No one would question the statement that 2020 was a unique and challenging year. Coming out of last year’s LHM Leadership Conference, our focus was on fostering a culture of growth and innovation. As the events of 2020 unfolded, we had no idea how much we would rely on innovation and culture to get us through. As a company, we pushed ourselves to make the most of a challenging year, and we should be proud of what we accomplished.
The challenges of 2020 didn’t end as the new year began. COVID restrictions required conference attendees to meet virtually, and heightened interest in our country’s presidential inauguration forced the three-day conference to be condensed into two days of learning, training and instruction.
The theme for the 2021 Leadership Conference is “Driven” – a word and concept at the very heart of our company. From day one, the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies has been driven—driven to succeed, driven to find a better way, driven to innovate, and driven to enrich lives. It’s how we got where we are. It’s embedded in our DNA and fundamental to who we are as leaders and as an organization. Each session focused on a different aspect of Driven through the lens of innovation, vision, and excellence. The direction and lessons learned will shape the direction of the LHM Group in the coming year and beyond.
As the 2021 Leadership Conference began, we took the opportunity to look back on the previous year and how, as a group, we found ways to innovate and grow.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: GEN. COLIN POWELL
The keynote speaker for 2021 was General Colin L. Powell (ret), former secretary of state under President George W. Bush and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993. He was the youngest officer and first ROTC graduate to serve in the position and the first African American. During his conference remarks and his conversation with CEO Steve Starks, Colin Powell shared his observations on leadership and what it takes to be an effective leader.
The conference also featured remarks from the portfolio presidents and guest speaker Natalie Gochnour, associate dean in the David Eccles School of Business and director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. She spoke to the group about macro-level economics. She was followed on the program by Chief Strategy Officer David Smith, who shared insights into our company’s strategy for the future.
Conference attendees took part in an intensive training session conducted by FranklinCovey entitled “Create a Shared Vision and Strategy.” The training is designed to help leaders have a clear definition of where their team is headed and how to get there, inspire their teams, and share their strategic visions in a way that engages employees and customers alike.
The conference concluded with remarks from CEO Steve Starks and Gail Miller. Steve gave a behind-the-scenes retelling of the first days and weeks of the coronavirus on the company and the Utah Jazz. He also talked about the company’s resilience and the positive outlook for the future. “While 2020 has taught us that change is the only constant and that we may not be able to foresee what lies ahead, we can take comfort that our collective group, you and I, will be able to rise to the occasion when we are confronted with obstacles and challenges.”
Gail Miller shared her thoughts on the conference as well as giving insight into Larry Miller and his drive to build a business from the ground up. “Larry was often described as “Driven,” and it was true! He was driven in everything he did–every day: Driven by innovation, vision, excellence – and heart.” She encouraged the leadership to never forget what is at the heart of the LHM Group, “…our mission, vision, values, and guiding principles are all built on love.”