Listen to the full episode here. EW 056 – How To Build A Successful Chamber Of Commerce – Winning with Doug Griffiths, CEO of the Edmonton Chamber Of Commerce

Watch on YouTube.

In this engaging conversation, Doug Griffiths shares his journey from politics to leading the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

He discusses the philosophy behind his bestselling book, ’13 Ways’, and how it shaped his approach to community development.

Doug reflects on the challenges of rebuilding the Chamber, the importance of a strong team, and the operational improvements made during his tenure.

He emphasizes the significance of celebrating wins and the legacy of creating a sustainable organization that thrives beyond individual leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Doug Griffiths is the president and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
• The 13 Ways philosophy originated from his concerns about rural community development
• His political career was driven by a desire to create positive change in communities
• Rebuilding the Edmonton Chamber involved addressing outdated practices and fostering a new culture
• Building a strong team is essential for organizational success
• Leadership involves navigating challenges and learning from experiences
• Celebrating wins within the team boosts morale and engagement.
• Legacy is about creating a sustainable organization that thrives beyond individual leadership

About Doug Griffiths

Doug Griffiths is the President & CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, a role that allows him to combine his lifelong passion for building strong, sustainable communities with his commitment to supporting business success. Doug believes that strong communities are the foundation for thriving businesses, effective leadership, and a high quality of life for all. This belief stems from his upbringing in a small Alberta community, where he learned the values of hard work, critical thinking, and the importance of fostering a collective spirit. Doug’s career journey is as dynamic as it is impactful. After starting as a teacher, he spent 13 years as an elected Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly, championing initiatives to strengthen communities across the province. Following his time in politics, Doug launched a successful consulting firm, helping communities and municipalities across North America overcome challenges, implement meaningful change, and achieve sustainable growth. Now, at the helm of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Doug brings his bold, no-nonsense approach and innovative ideas to support Edmonton’s business community. He sees his diverse career experiences as the perfect preparation for this role, and he is driven by the goal of making Edmonton Canada’s best place to build resilient, prosperous businesses. In his downtime, Doug loves to explore new destinations with his wife Sue and their two sons, savoring great food, wine, and conversation along the way. An avid gardener and dedicated writer, Doug is currently working on his third book—a project that reflects his belief in the power of ideas to shape a better future.

Author: Gordon Sheppard is the CEO of Executive Wins and host of the Executive Wins Podcast.