Kim Inman believes leadership is more than a title and requires a willingness to do what’s right even if it’s unpopular.
“My leadership has evolved over the years,” says Inman, CEO for the Missouri Association of Manufacturers. “Age and experience has taken me to new places and provided me with a different level of understanding than I had years ago. My leadership now comes with an end result.”
Inman joined MAM in November and identified the many changes necessary to prepare the group for growth as a statewide organization.
“As a result, we have moved our location, upgraded our technology, realigned our partnerships and prepared a plan to grow our membership,” she says. “Leadership is an intentional thing and should always come at the success of our entire team. The MAM staff is loyal, committed and truly sensational. Vision isn’t enough without self-awareness, self-direction, social awareness and the ability to motivate others toward a common goal.”
Loretta Wallis, corporate relations manager for Brewer Science in Rolla, calls Inman a visionary and ethical leader.
“Kim has excelled at putting together a strategy that has helped our organization grow at an accelerated pace,” Wallis says. “She listens closely to our members so that we have programs and product offerings that are relevant to today’s manufacturer. Our members feel comfortable talking with Kim, and they also know that she will take action before issues arise.”
Inman continues to increase the visibility of manufacturing, Wallis says, and is an excellent ambassador for products made in Missouri and the United States.
“In the months that Kim has been leading MAM, she has increased our membership and has also reached out to members that had left the organization, yet she has managed to get them to renew their membership,” Wallis says. “Kim’s connectivity in the community and her genuine care for people are world-class.”
Inman displayed that care when she was asked to create a new fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in a downward economy. The result: the annual Southwest Missouri Cattle Baron’s Ball.
“With the economy, the need for people with cancer to have support had grown stronger and their resources were diminishing,” she says. “I am so proud of how this group of people came together to create a strong and lasting event.”
Inman believes it’s important to cultivate her passion for helping area organizations.
“Not everyone has been given a great life and the means to make it better,” she says. “My goal is to help provide them with the knowledge that they can do better and connect them with the services to make it possible.”
Inman also is involved with Phyllis’ Place – Suit Yourself Boutique, an initiative of Female Leaders in Philanthropy that supplies gently used business attire to women entering the workforce.
“It is a humbling experience to actually be a personal shopper for women in need and guide them toward improving their lives,” Inman says.[[In-content Ad]]
Utah-based gourmet cookie chain Crumbl Cookies opened its first Springfield shop; interior design business Branson Upstaging LLC relocated; and Lauren Ashley Dance Center LLC added a second location.
