Young professionals met area chief executives “on the green” Friday at the Principal Charity Classic.
J. Barry Griswell, former chief executive of Principal Financial Group, welcomed attendees to the first Networking on the Green event at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines as part of this weekend’s golf tourney. About 140 professionals listened to and questioned local leaders about their secrets to success in business and in the community. Griswell, now president of the Community Foundation Greater Iowa, kicked off the event by sharing his thoughts on how to be successful. “Success is not in the job title,” he said. “Success is about finding your God-given potential.” Griswell also discussed lessons from his book, “The Adversity Paradox,” which he wrote with Bob Jennings. The book features stories of leaders who have faced adversity in their lives. “Each one took personal accountability for each situation,” he said. “You have to own the problem.” – Tim Sitzmann of Mr. B Clothing. – Rich Willis of Willis Auto Campus. – Martha Willits of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “One of my observations of the Iowa landscape is a relationship gap between high-level executives and motivated, knowledge-hungry young people,” Steen said. ANDREA MELENDEZ/REGISTER PHOTOS Martha Willits, sitting, president of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, greets Chris McLinden, president of executive recruiting company Axis Human Capital, at the first Networking on the Green event Friday at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines as part of this weekend’s Principal Charity Classic golf tournament. Elizabeth Nead of Waukee, a speaker and trainer who runs a business, Nead Inspiration, talks to fellow attendees at the Networking on the Green event on Friday. Kyle Krause, center, chief executive of the Kum & Go convenience store chain, talks to young professionals Friday at the first Networking on the Green event.
– Who you are matters most. Try living everyday without lying or deceiving. – There is no substitute for hard work. You have hard work in everything you do. Do whatever is asked, and then some. – If you can find and pursue your purpose and passion, you will never work a day in your life. Griswell said he found purpose in insurance early, and the passion for insurance came later. – Never underestimate the powerful transformation of lifelong learning. – Practice introspection, and do it consistently. When faced with adversity, there are two options, and two options only. The first is having a “pity party.” Or, accept the situation, be an optimist and try to take control of the situation.