6 A.M. >> GOOD TO THE LAST DROP I am an aspirational morning person, so in my perfect world, I get up and run three or four miles. But that’s not what happens. I get up and make a beeline to my coffee machine. I’m a self-described amateur espresso fanatic. I’m self-taught, which tells you something about the quality of my espresso. I’m originally from Bogotá, Colombia, so it’s in my blood and mandatory with my citizenship. I scan local and national media to get a broad-based look at what’s happening and get set for what might be coming down the pike. I look at what’s happening at the office and prepare for my meetings. 8:30 A.M. >> THE SECRET SAUCE We have a weekly chamber and foundation meeting with the entire team, and it’s structured as a “top three” type meeting so everyone doesn’t operate on a need-to-know basis and instead a “know” basis. We talk about what the week looks like, where we need assistance and spend time on other items, such as a health tip of the week. I’ve led the Phoenix Chamber since 2009, and it has evolved from a transactional organization that a company joined to a business association focused on growing the economy, providing opportunities for our members, good policy and workforce. The secret sauce of chambers is we’re a convener and connector for big solutions. Doing this work is the greatest honor of my life. My team is an incredible group of individuals who get up every day and do amazing things. They and our members are what keep me here. 10 A.M. >> BUILDING A PIPELINE I spend about half of my time on the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s work. The foundation is different and not traditional chamber work. But it goes back to our mission that we’re catalyzing the community and economy for big solutions, and it is a big part of that mission. About four years ago, we decided that we needed to go down a level in our workforce work in a number of industries. We began conversations with Phoenix Union High School District about bringing the business community AS TOLD TO JULIE COLEMAN President & CEO of Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce A Day With TODD SANDERS OFFICE DOORS FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 51