading Successful Teams: The Know How. The Mind Set”. Sean Ahern, Principal At DLR Group, Hilari Weinstein, Principal of High Impact Communication and Chase Farnsworth, Senior Project Manager At Mortenson shared insight on how their organizations develop the culture for continuing success.
If one primary theme emerged, it was the topic of culture. With the commitment from ownership and open communication between BD and operational teams, success is often the result.
The Business Development Guild is an organization whose mission is to help build the bridge between BD and Operations, elevate the BD professional and profession. The BD Guild accomplishes this its members, meetings, certification program, and signature events. To learn more, including how to become a member, go to www.businessdevelopmentguild.com.
Another educational Symposium that was valuable for all attendees! Thank you again to our sponsors and the Symposium Committee for their hard work and support in organizing the event and making it worthwhile to take the time to partake.