Have you ever been in a place where the messages you hear resonate?
That was the consensus at the MLCV 10th Annual Leadership Conference, where leaders from various businesses within the MLCV portfolio gathered to explore themes of conscious leadership, self-discovery, and the transformative power of purpose. This year’s conference brought inspiring speakers and invaluable insights and celebrated outstanding leadership through our S.E.R.V.E. Awards, honoring individuals nominated by their teams and peers.
A Great Kickoff
The beloved conference emcee, Fox 9 Chief Meteorologist Ian Leonard, opened the event with an inspiring message. Ian shared his personal journey, including overcoming a traumatic brain injury in 2013 and proudly adding “cancer survivor” to his resume in 2016. He challenged the audience with three thought-provoking questions: “What do you love to do?” “What are you good at?” and “What does the world need?” His humility shone through as he recounted his experiences. He is humble and deeply committed to supporting the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Minnesota, asking himself daily, “What can I do for someone else today?”
Joe Nayquonabe, CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures
A Powerful Opening from Joe Nayquonabe
Kicking off the keynotes, Joe Nayquonabe shared a heartfelt leadership message rooted in his connection to the Mille Lacs Band reservation. His insights reminded us of the importance of purpose in our work and laid a solid foundation for the day’s discussions.
Vicki Clark on Servant Leadership
Vicki Clark shared her expertise on servant leadership and its vital role in creating inclusive communities. Her session highlighted the importance of listening and understanding the nuances between helping and supporting others. By embracing servant leadership behaviors, we were encouraged to foster an environment where team members feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute fully.
Expect the Extraordinary with Steve Fredlund
Steve shared his transformative approach on “The Unright Thing.” While his five big elements are essential for achieving a breakthrough, only one is the true catalyst for the extraordinary: doing The Unright Thing. He captivated us by sharing his adventures from Savannah, with the overall message being we have the ability to choose our experiences, gather the right “Peeps in our Jeeps,” embrace the adventure, and take in the view. He emphasized how employees genuinely crave alignment and connection, leaving us with ways to achieve that.
Johnny Quinn and the Champion Mindset
The conference also featured Olympic bobsledder Johnny Quinn, who brought his energetic perspective to resilience and change. His talk emphasized the importance of cultivating a champion mindset in the workplace – how you have to push to fund your purpose. He shared that individuals could drive success and inspire those around them with determination and a hunger for excellence. Johnny’s story demonstrated how overcoming barriers can lead to extraordinary results.
Real and Raw Insights from Benny Fisher
The second day started with Benny Fisher taking the stage, diving deep into the themes of self-discovery, resilience, and cultivating a growth mindset. His authentic and heartfelt approach resonated with many, encouraging us to unlock our potential and embrace change. Benny’s focus on overcoming obstacles is a crucial reminder that personal and professional fulfillment often comes from navigating life's challenges with resilience and a positive outlook.
Conscious Culture Powered by Conscious Leaders
Jaime Taets, CEO of Keystone Group International, spoke to us next. With over two decades of experience in corporate culture, including 13 years at Cargill, Jaime is uniquely positioned to address the pressing issues many organizations face today. Her talk focused on conscious leadership and developing an intentional workplace culture. Jaime emphasized that culture is ultimately a leader’s choice, and through self-reflection and growth, leaders can help their organizations evolve and achieve ambitious goals. Her insights set a powerful takeaway, inspiring us to consider our roles in shaping a healthy and productive work environment.
Mick White and the 100-Year Manifesto
Last but not least, Mick White wrapped up the conference by sharing his transformative concept of the “100-Year Manifesto.” Drawing from his personal journey, Mick spoke about the importance of purposefully living and creating a meaningful legacy. He articulated how a strong sense of purpose can elevate individuals and teams, driving all aspects of life and work. His message resonated deeply, prompting us to reflect on their own paths and the legacies they wish to create.
Recognizing Leadership with S.E.R.V.E. Awards
To S.E.R.V.E. means supporting, engaging, re-investing, valuing, and empowering your teams. These awards are given to leaders nominated by their teams and peers for their dedication, support, and impact within their organizations. Celebrating these individuals reinforced the core values of leadership and community that MLCV stands for, reminding us of the power of recognizing and uplifting one another. This year’s recipients were:
Corey Wind, one of the 2024 S.E.R.V.E Award recipients
Grand Casino Mille Lacs
Arielle Shaw – Finance
Cheryl Benjamin – Gaming
Corey Wind – Gaming
Dalaena Baillargeon (Dee) – Hospitality, Food & Beverage
Kate Kinard – Operations
Maryann Vadnais - Player Development
Robert Sam – Hospitality
Shannon Porter – Guest Experience
Tyler Anderson – Security
Grand Casino Hinckley
Devon Kerfeld – Food & Beverage
Diane Puckett – Hospitality Hotels
Donna Hutter – Finance
Wewinabi, Inc.
Jake Boyd – Taco Johns
Daniel Smith – Wewinabi Operations
As the MLCV 10th Annual Leadership Conference ended, all attendees were left with renewed inspiration and actionable insights to implement in their organizations. The collective wisdom shared by the speakers has the power to transform businesses and the very culture within them. We look forward to seeing how these messages will resonate and evolve in the coming months.