The Code To Winning — Episode 083

WHY UTAH’S BUSINESS CULTURE STANDS OUT FROM THE REST

Guest: Catherine Bennett, Executive Editor of Utah Business

Host: Kagiso Dikane

Date: March 31, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The Code to Winning explores why Utah’s business culture is unique and thriving, featuring Catherine Bennett, the Executive Editor of Utah Business. Host Kagiso Dikane and Bennett dive into Utah’s economic evolution, the supportive and collaborative nature of its business community, and the underestimated skills and strategies contributing to ongoing success in the state. The conversation highlights not only the state’s standout business sectors but also practical, actionable advice for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to leverage community, innovation, and integrity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Evolution of Utah Business Media & Community (00:00 – 04:53)

• History & Reach: Utah Business started as a magazine over 40 years ago and has since become a comprehensive platform with over 40 annual events, focusing on celebrating and elevating all aspects of Utah’s business ecosystem.
  “It started 40 years ago. I think most people don’t realize it's been around as a magazine… Now there’s events… It’s become more of a platform for business in Utah.” — Catherine Bennett (00:00)

• Audience: The platform serves everyone from emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to executives, with a print magazine, UtahBusiness.com, and a growing presence on social media.

Balancing Leadership: Decisiveness vs. Flexibility (00:38, 31:30)

• Underrated Leadership Skill: In a constantly pivoting business climate, the most essential skill is balancing decisiveness with openness to feedback and maintaining nimbleness to adapt rapidly. “You have to find that balance between being decisive but also open to feedback... There's a lot of pivoting that's happened... You don't want to be a dictator as a leader, but sometimes you kind of have to be in brief moments.” — Catherine Bennett (00:38, 31:37)

Industries to Watch: Utah’s Quiet Giants (01:08, 32:54)

• Manufacturing & Deep Tech: Utah is gaining national and international recognition for its booming manufacturing and advanced aerospace/defense sectors. These industries, traditionally “quiet,” are attracting major investments and driving substantial economic growth. “I think most people probably right now wouldn’t at the dinner table be able to say, you know, what I know is that manufacturing is really growing here… There’s incredible investment in aerospace and defense.” — Catherine Bennett (01:14, 33:01)

• Examples: Projects like Project Alta and significant contracts involving companies like Northrop Grumman and startups launching with multimillion-dollar contracts evidence sector momentum.

Utah’s Collaborative and Self-Reliant Culture (15:34 – 20:41)

• Unique Cultural Roots: The business culture’s roots lie in shared values of faith, family, and community collaboration, bolstered but not limited by religious influence. “I do think at the root is the values that a lot of people have here... There’s still competition, but if you need those resources, if you need that help, from government all the way down to your neighbor... opportunities to make people who have been successful accessible to other business owners.” — Catherine Bennett (15:34)

• Accessibility: Utah’s ecosystem is “not too big yet,” making influential connections only a handshake away. “One of Utah’s great benefits is that it’s not too big yet. It still feels accessible... There are not too many degrees of separation to any person, anyone in the state.” — Catherine Bennett (20:41)

The Power of Storytelling & Journalistic Integrity (24:26 – 29:48)

• Editorial Balance: Utah Business chooses to “celebrate and elevate,” focusing on positive stories and solutions rather than negative exposés. However, they stay vigilant not to overly embellish, aiming for inspiring yet authentic journalism. “We don't tell overly negative stories... We're here to celebrate and elevate what's already happening and put those things in the spotlight so that hopefully people will see that and feel inspired.” — Catherine Bennett (24:46, 27:16)

• The Importance of Struggle: The most compelling stories highlight real struggle and victory—mirroring what makes business success so magnetic and relatable.

Practical Networking and Community Building (35:25, 41:03)

• Events & Connection: Utah Business organizes monthly founder-focused events (e.g., Founder Friday), roundtables, and large annual gatherings aimed at connecting entrepreneurs with resources, mentors, and investors.

• Advice on Networking:

  • “Be ready with what that next step is before you even go and network... Just be top of mind... Continue to show up, be a little bit shameless, but provide value.” — Catherine Bennett (41:32)
  • Authenticity and consistent presence are key to being remembered and leveraging connections.

Scaling Startups: Traits of Success (47:19–50:15)

• Common Traits:

  • Relentless grit and patience—the ability to stay committed and grind quietly
  • Willingness to pivot and delegate
  • “An obsession with making it work,” but sometimes balanced harmony leads to more sustainable growth

  “They have tenacity and belief... The ones that are really quiet are the ones to watch out for because ... they have to be cramped, grinding it out every day... Investors will look, and if someone's being too loud, they'll wonder why they're not out building.” — Catherine Bennett (47:19)

• Customer Obsession Drives Scale: Founders focused on truly listening and adapting to customer needs invariably outpace those who remain self-serving. “People who can really take that part seriously—work for their target customer—end up… fueling your success. If you’re not listening, you’re creating a self-serving business that’s not going to succeed.” – Catherine Bennett (50:39)

Defining “Winning” (52:04)

• Personal Definition: For Bennett, winning means “influencing for good,” helping others see their own power and potential to grow. “For me winning is influencing for good... helping someone else see how powerful they are.” — Catherine Bennett (52:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On leadership skills:
  “You have to find that balance between being decisive but also open to feedback...” — Catherine Bennett (31:37)
• On business culture:
  “There’s so many opportunities here... There’s just no shortage of places to turn if you want to grow a business and know how to do it well.” — Catherine Bennett (15:34)
• On accessible networking:
  “One of Utah’s great benefits is that it’s not too big yet. It still feels accessible... you can find that contact.” — Catherine Bennett (20:41)
• On purpose beyond profit:
  “If we can’t find out how to bless more people, then is it really as fulfilling as we think it is?” — Catherine Bennett (23:57)
• On quiet founders:
  “The ones that are really quiet are the ones to watch out for because… they’re grinding it out every day.” — Catherine Bennett (47:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00–04:53 | The evolution of Utah Business—from print to platform and events | | 05:48–10:13 | Personal and professional growth: Parenting, entrepreneurship, leadership | | 10:35–14:03 | Career trajectory: Manufacturing, podcasting, and joining Utah Business | | 15:34–23:56 | Utah’s distinctive business culture and collaborative spirit | | 24:26–29:48 | Storytelling, journalistic integrity, and the power of business stories | | 31:30–32:54 | Decisive leadership and essential skills | | 32:54–35:17 | Utah’s booming manufacturing and aerospace/defense sectors | | 35:25–40:35 | Connecting entrepreneurs through events and practical networking | | 41:03–44:58 | Advice for networking and personal branding | | 47:19–50:15 | Grit, humility, and what makes Utah startups succeed | | 50:39–52:04 | The gap between startup and scale—customer obsession | | 52:04–53:35 | Catherine’s definition of “winning” |

Final Thoughts

This episode captures the dynamic, supportive, and innovation-driven spirit of Utah’s business environment. Catherine Bennett offers deep insight into the importance of balancing decisiveness with openness as a leader, the power of storytelling, and the crucial (often quiet) traits that separate thriving startups from struggling ones. Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or a seasoned executive, Utah’s collaborative energy and focus on purpose over profit serve as a compelling model for business cultures everywhere.