John Farnam, recently named the 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year and a participant in the Leadership Denver Class of 2025 and Leadership Exchange Class of 2025, reflected on key moments and lessons from his leadership journey.
Farnam recounted a pivotal experience in his late twenties when he served as Executive Director of the Northern Colorado AIDS Project. At that time, the mayor of Fort Collins nominated him for a national award for leaders under 30. He recalled her advice: “As I was preparing for the in-person interview she reminded me to be John Farnam. That is who they want to know; nothing more, nothing less. As a result, if I find myself feeling rudderless, I hear her words echo through my head and heart, just be John Farnam. That clarity immediately helps me adjust to face the challenge or opportunity head on.”
Discussing how his involvement with the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation influenced his approach to leadership, Farnam said: “My experience with the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation illuminated several strategies for my leadership style. Be prepared. I have recently been involved with some facilitated sessions where the leader wasn’t prepared, and it was so painful. If I am leading my team, I owe them an A+ version of myself. This allows me to work from a place of strength and certainty that they deserve in their leader. Finally, have fun. Connect in an authentic, vulnerable and empathic manner. When you share your true self with those around you, you will be met with the same.”
Farnam also emphasized the importance of distinguishing between being a leader and being a boss: “I am a leader, not a boss. I share this with my team and live into that regularly. A leader shines a light on what is possible for his or her team. That is what I do, not only in my work but also in my community. We are all stronger together and we all bring unique skills and gifts into every situation we find ourselves in. Recognizing that and holding space for all to be the best version of self is one of the greatest gifts I’ve received over the years and share freely.”
He commented on civic engagement in Colorado: “We are fortunate to live in Colorado where civic activity is encouraged and relatively easy to participate in. The intersection of civic and business leadership in our city is on display constantly. This deep integration of business acumen and civic commitment translates directly into systemic and lasting community impact. Our leaders in industry are also leaders in our communities, and it is so heartening to see. My hope is we see this level of engagement in industry and in the fabric of our community deepen with the next generation of leaders.”
When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Farnam said: “Do not hold back on attempting something that seems impossible. The fear of failure is strong, and it must be overcome by trying. If you make a misstep, you at least took a step. Pivot and try again.”
