Deborah Yedlin: Calgary Must Rekindle Its Audacious Spirit Through Bold Leadership
As Calgary prepares to welcome its two millionth resident, the city must urgently renew the audacious mindset that historically propelled it through economic challenges and transformative achievements, according to Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Yedlin, contributing as part of a virtual think-tank for Postmedia's Countdown to 2 Million project, emphasizes that Calgary's identity as a city of boundless possibilities hinges on rediscovering this foundational courage.
The Legacy of Risk-Taking and Community Responsibility
Calgary's success has always been rooted in a willingness to take calculated risks, seize emerging opportunities, and navigate adversity with resilience. This ethos drove the city to host the landmark 1988 Winter Olympics and evolve from a modest prairie settlement into one of the world's most livable urban centers. Yedlin notes that the business community and residents alike share an overarching responsibility to foster communal growth, a principle that has sustained Calgary through various economic cycles.
A Contrast with Recent Missed Opportunities
However, Yedlin points to a concerning shift: the boldness that secured the 1988 Olympics was notably absent during recent bids for winter games, such as those held in Italy. The narrative was effectively hijacked, and the chance to revitalize 1988 facilities—where generations learned skiing, luge, bobsled, and skating—vanished. This failure underscores a critical need for leadership that can cut through noise, embrace long-term vision, and mobilize public support even when odds seem daunting.
The Essential Qualities of Future Leadership
What Calgary requires now is bold leadership characterized by an acknowledgment of risk, an understanding of strategic long-term planning, and the credibility to unite citizens. Yedlin draws parallels to the energy sector, which has consistently grown by navigating commodity price fluctuations through adaptive strategies. Such leadership is vital for setting the stage for future generations, ensuring Calgary continues to dream, reinvent itself, and emerge stronger from challenges.
Economic Diversification and Global Connectivity
Over the past decade, Calgary has successfully diversified beyond its traditional oil and gas focus. Initiatives like the University of Calgary's Creative Destruction Labs, Platform Calgary, and a surge in startups attracting private capital have positioned the city prominently on North America's venture capital map. While maintaining its status as Canada's energy capital, Calgary benefits from WestJet's operations, making it the most connected mid-size city in North America.
This connectivity is increasingly valuable as global markets evolve. By fall, Calgary will be the sole western Canadian city with direct links to the United Arab Emirates, Gulf States, and South America via Brazil, opening new avenues for trade and collaboration. These developments reinforce Calgary's image as a hub of possibility, ideally suited to lead in energy, food, defence, and technology sectors crucial for Canada's economic growth.
Sustaining Momentum Through Visionary Action
The continuous influx of people to Calgary reflects its enduring appeal as a land of opportunity. To sustain this momentum, Yedlin urges a collective recommitment to the audacious spirit that defines the city's heritage. By embracing bold leadership and strategic risk-taking, Calgary can not only honor its past achievements but also forge a prosperous, innovative future for all residents.
