Off the Record
Off the Record is a podcast exploring the lives and stories of Twin Cities executives. Join the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, in partnership with Platinum Bank, for robust conversations with local leaders as they share pivotal moments in their lives, some of their career highlights, and their goals for the coming years. You know their names and faces, now get to know their stories.
Off the Record
Kelly McGrath, GM and executive director at Xcel Energy Center, knows how to change on the fly
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Traveling abroad as a leader of a youth ministry at age 22 taught Kelly McGrath a few key things about teamwork. As a regular overnight guest in strangers’ homes, she quickly learned to navigate conversations in a way that put others at ease. In her team leader role, she also had to look ahead at logistics to determine where the group would eat, sleep and host the next retreat.
“I love all the different elements that are part of something (bigger) coming together,” says McGrath, now the general manager and executive director of Xcel Energy Center. “Changing on the fly. That aspect of, OK, that’s not working, let’s do something else. And that absolutely has translated through my career.”
In this episode of the Off the Record podcast, McGrath tells hosts Kathy Robideau, market president and publisher of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and Dave Faust, president and CEO of Platinum Bank, about her career story.
Listen to hear more about:
•McGrath’s stint at the MSPBJ.
•A day in the life of someone who oversees operations at a major arena.
•Requests from the riders of performers who come to Xcel for concerts and shows.
•What’s coming with the renovation for “Xcel Energy Center 2.0” — and some major events on the horizon.
Leaders like McGrath understand the value of moving quickly and acting creatively, just like Platinum Bank. Learn more about business banking with a different kind of bank.