‘Check your ego at the door’ and other leadership lessons

Mainebiz Health Care Forum panelists on stage

File Photo / Soubanh Phanthay From left, Kim Anania, Michael Bourque, Colleen Kavanagh, Jen Hughes, Jayne Van Bramer and Kathryn Caiazzo at the Mainebiz Health Care Forum in June.

Write a Comment

By Renee Cordes

When business and nonprofit leaders take the stage at Mainebiz events, they often share leadership and life lessons with universal relevance, regardless of industry, career stage, or role.

Here's a compilation of 10 C-Suite insights shared in 2025.

From the Women's Leadership Forum (May)

“When women lead, they elevate communities." (Katie Shorey, Startup Maine and Live + Work in Maine)

“Walk boldly into the room and know that you deserve to be in the room." (Laura Rinck, Rinck Advertising)

From the Health Care Forum (June)

“Be that safe place and promote a workplace of safety.” (Kathryn Caiazzo, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield)

“Invest in your HR function.” (Michael Bourque, MEMIC)

From the Small Business Forum (August)

“Your partnership agreement needs to be written for the worst case possible." (Maryna Shuliakouskaya, Aroma Joe's)

Be smart about scaling revenue. (Tom Ruff, Orange Bike Brewing)

Portland CEO Forum on '60 ideas in 60 minutes' (October)

“When you fall into a routine, complacency happens.” (Lauren Wayne, State Theatre)

“Presence is power, so be present and be grounded.” (Matt Prindiville, former CLYNK CEO)

Bangor CEO Forum on '60 ideas in 60 minutes' (December)

“Check your ego at the door.” (Marc Guastella, Hollywood Casino Bangor)

“Hope is not a strategy.” (Dale Hamilton, Community Health and Counseling Services)

Looking ahead

We will kick off our 2026 events season with the "Five on the Future" forecast conference on Wednesday, Jan. 14, featuring Maine State Economist Amanda Rector giving the keynote and then leading a panel discussion with industry leaders.