Karen Brookman, president and CEO of WCD, emphasizes that growth must be paired with thoughtful planning to achieve sustainable success. As a participant in a virtual think-tank for the Postmedia Calgary project Countdown to 2 Million, she shares insights on balancing expansion with strategic foresight.
The Dual Nature of Growth in Business
As an entrepreneur, Brookman associates growth with business metrics like revenue increases, talent acquisition, and market share expansion. She notes that many view rapid growth as a primary indicator of success, believing that bigger and faster expansion equates to greater achievements.
Challenges of Unchecked Expansion
However, Brookman warns that unchecked growth can strain a company's culture, pressure cash flow, overwhelm systems, and stretch employees beyond their limits. She highlights that such expansion might erode the foundational strengths that initially made an organization robust. Over time, she has come to value steady growth that aligns with long-term strategic goals, supported by solid planning and a strong operational foundation.
Calgary's Path to Two Million Residents
With Calgary projected to reach a population of two million within the next decade, Brookman expresses excitement, optimism, and a sense of responsibility. She points out that growth signals confidence, attracting people seeking better job opportunities and improved quality of life.
Benefits of Urban Growth
A larger Calgary could bring economic momentum, more consumers, skilled workers, and increased capital investment. This expansion might strengthen the city's tax base, enabling greater investments in infrastructure and innovation. Additionally, it could accelerate economic diversification, introduce new industries, and deepen the local talent pool.
Revitalizing the Downtown Core
Growth presents a significant opportunity to revitalize Calgary's downtown area. With thousands of square feet of underutilized office space, an increased population could inject new life into the city center, supporting restaurants, small businesses, and boosting real estate occupancy. As Calgary expands, its national influence is also likely to grow, positioning it as a key economic engine and leader in innovation and enterprise.
The Importance of Proportionality in Growth
Despite these advantages, Brookman stresses the concept of proportionality. In business, she advises asking critical questions: Are systems prepared for the next level? Do we have the right people, sufficient capital, and effective processes to support scale?
Applying Business Principles to Cities
Cities must pose similar questions. When growth outpaces service capacity, issues like overcrowded classrooms, longer medical wait times, and strained transit systems can arise. Brookman clarifies that these pressures are not arguments against growth but reminders that readiness is essential. She concludes that building boldly must be coupled with wisdom to ensure sustainable development.
