
What if leadership wasn’t about being first—but about lifting others as you rise?
For Laura Penney, that’s more than a philosophy—it’s a legacy in motion.
Raised on the Coeur d’Alene reservation, her father who served as a lifelong tribal leader, Laura was told from a young age that she was destined to lead.
But destiny doesn’t guarantee a straight path.
It took four tries, an MBA, and an unwavering confidence team to become the CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Casino & Resort.
Today, she’s not just a business leader—she’s a champion for her community, a mentor to the next generation of tribal professionals, and a living example of what it means to lead with heart.
In this episode, Laura shares how cultural roots, resilience, and a refusal to give up shaped her into the outstanding leader she is today.
00:00 The Journey to Becoming CEO
00:39 A Legacy in Motion
01:19 Cultural Roots and Resilience
03:00 Challenges of Leadership
05:36 Growing Up on the Reservation
11:30 The Beginnings of Tribal Gaming
23:20 The Struggle for the CEO Position
28:53 Facing Rejection and Perseverance
29:36 The CEO Position Opens Again
30:26 Determination to Become CEO
39:43 Mentorship and Leadership
53:20 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges
59:15 Final Thoughts
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