leadership conference

Start with Leadership: Leading for Growth and Innovation

On May 15, FOCUS St. Louis and the University of Missouri-St. Louis are teaming up to present Start with Leadership: Leading for Growth and Innovation.

This is more than just a conference — it’s a call to action. Together, we’ll explore what it means to lead with heart, inspire progress, and shape a brighter future for our region.

You'll hear from top thought leaders across sectors as we dive into timely topics like:

Foster authentic and purpose-driven leadership
Drive innovation and collaboration across sectors
Embed ethics and social responsibility in leadership
Cultivate a growth mindset for regional impact
... and so much more!

Thursday, May 15 | 1:00-5:00 p.m.
University of Missouri-St. Louis, Touhill Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $75

Conference Schedule

Innovation and growth are not just about expanding markets and increasing revenues—they are about building sustainable, community-driven organizations that leave a lasting impact. In this dynamic opening session, hear from some of St. Louis’ most influential business leaders as they share their organizations’ growth stories, leadership strategies, and commitment to driving positive change both locally and globally.

Featuring:

John Kemper, President & CEO, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. | Chairman & CEO, Commerce Bank
Dr. Lúcia Lohmann, President & Director, Missouri Botanical Garden
Steve O’Loughlin, President and COO, Lodging Hospitality Management.
Alaina Macia, President and CEO, MTM
Moderator: Dr. Yemi Akande-Bartsch, President & CEO, FOCUS St. Louis

Key Takeaways:

Innovation as a Competitive Advantage – How leading companies continuously evolve and stay ahead of industry shifts.
Scaling with Purpose – Lessons on expanding organizations while maintaining core values and a community-first approach.
Leadership in Action – How these CEOs navigate challenges, inspire teams, and create cultures of excellence.
Community Impact & Social Responsibility – The role of corporations in driving positive change, economic development, and social good beyond their business goals.
Lessons from the Top – Practical strategies for leaders and aspiring executives looking to make an impact in their own industries and communities.

This session will explore the importance of collaboration in regional leadership. Leaders from various sectors will discuss how fostering a growth mindset can break down silos, create innovative partnerships, and address the unique challenges facing the St. Louis region.

Featuring:

June McAllister Fowler, Board Chair, Cortex Innovation Center
Kristen Sorth, Director & CEO, St. Louis County Library
Julie Murphy, KBS Strategic Partner & Founder, JMF
Michael McMillan, CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
Amy Shaw, President & CEO, Nine PBS
Moderator: Missy Kelley, Chief Growth Officer, Anders CPAs + Advisors

Key Takeaways:

How collaboration drives regional growth.
Building a culture of collaboration across different sectors.

In today’s interconnected world, leaders are increasingly called upon to prioritize ethical decision-making and social responsibility in their organizations. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will gain insights into fostering accountability and trust while driving meaningful social change. You'll gain strategies for addressing complex ethical challenges, learn how to align organizational goals with community needs and dive into the core principles and practices that promote ethical behavior in leadership roles.

This session is a must-attend for leaders and changemakers committed to leading with integrity and fostering positive social impact.

Featuring:

Orv Kimbrough, Chairman & CEO, Midwest BankCentre
Marcela Manjarrez, CEO, M Strategic Communications, and Retired Executive Vice President & Chief Communication Officer, Centene Corporation
Sandra Van Trease, CEO, SVT Strategic Advisors, and Retired Group President, BJC Healthcare
Joe Stieven, President, Chairman & CEO, Stieven Capital Advisors
Moderator: Dr. Shu Schiller, Dean, UMSL College of Business Administration

Key Takeaways:

Foundations of Ethical Leadership: Understand core principles and practices that promote ethical behavior in leadership roles.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas: Gain strategies for addressing complex ethical challenges in nonprofit and for-profit environments.
Social Responsibility in Practice: Learn how to align organizational goals with community needs and broader social good.
Legal and Ethical Accountability: Explore the role of laws and regulations in shaping ethical frameworks and ensuring organizational integrity.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, effective leadership demands a blend of innovation, adaptability, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Panelists will drawing from their expertise in digital transformation, organizational behavior, and cross-cultural leadership, this session will provide actionable insights to inspire leaders at all levels.

This session is ideal for professionals, educators, and students seeking to enhance their leadership skills and adapt to the complexities of the modern workplace.

Featuring:

Dr. Jill Bracy, Associate Teaching Profession & Director, Department of Supply Chain & Analytics, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Scott Morris, Executive Director, UMSL Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center
Dr. Mike Seals, Chief Digital Officer & Senior Vice President of Strategy, Hussmann
Kendra Mack, Global Employee Experience, World Wide Technology
Moderator: Reggie Hill, UMSL Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment, University of Missouri-St. Louis

Key Takeaways:

Harnessing Digital Transformation: Learn how to leverage emerging technologies to drive organizational growth and innovation.
Building Resilient Organizations: Discover research-backed strategies for fostering resilience and emotional intelligence within teams.
Cultural Agility in Leadership: Gain tools to navigate and lead effectively in diverse and globalized environments.
Bridging the Classroom-Practice Gap: Explore how academic insights can be translated into real-world leadership applications.

As the St. Louis region positions itself as a hub for economic growth and innovation, key industries are shaping its trajectory toward a more resilient and prosperous future. This panel will bring together industry leaders and visionaries to explore the critical role of emerging sectors in strengthening the region’s economy, fostering job creation, and driving investment.

From supply chain resilience to geospatial technology, cybersecurity, agtech, advanced manufacturing, and venture capital, the panelists will discuss how these industries are evolving, their impact on regional and global markets, and the opportunities they present for businesses, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Attendees will gain insights into the innovative strategies and cross-sector collaborations that are ensuring sustainable growth and competitiveness for the St. Louis region.

This session will provide invaluable insights for business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals eager to understand and contribute to the future of St. Louis’s innovation economy.

Featuring:

Mark Munsell, Chief AI/ML Officer, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Dr. Molly Elrick, Director, Clinical Imaging Biomarkers, Bayer
Josh Knapp, CISO, Enterprise Mobility
Gabe Angieri, Executive Director, Arch Grants
Moderator: Sekhar Prabhakar, CEO, CEdge

Key Takeaways:

Resilient Supply Chains – Understanding how innovations in logistics, infrastructure, and technology are strengthening supply chain resilience and ensuring regional economic stability.
Geospatial Industry’s Expansion – Exploring St. Louis’s leadership in geospatial intelligence and how it fuels technological advancements and economic opportunities.
Cybersecurity & Digital Protection – Addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity in protecting businesses, governments, and individuals in an increasingly digital world.
AgTech & the Future of Food Production – Examining advancements in agricultural technology that are enhancing sustainability, efficiency, and food security.
Manufacturing Innovation – Highlighting how automation, AI, and advanced manufacturing techniques are revitalizing local industries and creating high-quality jobs.
Venture Capital & Entrepreneurship – Discussing the investment landscape, the rise of startups, and how venture capital is fueling economic diversification and innovation in the region.
Cross-Sector Collaboration – Identifying opportunities for partnerships between industries, academia, and policymakers to maximize regional growth and competitiveness.

As we close out the day of leadership insights and bold ideas, this engaging conversation will bring together top business and civic leaders to reflect on the themes of innovation, growth, and regional impact. This session will challenge attendees to consider how they can integrate a growth mindset into their leadership journey and play an active role in shaping the future of St. Louis.

With a focus on practical application, the discussion will highlight how leaders across industries have leveraged continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration to drive meaningful change within their organizations and the broader community.

This closing session will leave attendees energized and equipped with actionable insights to take their leadership to the next level—both personally and within the community.

Featuring:

Dr. Kristin Sobolik, Chancellor, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Richard Liekweg, CEO, BJC HealthCare
Ken Cella, Principal, Head of External Affairs, Edward Jones
Dr. Jason Purnell, President, James S. McDonnell Foundation
Moderator: Laurna Godwin, Founder and President, Vector Communications

Key Takeaways:

Embracing a Growth Mindset – How top leaders apply continuous learning and innovation to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Leadership Beyond the Boardroom – The power of personal leadership in fostering organizational and regional progress.
Uniting for Impact – Strategies for cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the St. Louis region and beyond.