Editor’s NOTE
For the first time in Concord’s 17-year history, we published a magazine. This, the inaugural issue, is coming at a time when everyone uses words like ‘unprecedented,’ ‘challenging,’ and ‘difficult’ to describe the circumstances. I’m pleased to have made it three sentences before mentioning COVID-19. On top of a pandemic, our state is contending with a tragic death and subsequent destruction in Minneapolis (Twin Cities Support Guide, page 34). Undoubtedly, everyone’s life has been upended in some way. In rapid fashion, we changed our work patterns, how and where we shop, our interactions with friends and family, and, well, just about everything else. It’s timely, then, that the theme of this issue is disruption. Throughout the course of business history, disruption has taken many forms. Sometimes it’s a new technology changing the landscape for everyone, a startup challenging old ways of thinking, or a global pandemic forcing new habits. Check out page 08 for a brief selection of disruptors throughout the years. We are taking a closer look at the role disruption plays on an individual (Brain Resisting Change, page 26) and corporate (Work Culture in the New Abnormal, page 16) level. We believe leaders, regardless of rank, are the linchpin of an organization’s successful navigation through change. Our featured interview with Dave Doherty, President & COO of Digi-Key, showcases the importance of leaning into your values during times of change and relying on a collaborative path with your team to move forward. So, how did we get here? It’s quite a short story. Back when it was permissible to eat in public around other humans, Stu Nutting, Concord’s co-founder, and I had lunch at Lions Tap, a Minnesota establishment serving (arguably) the best burgers in town. He suggested we start a magazine. I thought, why not? Now, here we are. Though the idea formed quickly, the implementation has been thoughtful. We’re here to highlight the importance of relationships in business and technology. In fact, our mission is to help break down barriers and encourage real communication by sharing the groundbreaking stories in our local, resilient, and proud Minnesota community.
Thank you for reading – we hope you find some encouragement in these pages. Better times are ahead.
Natalie Sheffield Director of Marketing, Concord Editor in Chief, MN Tech Mag
04 | Editor’s Note
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