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2014 Most Influential Women Honoree: Amanda Kastler

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“Amanda isn’t looking to just ‘climb the ladder.’ She climbs the ladder with one of her arms stretched out to bring others up with her,” says Kristy Chastain, vice president at Metropolitan National Bank.

A look at Kastler’s professional and civic accomplishments shows she’s earned the high praise. She is the first female partner in certified public accounting firm Elliott, Robinson & Co. LLP’s 40-year history.

Kastler says her leadership in managing client relationships, mentoring fellow staffers and providing technical assistance to staff and clients are traits that secured her elevation to partner.

“I earned the respect of my partners and staff members, and proved that these characteristics are vital to the success of our firm,” she says.

To help staff members become future company and community leaders, Kastler is a leader in Elliott, Robinson & Co.’s  mentoring program.

Kastler is as honest in her assessment of the challenges of being a mentor as she is with the staff she is helping to guide.

Calling the responsibility both fulfilling and challenging, Kastler says, “it can be difficult to mentor staff members when you don’t always agree with them. A successful mentor can guide the mentee through difficult scenarios while still harnessing the mentee’s respect.”

Kastler is rightly proud of her professional accomplishments but it’s her “job” as a mom that she lists as her “most favorite” title. This role helps her understand how to help other working mothers balance the demands of work and home, and that it is possible to be successful at both.

“She influences both men and women alike in her office,” says Chastain, who knows Kastler both professionally and personally. “She has even worked to set standards for co-workers who are parents and need more flex time. She’s not just the boss; she is a true example of a leader.”

Kastler is the founder of her firm’s Ladies Actively Seeking Opportunities series where women on staff discuss topics relevant to working women. She also is active with local organizations that assist women, including the Women’s Initiative, which focuses on helping professional women achieve career success; and the Female Leaders in Philanthropy, an initiative of the United Way of the Ozarks that encourages women to become involved in issues that affect women, children and families.

It is her husband’s career in law enforcement that led Kastler to become a board member at Harmony House, an organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence.

“Until recently, I was not aware of the prevalence of domestic violence in the Springfield community,” Kastler says. “Last year, my husband shared with me that his most common calls of service were for domestic violence. I look forward to my continued involvement in this organization and helping spread the word about this appalling issue in our community.”

Her sense of civic duty was one she was raised with.

“My parents taught me the importance of helping and giving back,” Kastler says. “I am always looking for ways to help the community and my firm.”[[In-content Ad]]

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