Desi Speh, CCM, CMAA Fellow | Leading Authentically

Desi Speh, CEO of the Desert Highlands Association, shares his journey from a young golf enthusiast to a successful leader in the club industry. He emphasises the importance of being authentic, finding the right cultural fit, and building trust in the workplace. Desi's approach to hiring and leadership fosters a family-like environment at Desert Highlands, where values and culture are paramount. The conversation covers the challenges and qualities of effective leadership, the transition from number two to number one roles, and the importance of work-life balance in leadership roles.TakeawaysAuthenticity and cultural fit are crucial in the club industryBuilding trust and embracing a family-like environment leads to success Effective leadership requires humility and the ability to step back and trust the team.Transitioning from a number two to a number one role requires careful consideration of the right opportunity and the individual's strengths and weaknesses.Work-life balance is crucial for leadership success and requires open communication and support from family and team members.Chapters00:00 Journey in the Golf Industry06:02 Balancing Seriousness and Fun09:15 Being Authentic in Leadership17:53 Finding Good People and Cultural Fit22:35 Hiring for Culture and Values25:37 The Great Man Theory and Effective Leadership34:39 Transitioning from Number Two to Number One47:49 Work-Life Balance in LeadershipThis episode is brought to you by:Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. The most trusted name in executive search and consulting. People focused, quality driven. https://kkandw.com Club Connections. Club Connections works with private clubs globally to strengthen member experience through better communication, storytelling and engagement. Founded by Emily McCarvill, the business partners with clubs to ensure the way they communicate reflects the culture and standards behind the gates. https://www.linkedin.com/company/clubconnections/SHANX Mini Golf. SHANX Mini Golf is an Australian company known for producing some of the world's best mini golf courses. https://shanxminigolf.com.au They’re not the typical novelty putt-putt with windmills and clowns—instead, they build bespoke, high-quality 18-hole courses using synthetic turf, challenging terrain inspired by actual golf, often located at or near real golf clubs. Their architect is responsible for a few world top 100 golf courses too! Contact the SHANX team and mention BTG podcast for a complimentary site feasibility assessment!