From Startup Founder to Chamber CEO: Lessons in Leadership with Mikel Berger

Entrepreneurship isn’t about reckless risk — it’s about not quitting.

In this episode of The Spotlight, host Tim Branyan sits down with Mikel Berger, President & CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce, to unpack what real entrepreneurship looks like behind the scenes.

From starting a software company straight out of college, to helping launch MatchBOX Coworking Studio, to leading one of Indiana’s most influential business organizations, Mikel shares hard-earned lessons on:
Calculated risk vs. perceived risk
Building businesses without burning the bridge behind you
The power of mentors, spouses, and community
Why entrepreneurship is an infinite game
How chambers of commerce and ecosystems actually help businesses grow

This conversation is packed with wisdom for:
✔️ Entrepreneurs
✔️ Business owners (early-stage to scaling)
✔️ Community leaders
✔️ Anyone curious about sustainable growth and leadership

🎧 Whether you’re building your first company or navigating the next stage of growth, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical insight.

🔗 Connect with the People & Organizations Featured

Host – Tim Branyan (LinkedIn):
  / timbranyan  

Guest – Mikel Berger (LinkedIn):
  / mikelberger  

Indiana SBDC – Hoosier Heartland Region:
https://www.isbdc.org/locations/hoosi...

Greater Lafayette Commerce:
https://www.greaterlafayettecommerce....

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Why entrepreneurship isn’t about being a risk taker
03:45 – “I just didn’t quit” and the infinite game mindset
07:30 – Mikel’s origin story: Purdue, software, and starting broke
12:20 – Balancing contract work vs. long-term vision
17:10 – Why most good entrepreneurs aren’t reckless
22:05 – The importance of mentors (and who believes in you early)
26:40 – Community, MatchBOX, and finding your people
31:30 – Becoming President & CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce
36:10 – Why in-person connection matters more than ever
40:55 – Supporting businesses from startup to scale
46:10 – Workforce, internships, and retaining top talent
50:30 – How entrepreneurs can get involved and engage locally
54:00 – Final thoughts on leadership, impact, and community