This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode, Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, shares her incredible journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial household to leading one of the largest global trade shows in the business events industry.

Carina dives into the art of learning from mistakes, the importance of nurturing talent, and how strategic thinking has propelled her company's success.

Discover how IMEX is making a meaningful impact on its industry and the communities it serves, and gain insights on managing growth and overcoming challenges.

Carina also reveals her personal strategies for staying balanced and energized, including how rock climbing helps her tackle business puzzles.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with valuable leadership lessons and practical advice.

You can find Carina Bauer at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-bauer17/
• https://imexevents.com/

In the interview, Carina shares

• "Growing up in an entrepreneurial household taught me the value of learning through experience and the freedom to make mistakes."
• "In business, wisdom often comes from making mistakes and experimenting."
• "The last 20 years at IMEX have been an intense MBA of their own!"
• "Leadership and management aren't just learned—they're practiced and refined through experience."
• "Our goal is to serve our niche sector better each time, making meaningful contributions through our events, research, and community support."
• "We aim to leverage events to positively impact the destinations they are held in, from attracting investment to leaving a positive local legacy."
• "Growing from zero to 80 people has brought different challenges at each stage, particularly in developing our team and ensuring robust succession planning."
• "Investing in technology and data analytics skills is crucial for us to better leverage opportunities and improve efficiency."
• "My strengths include strategic thinking, critical thinking skills, and being a people-focused leader. However, learning to delegate is essential as the organization grows."
• "Rock climbing helps me solve business puzzles and maintain a balanced perspective, thanks to the endorphin rush and mental clarity it provides."