My Company Is Turning 18 Years Old - Why Don’t I Feel Like an Adult CEO?

May 10, 2018

Michelle Paetz Wyatt

Michelle Paetz Wyatt is the Co-Founder and CEO of CadmiumCD, a provider of cloud-based event management software for meeting and event professionals.

Professionally, I’ve struggled with titles and their role in society for as long as I’ve been in the workforce. Rationally, I get the need for them – for many, it defines their career advancement as well as their ability to make company decisions and accountability. 

Personally, I’ve always believed that it’s not necessarily the title of the individual that is important but rather what that person is capable of delivering – which frequently coincides but not always. 

Society as a whole, however, has elevated the title of CEO to the point where I haven’t been comfortable accepting the title – associating the prestige of the position with individuals who ran larger, more established companies than my own – and by assumption, therefore able to make bigger and better decisions. 

Instead, I’ve felt much more comfortable with being called a “Partner,” buying myself time to reflect on an individual’s question and evaluating its merits without feeling the immediate pressure to respond. It’s only in the past year that I’ve gradually been willing to accept the title within a limited context, and its implications, and as my company turns 18 years old I wonder why I’m still struggling with it.

My husband and I started our company, CadmiumCD, 18 years ago in the spare bedroom of our townhome. Three months after we incorporated our company, I discovered I was pregnant with the first of our two human children. 

Yes, the emphasis being on human, since CadmiumCD feels like it’s a child of ours as well and that “maternal” bond has persisted. If it was accepted in professional circles, I’d be very happy to have the title Mother associated with my role at CadmiumCD. Instead, I’ve become comfortable with the role of “Co-Founder.” 

I’ve heard many entrepreneurs discuss the implications of that title and I believe my comfort rests in the knowledge that regardless of how CadmiumCD might change in the future, as well as my role within it, I will always be its Co-Founder. I therefore have to ask myself why I can’t just limit my title to “Co-Founder” and end it there. I think the answer rests in the knowledge that the title doesn’t adequately summarize what my responsibilities are today, 18 years after giving birth. 

Today, CadmiumCD is an event technology business that has been boot-strapped from nothing into something: it employs over 60 people, delivering services to hundreds of conferences and meetings each year. The company has been recognized multiple years by the INC 5000 list, Deloitte Technology’s Fast 500 List, and Baltimore’s Best Places to Work list.

Fundamentally, we are a family-oriented company that operates ethically and makes decisions based on what we believe is fair for our clients and our company. We have never missed a payroll, despite the fact that we have yet to accept outside funding. 

Like any proud parent, I’m frequently surprised by just how beautiful, smart and awesome my child has grown – and yes, I want to publicly accept credit, which is ultimately why I’ve accepted the term CEO. It’s not necessarily a reflection of who I am, but rather what CadmiumCD has become.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact