Leadership Means Wearing Every Hat
By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce
August 7, 2026
One of the things I appreciate most about leading the Durango Chamber, and my previous role at Fort Lewis College, is the variety. On any given day, I may be discussing culture, strategy, marketing, community partnerships, or the future direction of the organization. Which are the things I love doing!
Those are often the parts of leadership that energize CEOs, executive directors, entrepreneurs, and business owners. They can be creative, visible, and often inspiring.
But (unfortunately) they are only part of the job.
Leading an organization also means reviewing financial statements, working with a board of directors, making difficult personnel decisions, ensuring the organization remains financially healthy, and keeping pace with changing local, state, and federal requirements.
Whether you lead a nonprofit or a for-profit business, the responsibility is similar: protect the organization’s people, resources, reputation, and future.
Every major decision carries risk. Hiring an employee, launching a new program, entering a new market, changing a policy, or investing in technology all create opportunities, but they also bring financial, operational, and legal considerations.
Our job isn't to avoid risk. It's to understand it, manage it, and decide whether the potential reward justifies moving forward. That means continually learning about finance, operations, regulations, and strategy. Leadership requires wearing many hats.
Most entrepreneurs did not start a business because they were excited about state regulations. Most nonprofit leaders did not pursue their mission because they wanted to become employment-law experts. Yet both are accountable for ensuring workplace policies and practices meet current requirements.
An organization’s employee handbook should not sit on a shelf, untouched. Policies related to hiring, vacation, sick leave, compensation, and termination must comply with current law and be applied consistently. Some of those requirements change annually.
The good news is that leaders don't have to know everything. They do, however, need to recognize when it's time to seek expert guidance. Continuing education, trusted advisors, and peer learning help leaders make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
That is exactly why opportunities like the Annual Employment Law Update & Business Expo matter. No leader can be an expert in every area, but every leader is responsible for making informed decisions.
Few things can derail an otherwise healthy organization faster than an avoidable employment lawsuit. The financial costs can be significant, but the damage to morale, reputation, and momentum can be even greater. One day spent learning from trusted experts can help leaders reduce risk and make better decisions long after the event ends.
Employment law attorneys Michael Santo, Christina Harney, and Keely McCabe will provide practical guidance on federal and Colorado employment law, including workplace policies, hiring and termination, leave requirements, wage-and-hour compliance, risk management, and the latest legal updates affecting employers.
This year, we are also adding a business expo, networking opportunities, and an afternoon reception. We expect more than 100 leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and public organizations across La Plata County.
If you are responsible for employees, policies, or organizational decisions, I encourage you to invest a day in strengthening one of the most important hats you wear. Join us on August 19 from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. in the Fort Lewis College Ballroom and leave with practical knowledge you can put to work immediately.
Learn more about this event and register today!