Each month, Prairie Business Magazine speaks with regional leaders to learn more about a specific topic. This month we asked: How do your company’s core values impact your decision-making?
Ryan Beck
Chief Operating Officer
Bravera Bank
Mandan, N.D.
Bravera’s core values are Give and Earn Trust; Learn, Teach and Mentor; and Collaborate and Innovate. To us these aren’t just words on paper – these words impact the programs we develop and the decisions we make for the betterment of our customers and growth of the organization. This mindset drives continuous improvement and fosters collaboration and innovation. An example of using our values to make decisions is in regard to Learn, Teach and Mentor. A few years ago, we implemented a mentorship program that pairs employees together based on their career goals. This program creates internal relationships across our organization that otherwise would not happen. It forms trusted relationships and enhances the mentee’s career development.
By focusing on our core values when making decisions, we’re continuously building a strong culture among our organization. As an employee-owned company, our team is empowered to make decisions and encouraged to provide input to implement process improvements. Company-wide decisions are guided by leaning in on the strength of our values paired with the vested interest of our employee owners. We move forward with confidence knowing it will reflect and enhance Bravera’s culture.
/ Courtesy Tim Frenz-Frenz Fotography
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Douglas J. Jensen
President
Bismarck State University
Bismarck, N.D.
Bismarck State College’s mission and values significantly influence our decision-making processes, especially regarding student success and addressing North Dakota’s workforce and industry needs. BSC’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and lifelong learning closely aligns with our core values of student success, teamwork, partnerships, inclusion and integrity.
In our decision-making, we prioritize initiatives that first and foremost support student success but also directly address the evolving needs of North Dakota’s workforce and industries. By leveraging our partnerships with industry, we develop programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the region’s job market.
For example, when exploring new career pathways or training programs, we actively seek input from industry leaders and workforce development experts to ensure alignment with current and future workforce demands. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor our offerings to meet specific industry needs, ultimately enhancing graduates’ employability and contributing to the economic growth of North Dakota.
Furthermore, our commitment to innovation drives us to continuously adapt and evolve our curriculum and services in response to changing student needs, industry trends and technological advancements. By staying agile and forward-thinking, we can better prepare students for success in emerging fields and contribute to the long-term prosperity of North Dakota’s economy.
Through our adherence to BSC’s values, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting student success and fostering a thriving community. We strive to empower individuals to achieve their educational and career goals while positively impacting the economic landscape of North Dakota.
/ Submitted
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Emily Myru
Chief Talent Officer
Brady Martz & Associates
Grand Forks, N.D.
At Brady Martz & Associates, our core values of stewardship, trust, respect, integrity, value, and excellence, collectively known as STRIVE, serve as the compass guiding my professional decision-making every day.
Our CEO Todd Van Dusen’s emphasis on these values, specifically his vision of stewardship, has always resonated with me. I’m driven to make decisions that not only benefit our present but also lay the groundwork for future team success. The legacy of our firm leadership underscores that we’re part of something greater than ourselves, motivating me to preserve and enhance our vision and culture.
As Chief Talent Officer, I uphold our values of trust and respect by ensuring open communication, team collaboration, and building relationships with team members across the Firm. I remain mindful of our stakeholders — team members, clients, and communities — striving to make a positive impact and add value in all interactions.”
/Courtesy Gabriel & Carissa Photography
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