What makes a business successful? If you ask the CEO of North America’s most visited botanic gardens, it comes down to the 3 Cs: culture, culture and culture.
Since he was named CEO of the Denver Botanic Gardens, Brian Vogt has overseen more than 50 construction projects and raised more than $65 million to build the Mordecai Children’s Garden, a parking complex, the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center, a Greenhouse Complex and most recently the Science Pyramid, Ellipse garden and Hive Garden Bistro.
Culture, Vogt told nearly 100 guests at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Your Conversation With on Dec. 9, is the dominating factor to success. And, when it comes to culture it’s about the people.
Culture creates a shared experience. Without the people in your organization coming together with a shared purpose, achieving the final goal is nearly impossible, Vogt said. Since taking over the role as CEO of the botanic gardens in 2007, he’s seen members of his team rally together when a hail storm hits and work as a team to hire the right candidate. Together they fail or succeed, he said, but it’s up to them what the outcome will be.
Culture spurs a pipeline of leaders. As a CEO Vogt said he’s “exploring and empowering leaders so they can take on leadership roles.” Empowering your employees generates confidence within the organization—confidence to make a difference, grow as an individual and to have a thriving business. Not only does this empowerment create confidence, but it also creates a pipeline of leadership, which in return creates stability in your company and its culture.
Want to learn more from some of the region’s most successful leaders? You bring the questions and we’ll make the connections at Your Conversation With. Click here for upcoming conversations.
Laura James is a communications and marketing coordinator for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.