MIBE Leadership Development

Real stories. Real MIBE members.

These are the leaders behind the work and the results happening inside their organizations.

Leaders like Serge and Mary Krikorian of Vibrant Occasions Catering.

Across different businesses, the common thread is the same: culture change is hard to do alone, and it requires consistency, structure, and support.

Inside MIBE Monthly, leaders are finding practical ways to lead that work in real time, with real teams, inside real businesses.

And the outcomes they’re experiencing show up in retention, recruitment, team alignment, and stronger leadership conversations.

We’re proud to recognize Catering by Michaels as our MIBE of the Year Award Winner. 🧡

2025 marked their first true Year of MIBE - where culture shifted from occasional inspiration to intentional daily practice.

From gratitude journals to SMART goals, reflection lessons to team check-ins, they created over 20 meaningful culture touchpoints that strengthened connection, trust, and pride across the company.

What set them apart wasn’t just what they did - it was their consistency.

Because when culture becomes everyone’s responsibility, it transforms more than the workplace - it creates a home.

You don’t need a title to lead.

No promotion.
No direct reports.
No permission.

Leadership shows up in the small moments -
how you respond,
how you show up,
how you treat people when there’s nothing to gain.

Anyone can be given the responsibility to manage.

But leadership?

That’s chosen.

So if you’re waiting for a title to start leading…
you’re already behind.

👇
Where are you leading—without the title?

Disengagement rarely happens overnight.

It often starts with leadership habits that go unnoticed.

The hard truth?

Your team’s energy is often a reflection of your approach.

The good news is that leadership can be adjusted, strengthened, and improved.

Awareness is the first step.

Which sign stood out most?

Some teams don’t just attend MIBE - they bring it to life. 💙

This week we’re shining a spotlight on LOVE Catering for the way they consistently show up, engage deeply, and put what they learn into action.

From leadership conversations to culture-building moments, they’ve taken the MIBE experience and turned it into real movement inside their organization.

That’s what it’s about - ideas becoming action, and action shaping culture.
We’re grateful to be on the journey with teams like this who are committed to growing, leading, and building something better together.

If you’ve attended a Footers Catering event in Denver over the past 30 years, there’s a good chance you’ve been served food by one of two event chefs: Sam “Bam” Robinson or Ronney Reynolds.

Between them, they’ve spent over 50 years behind the scenes preparing incredible food for our clients. To say they’ve had an impact on our company would be an understatement.

Every organization has people like this. They may not have big titles. They may not be in leadership roles on paper. But they show up every day, do their job with pride, and make everyone around them better. They are the unsung heroes.

Sam Bam and Ronney were recognized by the Colorado Event Alliance with a Hall of Fame Award for their legacy of excellence and impact in our industry. For once, they weren’t behind the scenes. They got dressed up, sat at a table, and were the guests.

Sam leaned over during dinner and said, “I’m not used to this… I’m usually in the back on the truck cooking.”

When their names were announced for the final award of the night, our table erupted. There were hugs, smiles, and more than a few tears. People from across the industry came up to share stories and thank them for the role they’ve played over the years.

It meant so much to them. Not because they were seeking it… but because it acknowledged what they’ve quietly done for decades.

Leadership is never about having the right words.

It is about having aligned actions.

Your team is always watching what you model, what you tolerate, and what you prioritize.

The strongest cultures are built when leaders embody the standards they expect from others.

If you want your team to rise, start by leading in a way worth following.

Walk the walk.