Welcome to the latest episode of "Accelerate with David Alexander," part of our continuing series on family empires. Today's episode, "Building a Culture of Impact Part II," features an inspiring conversation between David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz, and Bruce Harris, a transformative leader in the events industry.

Bruce Harris, former CEO and Founder of Conferon (later Experient), played a pivotal role in shaping the industry, leading his company to become one of the largest independent meeting planning consulting firms in the world before its acquisition by Maritz in 2012. In this episode, Bruce and David discuss the core values and leadership principles that have driven their success.

David shares how Bruce’s mentorship influenced his leadership philosophy, including the memorable moment when David sought Bruce’s permission to adopt the sign “Take good care of each other” for Maritz—a testament to the values that define true leadership. Bruce’s reflections on David’s career journey, from his early days at Conferon to his current role at Maritz, highlight the importance of integrity, cultural fit, and personal values in leadership.

Bruce also recounts how David's ability to embrace fun and unconventional ideas, like dressing up in wacky costumes, broke down barriers and fostered team unity and client relationships. This episode offers a unique blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, providing listeners with valuable lessons on building a Culture of Impact.

Guests:

David Peckinpaugh

• Title: President & CEO, Maritz

Bruce Harris

• Title: Former CEO & Founder, Conferon (Experient)

Key Topics:

• David Peckinpaugh’s Leadership Journey: Insights from his early career to leading Maritz.
• Mentorship and Core Values: How Bruce Harris’s guidance shaped David’s leadership style.
• Building a Strong Organizational Culture: The importance of integrity, cultural fit, and fun in leadership.
• Strategic Growth: The impact of Maritz’s recent acquisition of Convention Data Services (CDS) and its future implications.

Upcoming Episode

Stay tuned for the concluding part of our series with David Peckinpaugh, where he shares more industry insights, leadership wisdom, and career advice.

Announcement

We are taking nominations for Association CEOs, Executive Directors, and Marketing Directors to be featured in our upcoming episodes focused on Associations. Reach out directly at info (@) davidjalexander.com.

Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode to unlock the potential for iconic success in your leadership journey. Together, let’s Accelerate!