What makes life in CNY great? Successful leaders see the strengths

Shining city on a hill

Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University shine on a November night. Most of downtown Syracuse is to the right. Many leaders interviewed for Conversation on Leadership columns in 2021 praised the wealth of talent and creativity that CNY’s colleges and universities provide as well as the growth and vitality of downtown.Dennis Nett | file photo

For my weekly Conversations on Leadership, I usually ask executives about strengths of Upstate New York and why they choose to stay in CNY. Around New Year’s, I compile excerpts into a resolution of sorts to celebrate Central New York’s good life in the year ahead. If there’s a summary, it might go like this:

Central New York has one of America’s highest concentrations of colleges and universities, instilling a long tradition of vibrancy, youthful energy, and a wealth of talent. The region has affordable housing, an easy commute, and rich cultural amenities in food, arts, and entertainment. It is in a beautiful setting with superb outdoor recreation. It’s populated with resilient, hard-working people who have created communities of neighborliness.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.