Rising ICON #18: Aaron Eggert
What name do you prefer to be called?
Aaron Eggert - some people call me “A-A-Ron” 😂
What are your pronouns?
He/Him
Where did you grow up?
Hugo, MN
What city are you currently based in?
Lester Prairie, MN
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
I am the Founder of Coalition9 and the C9 Gives Foundation, host of The Power of Nine Podcast, a hobby farmer, and like to think I’m just a pretty good dude.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I’m Unapologetically Authentic. Once people get to know me, they figure it out pretty fast.
Who do you help?
Coalition9 provides peer to peer advisory groups with a focus on leadership + personal development. Our memberships are designed to promote interactive learning regardless of what stage you’re at on your journey while connecting you to the resources and people that will help you be the best version of yourself.
What are you building now?
We are continually building our C9 Community by adding new groups, providing epic SPARK Series events, and being obsessed with the overall Member experience. New for 2024 is the launch of the C9 Gives Foundation. This is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is the philanthropic arm of the C9 Community that’s meant to support the causes and organizations that are important to our Members through financial and other impactful resources. The C9 vision is “Changing Business Nine Leaders at a Time” and as our community grows in tandem with the C9 Gives Foundation, we will continue to have a positive impact on the lives of our Members, the greater business ecosystem, and society.
What were you building ten years ago today?
As President and Partner at iSpace Environments, we were building an office interiors company focused on providing an outstanding client experience that transcended the typical office furniture company. That business still thrives today with my former partner, Joel Peterson, leading the charge.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
I will still be leading the Coalition9 Community, which will have an unrivaled Member experience that’s known nationally but is focused regionally. I will have transitioned off the board of the C9 Gives Foundation, and it will be prospering independently. I will continue to serve on advisory boards to keep my saw sharp and impact organizations that desire a different perspective. Most importantly though, I will continue to be a good partner to my wife, Tiffany, and live a life well-lived on our hobby farm.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
Relationships move at the speed of trust. Leaders that invest their time in others will have a profound impact on themselves (see the book The Go-Giver).
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
Bringing good people together that lead with character first has a positive impact on the people they lead, their organization’s health, and the overall business ecosystem. We are continually hearing stories out of our groups that prove the work we are doing is aligning with our community vision and key beliefs.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
I don’t really have just one mentor. It’s more of a collection of individuals I trust as advocates and friends. Best advice I’ve ever been given: Ask yourself these questions before responding:
1. Does this need to be said?
2. Does this need to be said by me?
3. Does this need to be said by me now?
I try to use this every day but could always be better at it.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
I absolutely love hosting The Power of Nine Podcast. Being able to showcase our Members and Supporters to amplify their personal brands along with learning new things about them absolutely fills my cup.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
Well, this spotlight is pretty great, so thank you. I’m personally not really into that kind of stuff, so whatever comes around to amplify the C9 Community and our Members, I’d be up for it.
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
I think it would be hilarious to be on Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis. That show makes me cringe and laugh so hard at the same time.
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
Get Comfortable with Being Vulnerable
What award would mean the most to win?
If we could be recognized for some type of community impact award, that would be pretty cool. I am so fortunate to have a team of facilitators that are driving the experience and impacting the lives of our Members every day. We’ve handpicked each one, and I would put our team up against any other organization that does something similar to what we do, anywhere.
What makes zero sense to you?
A lot of things… I should just be careful here because there’s at least a 50% chance I’ll piss someone off with something I say. 🤫
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
Networking. That word just feels so transactional. Taking the time to be curious and get to know someone matters, and I prefer “relationship building.”
What game are you changing?
Relationships. Through vulnerability, transparency, and authenticity we are continually having a positive impact on the lives of our Members.
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
We’re always adding new groups and Members to the community, so if you know someone that is a Member, ask them what we’re all about. Also, check out the C9 Gives Foundation when we launch it in a few months. It aligns completely with the vision of how we want to grow this community and positively affect society.
Where can we follow you online?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaroneggert
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
Consistency. It is virtually impossible to follow someone that is all over the place. Consistently inconsistent doesn’t count, either. ;)
To keep up with Coalition9, check out their pages below:
www.coalition9.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/coalition9
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Aaron, for sharing your story!
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“Relationships move at the speed of trust. Leaders that invest their time in others will have a profound impact on themselves...”
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