The most successful executives, Debbie Brown says, have a few things in common. Through meetings with the governor, Congresspeople, diplomats and even the White House, the president of the Colorado Business Roundtable has an up-close look at how some of the most respected businesspeople carry themselves. In her role, Brown advocates locally and nationally on the issues she sees as most important for a thriving economy. On this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, Brown shares some of her top priorities for the year ahead and explains what it takes to build relationships that bridge ideological differences. Plus, she shares the traits she needed to develop to get to where she is today.

Table of contents • 1:12 "Business as a force for good" • 2:04 Local vs. national advocacy • 3:43 Navigating politics in business • 5:21 The influence of immigration • 6:40 Optimism in 2025 • 10:10 Lessons in leadership and communication • 12:09 What successful CEOs have in common • 13:27 How to build a relationship • 13:27 Advocating for yourself in the office • 16:27 Dealing with disruption • 18:38 Growing as a leader • 21:03 Show notes and credits