On Tuesday, August 18th, the Daviess County CEO program had the pleasure of hosting Daniel Cullen, the new Executive Director of the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce. Cullen, who has also launched his own drone aerial photography business, shared insights drawn from both his new chamber role and his entrepreneurial journey. Interestingly, before stepping into his current roles, Cullen spent over 20 years as a professional mentalist and magician.
On a personal level, Cullen encouraged the cohort to communicate clearly and to craft a concise, three-sentence introduction of themselves that they can use anytime. He emphasized the value of collaboration, urging students to voice their opinions and never stop learning. Above all, he challenged them to stay real and genuine — and not to fear failure, noting that growth often requires pushing through discomfort.
Turning to the Chamber's outlook, Cullen described this as a "year of regrowth" for the organization. He introduced the group to the "red napkin concept" and stressed the importance of knowing when to delegate. Mentors, he said, make a big difference, and putting the customer first should always come first in business. He also encouraged the cohort to strategize and think outside the box, reminding them that branding is everything and that following up is a habit that pays off.
Drawing on his decades of experience as a mentalist and magician, Cullen closed his session with a magic trick that delighted the cohort — a fitting reminder that in both life and business, a little bit of wonder goes a long way.
The Daviess County CEO program extends a heartfelt thank-you to Daniel Cullen for generously sharing his time, wisdom, and talents with the cohort.
