One of our favorite people-centered leadership companies has a philosophy that really resonates with me. Steve Gund, CEO of The Gund Company, shared on LinkedIn that "people‑centered leadership is not a “soft” add‑on but a strategic driver of business success. When leaders prioritize human dignity, development, and trust, organizations can achieve sustainable performance, innovation, and profitability - proving that “human and economic vibrancy can exist in harmony.” The Gund Company logo highlights employees, customers and owners flourishing together.
That simple statement captures something incredibly important about leadership and business today. Organizations cannot truly flourish if their people are not flourishing, too.
There is growing body of research and data demonstrating that people-centered leadership has a direct impact on organizational performance and the bottom line. When people feel valued, trusted, respected, and connected to a greater purpose, they are more engaged, more innovative, and more committed to helping their organizations succeed and be more profitable.
Steve’s perspective that humanistic leadership drives business success is proven by another people centered advocate, Bill Fotsch, President of Economic Engagement LLC. Details of their research are captured in the Inc article, “A Key Strategy to Double Your Profitable Growth”
Profitable companies are better positioned to invest back in their businesses, their people, and the communities they serve. Profit creates the opportunity to grow, innovate, provide good jobs, develop people, and make a lasting impact. The two are not in conflict. People and performance go hand-in-hand.
What can’t our organizations flourish without?
PEOPLE: EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS AND OWNERS, all flourishing together.
The strongest organizations understand that taking care of their people is not separate from achieving results. It is one of the most important ways to achieve them.
When we put people first, we create the foundation for progress for our organizations, our communities, and the people who make it all possible.
Here is some exciting news from one of our Partners:
NIST Announces Funding Opportunity for 14 MEP Centers to Advance Small and Medium-Sized U.S. Manufacturers. Investments like this matter. They help strengthen our manufacturing ecosystem, support innovation, and give manufacturers the tools and resources they need to compete, grow, and thrive.
As you know, AME and Baldrige, also under NIST, are collaborating on some exciting initiatives. At the heart of both our organizations is a shared belief that we are stronger when we come together. We all want the same things - to share, learn, and grow - and ultimately to help organizations and the people within them thrive.
You will hear some exciting news soon around our partnership!
Finally, AME would like to congratulate one of our AME member companies- the Nelson Miller Group's New England Keyboard (NEK) division for achieving Final CMMC Level 2 Certification, demonstrating compliance with the Department of Defense's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements and the security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171.
Rich Fitzgerald, AME Executive Board member and Nelson Miller CEO shares, “Achieving CMMC Level 2 certification represents far more than meeting a compliance requirement- it demonstrates our commitment to earning and maintaining our customers' trust. I'm incredibly proud of our IT and NEK teams for their dedication throughout this process. Their hard work strengthens our ability to support the defense industry with the secure, high quality manufacturing solutions our customers depend on.”
Please join us at the AME Milwaukee 2026 International Conference | October 26–29 where we will flourish and connect with our amazing membership.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
