The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast CNLP 273 | Ron Kitchens on What It Takes to Become One of the Best Workplaces in America, How to Sustain Economic Growth Through Great People, and How Growing Up Poor Shaped His Leadership for the Better
Jun 25, 2019
Ron Kitchens, Founder and CEO of Southwest Michigan First, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in economic development. He reveals how a can of mandarin oranges symbolizes care and culture in his organizations. Ron discusses the importance of job creation for community stability and outlines his innovative growth model. With a focus on authenticity, he emphasizes empowering employees, rigorous hiring practices, and the need for daily communication rituals to foster a thriving workplace culture.
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The Orange Can That Built A Culture
- As a child Ron Kitchens kept a can of mandarin oranges as a symbol that someone cared after his father died and his family struggled.
- He now places a can on every new employee's desk and donates thousands of cans to food pantries to remind staff of service responsibility.
Jobs As The Core Engine For Community Change
- Kitchens believes jobs are the single greatest force for community change because employment creates stability and civic participation.
- He built Southwest Michigan First and multiple businesses to scale job creation and measure impact across communities.
Make Everyone A CEO Of Their Work
- Give every team member CEO-level ownership of their responsibilities and resources.
- Train them fully so anyone can run the organization if needed, which removes bureaucracy and unleashes growth.
