Messaging for Impact: Engaging a Diverse Business Community & Embracing Failure with Chris DiPentima

Sal is joined by Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of CBIA, for a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the future of Connecticut business. Chris shares his winding journey from Boston College to manufacturing to heading one of the oldest business organizations in the country—older than even the U.S. Chamber. He opens up about his family’s roots in both manufacturing and law, and why he’s committed to staying in Connecticut to drive local solutions. Chris and Sal discuss how small businesses—most with fewer than five employees—can better leverage CBIA’s resources to solve problems they might not even see coming. They also dive into the power of failure, why it should be embraced rather than avoided, and how creating a culture that welcomes mistakes can actually drive innovation. For small businesses looking to grow, this episode is a reminder that stepping back and engaging at the state level can deliver real ROI.