Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1518149
"Best Ideas & Key Philosophies" from 2018 Business Leaders of the Year Business Leader of the Year (Small business) AMJAD BAHNASSI, M.D. Owner, Behavioral Healthcare Services n It's not what you do, it's why you do it. n I am here to help, and if it's something I know I can do, I will do it. n Don't judge people. n Patience is the companion of wisdom. Business Leader of the Year (Large business) JAMES M. KNOTT, JR. CEO, Riverdale Mills Corp. Value Employees: Grow and develop your employees, and by extension your company's success. Employees who want to grow professionally make impactful contributions. Value Diversity: The large modern workforce has multi-generational employees from diverse backgrounds. All bring valuable perspective. Establish respect as a core company value. Customer Engagement: Customers know best what they want and need. Stay engaged and communicate with your key customers. Visit them, see them at industry events, and invite them to your location. Pursue Innovation: Stay open to new ideas with enthusiasm for not just your own products, services and industry, but also from neighbors, acquaintances and family members. You never know where your next profitable idea will come from. Market IQ: Market intelligence is often only a key stroke or screen swipe away. Staying abreast of business developments and industry trends is essential to remain relevant in a fast-paced marketplace. Community Commitment: Our local communities are not just where we work but where we live, shop, relax and thrive. Every business, regardless of size or scope, should give back to their community in whatever form possible. Invest: Businesses work hard for sales and revenue. Part of the calculation must be investment. Continually invest in employees, equipment, R&D, service/ distribution, and marketing/sales. Ensure a pleasant and safe environment for employees, customers, visitors and the community. Grow Geographically: Riverdale Mills has products with international appeal. So, we've been able to seek new markets across the globe. For small local businesses, expanding geographically can mean looking incrementally across your town or county lines. The important thing is to continually plan, focus, and strive, as well as expect speed bumps and be flexible. Business Leader of the Year (Nonprofit) LAURIE LESHIN, PH.D. President, Worcester Polytechnic Institute We need all minds – It is vital to leverage all thinkers in STEM fields. The challenges facing the planet are enormous and we need diverse perspectives to solve thorny problems. Women hold nearly half of all jobs in the United States, but less than 28 percent of STEM-related positions. I'm proud of WPI's success in attracting women and underrepresented students of color. We want our student body to reflect the world in which they'll be working. Strive for impact – It's important to challenge ourselves to demonstrate our impact and strive for greatness. Experiential, project-based teamwork is especially impactful, as evidenced by the work done at WPI's Institute for Project- Based Learning. Develop local roots, but think globally – We encourage students to develop strong roots in Worcester by getting involved in student government, working closely with industry, and becoming future leaders. We also host a Project Center in Worcester where students solve problems right in our own backyard. Our Worcester Project Center is just one of 50 project centers in two dozen countries where students leverage and implement creative approaches and solutions to real-world problems. When we ask inspiring questions, great things can happen – We push our students to take on real challenges, and we give them the tools they need to change the world. Dedicated space on campus for collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship can inspire students and faculty alike to address some of the biggest challenges in our world. Live your values – Since 1865, WPI's mission has balanced theory with practice. We are focused on making an impact in the world by developing tomorrow's leaders and enabling future innovators to thrive, and we do that guided by our steadfast value system. We strive for a community where each person is welcomed, valued, and feels a strong Innovator of the Year AMY LYNN CHASE Owner, Crompton Collective, The White Room & The Haberdash A rising tide lifts all boats. My first business partner, in Boston, use to say this all the time and it rubbed off on me. Do I want to make it to the top? Yes, and I want to take all of you with me. When the rules don't make sense, break them. Try not to waste time adhering to a guidebook that wasn't written for you...Get comfortable saying "no" to people who are intimidating and more experienced than you. It's ok to do things your way. "Worrying about your followers? You need to get your dollars up!" #Drake I won't lie...It's fun to be popular on the internet. Just make sure you're checking your bank account as much as you check your instagram. "Only take advice from someone you would trade places with" Renee King said this to me during a substantial transition in my business. When I was feeling overwhelmed with everyone's opinions, It immediately put things perspective. Strive not for success, but to add value. Are we adding value to our community? That is always what I ask myself when starting a new project. Read more books. I once read that "the average millionaire reads 2 books a month. While the average person only reads 2 books a year". That is so interesting to me. There will always be someone smarter than you...but they can only work