MANISTEE, MICH. - Leadership is often seen as a role where you have all the answers and carry the full weight of responsibility. But the reality, especially for me stepping into the role of President & CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber, is that leadership is a journey - one filled with learning, growing, and leaning on others. No leader succeeds alone, and building a strong, diverse team is essential to that success.

In my new role, I’ve come to understand just how important team culture is in shaping a successful team. It’s not just about putting together a group of talented individuals; it’s about creating an environment where people feel trusted, valued, and inspired to bring their unique strengths forward. A positive team culture fosters open communication, collaboration, and accountability, all of which help the team thrive.

One important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to have people on your team who are smarter than you in certain areas. Just because you hold the title of leader doesn’t mean you have all the answers. In fact, admitting that you don’t know everything and being open to learning from your team is one of the strongest ways to grow both personally and professionally. 

Watching past leaders has helped me shape what I want our team and culture to look like. It’s about taking the best practices, learning from mistakes, and tailoring a leadership style that fits both the team’s needs and my own values.

Having a team with different strengths means I don’t have to get bogged down in the little details or tasks that don’t align with my skills. Instead, I can focus on the strategic vision, knowing that I have people I can depend on to handle the rest. This trust is powerful; it allows everyone to contribute their best work and creates a strong foundation for success.

Within the chamber, this teamwork and trust are even more critical. The impact we want to have on our community requires collaboration, creativity, and shared responsibility. Together, we accomplish so much more than any one person could alone.

Stepping into leadership has taught me that it’s not about having all the answers but about building a team culture that encourages growth, trust, and mutual support. Caring for your team and embracing their talents is what sets the stage for success that lasts, both personally and as a group.

By investing in and caring about the team you have, and embracing the strengths of those around you, we set ourselves up for lasting success, both as individuals and as a collective. I am grateful to have a team that has made my journey in leadership a fulfilling one, and I am excited about where the Manistee Area Chamber will go as we work together.

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Carmen Kott is the President & CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit 501C(6) organization, whose mission is to build a dynamic and sustainable organization to serve the Business, Workforce, and Economic Development needs of all in Manistee County. You can contact Carmen Kott at 231-723-2575 or carmen@manisteechamber.com.