Elevating Leadership Through Human Connection: Strategic Decision-Making in the Kitchen

Elevating Leadership Through Human Connection: Strategic Decision-Making in the Kitchen

As today’s leaders navigate increasingly complex environments, the 2025 TD Bank Morning Star Speaker Series offers a refreshing reminder: some of the most powerful leadership lessons happen not in the boardroom, but in dynamic, human-centered experiences.

On June 26, the Board of Trade, in partnership with TD Bank and MGM National Harbor, hosted the second installment of this year’s Morning Star Speaker Series—Strategic Leadership Through Culinary Teamwork. Set in the warm, vibrant space of Osteria Costa, the event brought together senior executives and rising leaders for an interactive experience centered on collaboration, trust, and shared ownership.

From the Kitchen to the Leadership Table

The session featured MGM Executive Chef Anthony Cieplinski, who guided attendees through a hands-on culinary challenge—crafting custom pizzas in pairs—while delivering thoughtful insights on leadership dynamics. As teams worked side-by-side, they reflected on the parallels between kitchen collaboration and business decision-making: adapting in real time, listening actively, and trusting others to lead.

Key Takeaways on Collaborative Leadership

Throughout the session, themes of trust-building, flexibility, and mentorship came to life in unexpectedly resonant ways:

  • Strategic Communication – Whether deciding on toppings or navigating high-stakes meetings, clear communication and active listening are essential.
  • Adaptability Under Pressure – As in any kitchen, unexpected changes require composure and creativity—skills equally vital in today’s fast-paced business world.
  • Shared Ownership – From crust to concept, attendees were reminded that strong teams thrive when responsibility and recognition are shared.

Following the culinary session, attendees enjoyed a seated lunch featuring their handmade pizzas. Table discussions encouraged reflection on leadership styles, mentorship, and how trust and adaptability are cultivated within teams.

The format fostered thoughtful dialogue and meaningful peer exchange, creating a warm, relaxed environment where laughter, storytelling, and real connection took center stage. With just about 30 participants, the setting allowed for deep conversations and strong takeaways that will stay with attendees long after the final slice was served.

Looking Ahead

This was the second session in the 2025 Morning Star Speaker Series. The final session, NextGen Leadership Storytelling, will take place in the fall and focus on helping executives communicate with authenticity, confidence, and clarity.

Special Thanks

The Greater Washington Board of Trade extends its deep appreciation to TD Bank for 18 years of partnership and continued investment in human-centered leadership development, and to MGM National Harbor for their generous hospitality and commitment to cultivating inclusive, people-first experiences.

GWBOT June 2025 Newsletter

The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This June newsletter shows a variety of engagements we have had across Greater Washington with members and public officials, while also showcasing meaningful updates on priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!

Read our June 2025 Newsletter here

GWBOT April 2025 Newsletter

The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This March newsletter shows a variety of engagements we have had across the region with members and public officials, while also showcasing meaningful updates on priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!

Read our April 2025 Newsletter here

Cultivating Innovation & Collaboration: Key Takeaways from Recent Board of Trade Executive Lunches

Over the past few months, our executive lunch series has brought together leaders from across industries to engage in meaningful discussions on resilience, innovation, and the future of business in the DC region. With expert facilitators across our membership, each session fostered an open exchange of ideas, centering on personal leadership challenges and strategies for navigating them successfully.  

Regional Growth and Infrastructure: Moving DC Forward 

Transportation and workforce development were key topics, as leaders examined how regional collaboration can drive economic growth. Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle provided a deep dive into DMVMoves and efforts to create sustainable long-term solutions for transportation funding and operations. Discussions also touched on: 

  • Updates on major infrastructure projects, including Maglev’s progress, autonomous vehicle permitting in DC, and innovative transit solutions like using county buses for school transportation. 
  • Workforce development initiatives, emphasizing the need for businesses and universities to collaborate in retaining top talent and expanding opportunities for local students. 
  • Economic competition across regional lines, shifting the mindset from a zero-sum game to attracting and developing a diverse workforce that serves multiple industries. 

Innovation and the Business Landscape 

Emerging industries, technological advancements, and the role of policy in fostering innovation were also key discussion points. Leaders explored ways to position DC as a global hub for business and technology, emphasizing: 

  • The potential for AI and energy innovation, leveraging the region’s strengths in data centers, federal institutions, and top-tier universities. 
  • The need for collaborative policies that support startups and technology innovation. 
  • Business retention and student opportunities, with ideas for expanding internship programs and creating direct pipelines from high schools to local universities. 

Navigating the Return-to-Office Debate: Leadership, Culture, and Policy

In a thought-provoking discussion, a recent discussion highlighted how communication and leadership clarity play a crucial role in shaping organizational performance. Instead of transitioning to remote work, organizations are now grappling with the challenges of bringing employees back to the office under a federal mandate, even as many private companies take a more flexible approach.

This shift has sparked important conversations about workplace policies, with organizations weighing the benefits and drawbacks of full-time in-office work versus hybrid models.

  • Federal vs. Private Sector Approaches – While the government is mandating a return to the office, many private companies are prioritizing flexibility, recognizing that employees have adapted to remote and hybrid work.
  • Balancing Productivity and Collaboration – Full-time office work fosters in-person collaboration and structure, while hybrid models offer flexibility and, for many, increased productivity.

However, beyond policy decisions, one key factor remains central: organizational culture. A strong, clearly communicated culture that prioritizes serving clients, maintaining work quality, and fostering collaboration is what ultimately drives success. More than just where employees work, it’s about ensuring everyone understands the goals and mission that guide the organization forward.

What’s Next? 

These discussions reinforced that DC is an asset-rich region with significant opportunities for growth, but strategic collaboration remains key. From transportation and workforce retention to AI and energy innovation, business leaders are focused on long-term solutions that ensure sustainable success. 

As we continue these conversations, we invite our business community to actively engage in shaping the future of the region. Stay tuned for upcoming events where we’ll explore these themes further and continue building momentum for a resilient, innovative, and thriving DC business ecosystem. 

A special thank you to our recent facilitators: Kevin Dougher, EVP, Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc.; Jane Williams, SVP & National Practice Consultant, HNTB; Licy DoCanto, Founder, The DoCanto Group; Cindy Bean, VP, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Comcast; Lizabeth Wesely-Casella, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, L-12 Services.

Thank you to our recent sponsors, including United Airlines and L-12 Services, for helping make these lunches possible!

UPCOMING BOARD OF TRADE EVENTS

Courageous Leadership: Navigating Uncertainty & Taking Bold Action

Fireside Chat on AI with Congressman Don Beyer

GWBOT March 2025 Newsletter

The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This March newsletter shows a variety of engagements we have had across the region with members and public officials while also showcasing meaningful updates on priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!

Read our March 2025 Newsletter here

GWBOT February 2025 Newsletter

The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This February newsletter shows a variety of engagements we have had across the region with members and public officials while also showcasing meaningful updates on priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!

Read our February 2025 Newsletter here

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