Michelle Paetz Wyatt
Michelle Paetz Wyatt is the Co-Founder and CEO of CadmiumCD, a provider of cloud-based event management software for meeting and event professionals.
My Company Is Turning 18 Years Old - Why Don’t I Feel Like an Adult CEO?
May 10, 2018
Professionally, I’ve struggled with titles and their role in society for as long as I’ve been in the workforce. Rationally, I get the need for them – for many, it defines their career advancement as well as their ability to make company decisions and accountability.
Personally, I’ve always believed that it’s not necessarily the title of the individual that is important but rather what that person is capable of delivering – which frequently coincides but not always.
Society as a whole, however, has elevated the title of CEO to the point where I haven’t been comfortable accepting the title – associating the prestige of the position with individuals who ran larger, more established companies than my own – and by assumption, therefore able to make bigger and better decisions.
Instead, I’ve felt much more comfortable with being called a “Partner,” buying myself time to reflect on an individual’s question and evaluating its merits without feeling the immediate pressure to respond. It’s only in the past year that I’ve gradually been willing to accept the title within a limited context, and its implications, and as my company turns 18 years old I wonder why I’m still struggling with it.
My husband and I started our company, CadmiumCD, 18 years ago in the spare bedroom of our townhome. Three months after we incorporated our company, I discovered I was pregnant with the first of our two human children.
Yes, the emphasis being on human, since CadmiumCD feels like it’s a child of ours as well and that “maternal” bond has persisted. If it was accepted in professional circles, I’d be very happy to have the title Mother associated with my role at CadmiumCD. Instead, I’ve become comfortable with the role of “Co-Founder.”
I’ve heard many entrepreneurs discuss the implications of that title and I believe my comfort rests in the knowledge that regardless of how CadmiumCD might change in the future, as well as my role within it, I will always be its Co-Founder. I therefore have to ask myself why I can’t just limit my title to “Co-Founder” and end it there. I think the answer rests in the knowledge that the title doesn’t adequately summarize what my responsibilities are today, 18 years after giving birth.
Today, CadmiumCD is an event technology business that has been boot-strapped from nothing into something: it employs over 60 people, delivering services to hundreds of conferences and meetings each year. The company has been recognized multiple years by the INC 5000 list, Deloitte Technology’s Fast 500 List, and Baltimore’s Best Places to Work list.
Fundamentally, we are a family-oriented company that operates ethically and makes decisions based on what we believe is fair for our clients and our company. We have never missed a payroll, despite the fact that we have yet to accept outside funding.
Like any proud parent, I’m frequently surprised by just how beautiful, smart and awesome my child has grown – and yes, I want to publicly accept credit, which is ultimately why I’ve accepted the term CEO. It’s not necessarily a reflection of who I am, but rather what CadmiumCD has become.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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