Transformation, Courage, and Collective Leadership
As we close out another remarkable year, I find myself reflecting on just how much transformation, courage, and collective leadership we have witnessed across Colorado. 2025 asked a lot of us. It asked us to evolve programs while honoring their histories, to expand our regional approach without losing our relational DNA, and to stay focused […]
Inspiring Conversations & Moving Into the Future
As part of a long-standing program, the October Purpose Hour was the first event CiviCO hosted as part of Omni, and it proved to be a truly inspiring conversation. Since then, I have been reflecting on Mayor Yemi’s advice to the private sector audience in the room that evening: Take a human-first approach Know your […]
A Mid-(ish)Year Reflection
At CiviCO, we believe every Coloradan deserves a civic pathway. That might look like a way to engage more deeply in their community, to lead with courage and humility within their company, or working to help build a stronger, more connected Colorado as a public servant. This belief has been our compass throughout 2025, guiding […]
Really, I just want to talk about Tolkien…
It makes me feel awkward because I like to just learn about people as people and not necessarily what they do for work. Am I interested in your WHY and what drives you? Absolutely! But I am also intensely interested in your dorkdom. Do you have an opinion on whether Balrog’s have wings? Do you […]
Mental Health: A Shared Civic Priority
Therapy, medication, and professional support absolutely matter. They save lives. But the truth is, most people don’t start there and many never get there at all. That’s because access is only part of the equation. There’s also stigma. There’s cultural mistrust. There’s a basic discomfort many people feel when trying to name what’s happening inside […]
We’re All Part of the Mess
It’s civic. Here’s the thing: We have a problem in Colorado—and in the country, frankly. When something breaks in society, too many people look to the public sector as if it’s “their problem.” Boy, why doesn’t city council, the mayor, the Governor, the council, the Congress do something about that. Government is charged with creating […]
GUEST BLOG: Leading in Times of Political Polarization by Dr. Katy Anthes
When I stepped down from being Colorado’s Education Commissioner (overseeing all 178 school districts and working with the State Board of Education, the Legislature and the Governor on education policy) in 2023, I wanted to work on this issue of polarization—and more specifically how it was impacting education leaders—superintendents, school board members and others. What […]
Awarding Excellence and Dedication to Colorado’s Future: 2024 Governor’s Citizenship Medals Honorees
Every day, Coloradans strengthen our communities, create opportunities, and inspire progress. To honor these extraordinary contributions, CiviCO, in partnership with past and present Colorado governors, proudly presents the Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medals. Since their establishment in 2015, these medals have recognized individuals and organizations whose leadership and service drive meaningful and lasting impact across our […]
Celebrating Catalysts for Colorado’s Growth: 2024 HEART Award Winners
Our HEART for the Holidays event was a festive opportunity to come together with our community, honor exceptional leaders, and make a meaningful impact for kids across Colorado. We awarded members of our community with the HEART-Level Leadership Award, the newly introduced Leadership Ignition Award, and gave a couple surprise Lifetime Achievement Awards. We tasked the CiviCO […]
CiviCO 2024 Year in Review: Igniting and Uniting Leadership for Colorado
By: DJ Whetter, CEO, CiviCO As 2024 draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on an extraordinary year of growth, transformation, and impact at CiviCO. It’s been a year where we embraced change, celebrated milestones, faced challenges head-on, and remained steadfast in our new collective purpose: to ignite and unite cultures of leadership for […]
It’s Time to Lead – Moving Forward Together After Election Day
It’s Time to Lead – Moving Forward Together After Election Day At CiviCO, we exist to ignite and unite cultures of leadership. Leadership is not a title; it’s a call to action—a call to roll up our sleeves, engage in tough conversations, and shape a future we can all be proud of. And today, whether […]
HEART for the Holidays: Join Us for a Season of Giving and Leadership
As the holiday season approaches, we often think of ways to give back, connect with others, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. At CiviCO, we’re excited to do all of that and more at our upcoming event, HEART for the Holidays on November 14 from 3:30 – 7:00 PM at the Great Divide Barrel Bar. It’s a festive opportunity to come together […]
Beyond Words: How Business Leaders Can Show Gratitude Through Community Engagement
At our September ReThink Purpose Hour, we explored the intersection of civic responsibility, workplace culture, and organizational leadership. As we head into fall and the upcoming season of gratitude, we’re thinking about this discussion from a HEART-Level Leadership lens…how do business leaders connect gratitude in the workplace with community engagement? Business leaders in 2024 are […]
The Crucial Role of Corporate Civic Responsibility in Strengthening Democracy and Driving Economic Success
In today’s interconnected world, the relationship between corporate leadership and civic responsibility is more crucial than ever. As businesses expand their global reach, they are increasingly recognized not just as economic entities, but as key players in the health and vitality of our democracies. The nexus between corporate citizenship, leadership, and success is undeniable, with […]
Integrating CTLF and CiviCO: A New Era of Leadership and Collaboration
From DJ Whetter, CEO, CiviCO As we step into an exciting new chapter, I want to take a moment to express our collective gratitude for Xan Pearson’s exceptional leadership and to share the latest updates on our strategy and purpose. The past eight months partnering with Xan have been transformative, and her transition from CEO […]
ANNOUNCEMENT: Welcome new Board of Advisor, Robert Doore
Welcome to Robert Doore! Read more about Robert below: Robert L. Doore (“Rides at the door”), is a BIPOC (Black Indigenous Person of Color) Business Executive, private business developer and owner. Robert is currently the Principal Inclusive Community & Stakeholder Engagement leader at Marathon Petroleum Corporation where he serves on the leadership teams for Environment, […]
SPECIAL RELEASE: CEO, Xan Pearson’s Transition
“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” – John Maxwell Dear Members and Colleagues, As many of you know, when CTLF merged with CiviCO in December, I agreed to stay on for six months to help integrate the two organizations. Since then, DJ and I have […]
GUEST BLOG: Value of HEART
GUEST BLOG by two long-term CTLF Board of Advisors Doug Sparks and David Hughes This month we asked Doug and David to write us a piece about how CTLF has personally and professionally impacted them over their years of service. Their responses show true depth of understanding what it is to live the values of […]
The Power of Resilience: Lessons from Colorado
“Sometimes carrying on, just carrying on, is the superhuman achievement.” – Albert Camus Resilience is a concept universally understood and deeply valued. It evokes images of strength, endurance, and an unwavering spirit. In every culture, resilience is celebrated as a defining human quality. Persist, “keep calm and carry on,” continue building, and keep growing. It’s […]
GUEST BLOG: Dispelling the Work-life Balance Myth and Embracing Work-life Blend
Guest Author: Dan Bruder, CEO – Blendification, & CTLF Board of Advisors The traditional work/life balance concept fails to capture the essence of modern living and inadvertently drives a wedge between professional and personal spheres. This outdated perspective has conditioned many employees to view work as an unwelcome necessity, a place they’re not supposed to […]