Leading in Times of Challenge with Tom Mahoney

Tom Mahoney is retired CEO and current chair for the board of directors at ITA Group. He spent 32 years at the company before retiring in 2019. ITA Group is in the engagement business, as well as loyalty/incentives, working with clients across the globe.

Tom Mahoney's Leadership Tips

When discussing challenges within the event industry, Tom says that your first immediate reaction should be the safety and security of your employers, customers and suppliers. Once you’ve moved into that phase, you’re going to do the right thing. Then you move into the stage of re-positioning the company by studying data to make measurable and informed decisions.

Tom reflects on how when things seem insurmountable, leaders find opportunities to create positive outcomes with other leaders. With every crisis, there is a chance to pull through even stronger. One example Tom references took place right after 9/11. ITA’s incentive program offered a cruise that left the Port of Newark in the northeast. ITA staff had to identify how to get everyone home while the air industry was shut down. Their success in doing so was a reflection of innovation and creativity due to the events of 9/11.

The Leading in Times of Challenge podcast was previously produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. To learn more about community events and leadership, check out The Partnership blog.