Real ideas, not just talk. Six people share their 10 best ideas!

Event Date: DEC. 4, 2024

Time: 8:00 am

Location: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 4005 South Ave., Springfield

Hear from six local thought leaders as they share 10 transformative insights. Each minute will deliver a spark of genius you won't want to miss!

Alyea Alldredge

is the Executive Director of the Mercy Health Foundation and has worked with hospital leaders to align with and support the strategic and philanthropic plans of Mercy Springfield Communities. Alyea has coined the phrase, “Find the good and share the good,” when talking to others about all the impactful things going on at Mercy. Alyea grew up in Springfield and attended University of Missouri-Columbia, earning a degree in broadcast journalism. She serves on the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools Board of Directors. Before coming to Mercy, Alyea had her own health and wellness coaching practice. Alyea and her husband, Noah, have been married for almost 12 years and she wears her “boy mom” hat proudly. They have Noah IV, who is 9, and Xander Maximus, who is 6.

1. A little positivity and energy go a long way.

You have the power to influence the energy in every room you enter. Create environments for yourself and others that are life-giving and inspiring. When we lift others up and celebrate their strengths and successes, we attract the best people who are eager to do their best work. You truly do get more flies with honey – in business and in life.

2. Live in alignment with your values.

What’s your true north? Your values are your compass. I still recall one of my journalism professors urging us career-obsessed students to “keep the main thing the main thing.” Your values create clarity and purpose. For me, as long as I put JOY in each day (Jesus, others, yourself – in that order), I’m living in alignment with my values.

3. You’re not for everyone.

And that’s OK. Not everyone is going to like or agree with you. You get to decide what that means. If someone isn’t a fan, is that about you? Or them? There will always be those who are happiest criticizing others. Frankly, the more success you achieve, the more you become a target. Focus on the people you’re here to help, and pay no attention to haters. Their opinion of you is none of your business.

4. Find the people you are for.

These are the people who matter. These are the opinions that matter. Everyone needs a small inner circle they can trust. These are the folks who will support you, challenge you and tell you the truth even when it’s hard. Treasure these relationships, and foster them through authenticity and vulnerability. These are your people.

5. Momentum over motivation.

Momentum is strength or force created by motion. Motivation follows motion, effort and action. Motivation is a feeling. Momentum is created by action. If you wait for motivation, the feeling may never come. You may never get started. And you’re much less likely to keep going. When you choose to take action, you create momentum. Take one small action after another and watch the difference it makes. Choices lead – feelings follow.

6. Surrender ...

Letting go is the key to going deeper with yourself. A friend who lost his wife to cancer shared this wisdom that she lived by: “Surrender. Go deeper. Finish strong.” I do this through prayer. Surrendering each day can have a powerful impact on your success. A moment of deep breathing, meditation, prayer and exercise can give any day a boost. At Mercy, we start every meeting with prayer. I don’t know a more powerful way to set up time together for success.

7. ... and let go of what you can’t control.

Your past does not define your future. Past failures and burdens are heavier than they should be because we choose to carry them over and over again. Many times, it’s a matter of forgiving ourselves and freeing our own emotions from dwelling on the past. What’s keeping you up at night? Do the work to move forward from that which consumes you. You’re worth it. Carrying the past spoils the present and limits the future. Letting go makes space for growth, connection and JOY.

8. Be authentic and consistent.

Authenticity is powerful, especially for leaders. When you show up as your true self, you open the door to connection and trust. Just as important, you give others around you permission to be their true selves and the certainty of safety to be truly seen, known and valued for our differences. Authenticity lived consistently provides an environment of safety and connection where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

9. Find common ground.

Everyone is carrying more than we can see. Each person has been through more than we understand. While it can be our differences that get the most (often negative) attention, it’s our similarities that bring us together. Rather than labeling or judging based on what divides us, let’s work to find common ground in what unites us. It’s hard to hate someone once you really get to know them.

10. Make one ask a day.

Don’t think, “I’m not in sales” and skip this one! You don’t have to be in sales or philanthropy for this idea to impact you. You can’t bring more good into your life and create more good in the world without asking for it. Invite others into your life and your work and give them opportunities to enrich it. Put yourself out there – beyond your comfort zone – knowing that’s where all the best things happen. And not just for you. For all of us. We’re always better together. 

Rachel Anderson

is the Executive Director of efactory, Missouri State University’s Center for Business and Economic Development. Since 2015, she has transformed a neglected poultry processing plant into an award-winning business incubator. In 2022, she helped establish the Southern Missouri Innovation Network in partnership with Codefi, aiming to boost innovation and workforce development across 47 counties. With over 15 years of leadership in various sectors, Rachel previously led marketing for a global consulting firm and co-founded an EdTech startup. She also manages artist Shaun Munday, serves on multiple boards, and has received several honors, including the 2024 Women of Achievement award.

11. If you don’t try, you don’t know.

There are a lot of good ideas. Forget regret, reframe failure and learn by doing. Finding out that something doesn’t work is also knowing. 

12. Work on your weaknesses until they become your strengths.

Perfection isn’t a goal, but going beyond your comfort zone makes you stronger. When you try something new or unfamiliar, you gain insight into what it feels like to struggle, to learn, to succeed – and sometimes even to fail. That’s how you grow in your ability to relate to others and become better at everything you do.

13. You didn’t wake up to be mediocre.

Life doesn’t come with guarantees, so why not make every day an adventure? Show up, give it your all and remember – your all might look different each day. Some days you’re a rockstar, other days you’re just rocking sweatpants – and both are worth celebrating.

14. It’s shark week every damn day.

Sure, it’s scary, but shark week is also fun and allows for a good theme party. Make sure and find the fun in life and celebrate – even when it’s scary.

15. Forward is a pace right now.

Don’t let overwhelm stop you from moving. Do one thing every day and break down big goals into actionable steps. Some days you’ll get farther than others, but small steps are still moving forward.

16. You know when you are making yourself proud.

You are the person that matters. Make choices that you are proud of in everything you do. Act with integrity.

17. You have 30 seconds to get your life together.

Prepare for opportunity and be ready to face challenges. Develop a tactic that gets you ready to perform – even when you just have 30 seconds before you do something hard. Find a walk-out/pump-up song.

18. You can’t buy hustle at Whole Foods.

Just like good ideas, hustle takes action. It’s not something that is given to you or that you can buy, it takes discipline and hard work. Keep showing up.

19. Before you quit, remember why you started.

If it wasn’t hard, it would have already been done. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day or listen to the loudest person in the room. Stay focused on the why and find a way to stay grounded and inspired.

20. Look in the mirror and make yourself great.

You can’t control life’s curveballs, but you can control your swing. Channel that energy into what you can tweak, improve or totally rock.

Ron Bogart

is a seasoned business leader and CEO of Gold Mechanical, a thriving company based in Springfield, Missouri, with a branch in Springdale, Arkansas. Known for his strategic foresight and commitment to people, Ron has led teams with a focus on resilience, efficiency and building lasting legacies. Beyond his corporate role, Ron is also the CFO of Jordan Essentials, a wellness and skin care company founded by his wife, Nancy. He’s currently pursuing a doctorate in strategic leadership, deepening his knowledge on the psychology of business and leadership. Passionate about mentorship and sustainable success, Ron combines his professional insights with a love for cycling, pickleball and the great outdoors.

21. Play the long game.

As leaders, we can’t just focus on what’s in front of us. We need to think long-term, making decisions today that shape tomorrow. Leadership is a lot like cycling – one of my personal passions. You have to look ahead, anticipate the next turn and adjust your path accordingly. It’s about staying the course in a constantly changing environment. I believe in the idea of thinking far beyond our own lifetimes, aiming for something enduring, something that outlasts us.

22. Mindset is everything.

In both life and business, so much is beyond our control, but how we respond is always up to us. Success starts with the right mindset, specifically a growth mindset – the belief that we’re here to learn, adapt and grow. This perspective has shaped everything I do. Our thoughts are powerful; they frame our possibilities.

23. Collaboration is king.

True leadership isn’t about titles or power – it’s about pulling the right group of advisers together. Most of your best thinking will come from others. In fact, my wife, Nancy, does some of my best thinking for me! When we build partnerships, embrace diverse perspectives and encourage teamwork, the results are always better than when we go it alone. It’s collaboration, not competition, that ultimately drives the most meaningful progress.

24. Value efficiency
    over growth.

Bigger isn’t always better. In a world obsessed with growth, I’ve learned that focusing on efficiency can lead to more sustainable success. Our business is focused not on how fast we can grow but on how resilient we can be. It’s about ensuring the foundation is rock solid before we build any higher. Growth without a sturdy base isn’t real progress – it’s risk.

25. Resilience is key to longevity.

Resilience is essential for any lasting success, whether in business, teams or individuals. Those who can bounce back from setbacks are the ones who endure. Resilience is about preparing today for tomorrow’s challenges. Gen. Stanley McChrystal said it best: “No matter your industry, the ‘business’ you’re really in is managing risk.” A resilient organization is like a risk-immune system, and it’s what will keep you steady in tough times.

26. Be people centered and data driven.

Data is critical, but decisions affect people. So, while I’m a big believer in being data driven, it’s essential to remain people focused. If we only look at numbers and ignore the human element, we miss the bigger picture. Great leadership balances facts with empathy, using data to inform decisions that serve and uplift people.

27. Build atomic habits.

Consistency is vital in both life and business. Andy Galpin often says, “The methods are many, but the concepts are few.” This means while there are endless techniques to achieve a goal, the core ideas behind them are fundamental. In fitness and in life, the best plan is the one you can stick to. Make consistency your strongest habit, and you’ll see lasting results.

28. Buy a system.

A good plan is only as effective as the system it operates within. Our businesses use the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to maintain consistency and scalability, but there are many frameworks out there, like The Balanced Scorecard and Scaling Up. The best system is the one you’ll stick to, so experiment, adapt and find the right fit. A solid operating system is invaluable – if something happens to you as a leader, your team still has a clear road map. Systems ensure longevity, succession and continuity, even when you’re no longer at the helm.

29. Every role is an interim role.

None of us get out of this alive. And if we’re to grow, we have to be willing to hand things off and trust others to carry them forward. Every role, at its core, is temporary. Success is about preparing the next generation, and that means stepping aside at the right moment and supporting new leadership.

30. Muscle is the organ of longevity.

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon’s research highlights an intriguing connection: Muscle mass is correlated with improved cognitive function and brain volume. While we can debate whether this is correlation or causation, we rarely see physically fit individuals with weak minds. Investing in your physical strength – whether by lifting weights once a week or engaging in regular movement – doesn’t just add years to your life; it enhances the quality of those years. Physical strength is a foundation for a strong, enduring mind.

Art Hains

is a celebrated sports broadcaster and recipient of the Don Payton Award for his contributions to Missouri State University (MSU) athletics. A 1977 graduate of Southern Methodist University, Hains began his broadcasting career with KGBX in Springfield and became the Bears' longest-serving play-by-play announcer for football and men's basketball. Over 45 years, he has covered NCAA tournaments and over 2,500 games in football, basketball, and baseball. Hains has hosted local sports talk shows and served as the studio host for Kansas City Chiefs broadcasts for 16 years. He is a proud inductee of both the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. 

31. Never give up!

I was diagnosed with West Nile Virus in September 2022 and am here because of a phone call my son made. CoxHealth doctors said I needed to get to Barnes-Jewish Hospital or the University of Kansas Medical Center, but KU was full. Chris called Dan Israel with the Chiefs Radio Network, and he got the team doctor to intervene on my behalf. They later sent me to a renowned rehab center in Lincoln, Nebraska. They gave up on me there and said I should get my affairs in order. Wouldn’t you know there was another rehab center down the street? They got me back home! I didn’t give up on myself.

32. Don’t burn your bridges.

A cautionary tale: A sportscaster named Dale Hansen was fired from his anchor job in Buffalo. Soon afterward, he landed in Dallas. He sent a message to the news director who had fired him that he had moved up to the No. 4 TV market, along with some other choice words. The Buffalo guy got hired by Dale’s new station and fired him again! Dale moved to another Dallas station and succeeded Verne Lundquist. When people think they can crawl over others on the way up because they aren’t coming back down, they should be careful. Suppressing the impulse to seek revenge is always the best policy. 

33. Networking is everything.

Every job I’ve ever gotten has come from some connection, going back to when my mom ran into the local radio station manager in the grocery store and told him I was interested in radio sports. I got into sports information at Southern Methodist University at the suggestion of a friend of my dad’s, who was a supervisor of Big 8 officials. That enabled me to meet sportscasters throughout Texas, leading later to a job at the top-rated Dallas station. Before that, I got my first real job in Springfield because the company that owned the newspaper in Marshall, my hometown, was buying KGBX. He who is ready for an opportunity often comes out ahead.

34. Mentorship matters.

Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support in your career. A good mentor can offer valuable insights from their experiences, help you navigate challenges and introduce you to important contacts. Be willing to mentor others as well. Teaching and sharing your knowledge can reinforce your own learning and help build a supportive community. 

35. The best job is whatever is best for you.

Finding the right job is a deeply personal journey. My time at various organizations taught me the importance of aligning my work with my passions and strengths. Returning to MSU allowed me to thrive in a supportive environment where I could share my love for broadcasting and connect with students and the community. The best job aligns with your values and provides fulfillment. 

36. Always support your team.

I was part of a supportive culture at KGBX and a challenging but supportive one at KRLD. At MSU, there was great enthusiasm for the university, led by the incomparable Bill Rowe. I experienced a stark contrast in other environments. Make sure your people are supported and feel safe. That leads to the best outcomes. 

37. Foster open communication.

Encouraging team members to express their thoughts, ideas and concerns without fear of retribution promotes trust and collaboration. At MSU, I witnessed transparent dialogue. This openness can lead to better problem-solving, innovation and a strong team dynamic.

38. Never forget where you came from.

I talk about Marshall, Missouri, until people are tired of it, but I do so with pride. Marshall made me who I am. It’s a very small town with great public schools and some diversity. I grew up with people of color and am better for it. That’s why I am fiercely pro public schools.  Don’t be the person who thinks they’re too good to keep up with the people who were once important in their lives.

39. Be a well-rounded citizen.

Look beyond your group of acquaintances. Stay informed about city council, school board and other issues in your community. Get involved in local theater, as a patron or by working behind the scenes. Consider getting involved with a nonprofit. Pick a good cause about which you are passionate. These engagements will lead to new contacts and give you a broader perspective.

40. I mean never give up.

After I returned to Springfield on our anniversary, May 24, 2023, I enjoyed my year at Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. My wife, daughter and dog became part of the crew. As I expressed my desire to get back on the air, my wife and son were against it. I guess they thought I would make a fool of myself and somehow tarnish my legacy. Indeed, I wasn’t as proficient as before, but people were very kind and told me how much they enjoyed hearing me back on the air. Basketball went much better, and I wanted to go to St. Louis for the conference tournament. The only one I had ever missed was the year before. Again, there was opposition from my wife, but we went and had a great time! Now this is my last season, but the folks at Learfield have given me grace to have a graceful exit. And we’re going to STL one last time in March.

Sean Kouplen

is the chair and CEO of Regent Bank, former secretary of Commerce & Workforce Development in Oklahoma, best-selling author and small business investor. In 2008, he led an investor group that revitalized Regent Bank, which has since expanded to seven markets and grown from $72 million to over $1.6 billion in assets, earning accolades like Inc. Magazine’s Best Places to Work. As Secretary, he oversaw 36 agencies focused on economic growth. Sean coached the 2022 Oklahoma Little League team famous for a viral hug. He holds leadership roles in various organizations, has received numerous awards, authored four books, and hosts a nationwide podcast. Married to Angela for 25 years, they have three children.   

41. No meetings before 10 a.m.

My mind works best in the morning, and this practice boosts my productivity. It also allows employees to start their day with focused, uninterrupted time that boosts productivity while also reducing stress, as individuals have the opportunity to prioritize their tasks. This policy supports better work-life balance, offering flexibility for personal routines. Furthermore, it encourages a healthier work environment by respecting natural rhythms and promoting a more mindful approach to daily schedules.

42. Work in two-hour shifts.

Taking 10- to 15-minute breaks every two hours can significantly enhance productivity and well-being. Breaks help to reduce mental fatigue, improve focus and maintain a high level of performance. They provide an opportunity for physical movement, which can alleviate discomfort from prolonged sitting. Short breaks also offer a chance to relax and recharge mentally, reducing stress and burnout. Individuals return to work with a refreshed perspective.

43. Write a handwritten note every day.

I’ve had friends frame my thank you note and call to ask if I had a terminal illness. In today’s digital age, the simple act of writing a handwritten thank you note every day offers profound benefits. First, it fosters gratitude, as reflecting on whom and what to thank helps cultivate a positive mindset. Second, it strengthens personal relationships, showing recipients that their efforts are recognized and valued. Third, it enhances writing skills and encourages mindfulness.

44. Implement a voluntary daily devotional for your team.

For over nine years, we have been hosting a 13-minute daily devotional for our employees and communities. The number is 888-630-4807 and the call is from 8:17-8:30 a.m. CST every day. Anyone can join! The devotional is joined by callers from all 50 states and four foreign countries. Integrating a daily devotional into your team’s routine fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, enhancing team cohesion.

45. Practice financial and strategic transparency.

At Regent Bank, we practice total financial and strategic transparency with employees, which fosters a culture of trust and collaboration. This openness encourages accountability and enables employees to align their efforts with the organization’s vision, enhancing overall performance. Transparency reduces uncertainty and speculation, leading to a more stable and productive work environment.

46. Set a 90-day meeting with new employees.

During these meetings, I ask them to tell me their story, if we are living our core values and what we can improve upon as an organization. I learn so much! This practice allows fresh team members to share their initial experiences and insights while they are still new enough to see things from an outsider’s perspective. Their feedback can highlight areas needing improvement that long-standing employees might overlook. Additionally, this engagement fosters a culture of openness and value.

47. Recognize those who go above and beyond.

The Regent Star Award is a quarterly award that recognizes employees who go above and beyond the call of duty in their job. Our employees nominate each other for the award and the executive team votes on the winner, who receives a great cash reward. This quarterly award fosters a culture of appreciation and motivation. When employees nominate each other, it builds a sense of camaraderie. By celebrating outstanding contributions regularly, the organization sets a standard of excellence.

48. Find ways to give back.

Regent Bank launched a new digital banking platform: Believe Bank. It’s unique because it is easy to use, it only has one product (a high-yield savings account) and it donates 1% of your average balance each year to the nonprofit of your choice. The platform includes all federally approved nonprofits and, when you open your account, you simply choose the nonprofit that you love the most, including your church or favorite charity.

49. Pray for one another.

Regent Bank has a voluntary prayer team of roughly 50 employees who pray for each other, our clients and our communities. Anyone may submit a prayer request to prayerteam@regent.bank and it is automatically routed to the prayer team for attention and prayer. The prayer team documented 157 answered prayers in 2023 alone! The team is led by our internal auditor, Pam Mann. 

50. Bring faith into the workforce.

The law says you may offer faith opportunities such as prayer, bible studies, etc., at work, but you cannot require it. Additionally, if you offer opportunities for one faith, you must offer opportunities for all faiths. The 94X Movement (94XMovement.com) provides resources and training for business leaders who would like to bring their faith into their workplace. This can transform your workplace through giving employees a greater purpose and greater love for each other. 

Dami Odunewu

is a visionary entrepreneur, purpose-driven leader and the founder and CEO of Purpose Connect, an innovative hiring platform bridging the gap between international students and U.S. employment opportunities. With a background in health care and a passion for empowering individuals, she creates meaningful impact both locally and globally. As a workplace coach at DAMI, she developed signature programs: the Purpose Strategy Program for young professionals, Business Go-Givers Club for aspiring leaders and Ultimate Team Party for cultural competency training. Dami's journey began with founding Divine Missions Health Center, supporting emergency medical needs in developing nations. 

51. The level at which you honor an individual is the level at which they can give value.

When we respect others’ gifts and talents, we create an environment where they feel empowered to contribute their best. This mutual recognition fosters collaboration, innovation and personal growth, ultimately leading to more significant achievements and stronger relationships.

52. The ability to consider others at a human level is one of the greatest human traits.

This capacity for empathy and understanding transcends our individual perspectives, allowing us to connect with others on a human level. It involves setting aside our preconceptions and biases to truly see and appreciate the experiences, struggles and joys of others. This trait is crucial for building bridges across diverse communities, fostering inclusivity and creating a more compassionate society where everyone feels valued and understood.

53. You don’t have to look too hard to find what’s wrong with people. The real challenge is finding what’s right with people.

By actively seeking out and acknowledging the good in others, we cultivate a more optimistic and appreciative outlook. It challenges us to look beyond surface-level judgments and discover the inherent worth and potential in every individual.

54. When we ponder the experiences of others, we begin to see opportunities for change.

By considering the lives and experiences of others, we expand our understanding of the world and can identify areas where positive change is needed. Shared challenges and opportunities foster a more inclusive approach to innovation.

55. Our world advances because people continue to lend themselves to problems.

Collective problem-solving drives societal progress. When individuals commit themselves to addressing challenges, big or small, they contribute to the continuous improvement of our world. This commitment emphasizes that progress is not passive but an active process requiring dedication, creativity and perseverance from community members working together toward common goals.

56. Our encounters call us to be the change that the world needs.

Each encounter presents an opportunity to make a positive impact, whether through kindness, understanding or constructive action. The power lies in our conscious choice to respond in ways that align with our values and contribute to the betterment of our community. By recognizing these moments as chances for positive change, we can cultivate a more responsive and responsible community culture.

57. Transformation lies with change agents.

Individuals must move beyond passive observation and actively engage in creating positive change. When more people choose to be proactive change agents, the potential for community transformation increases exponentially. This active engagement can manifest in various forms, from volunteering and civic participation to innovative problem-solving and advocacy, all contributing to a more dynamic and evolving community landscape.

58. What role am I going to play today to make the world better tomorrow?

Personal fulfillment is intrinsically linked to contributing to the greater good. True satisfaction comes from actively seeking ways to improve the world around us, no matter how small the action. This approach to life encourages continuous self-reflection and purposeful living, where each day is seen as an opportunity to make a positive impact. By aligning our daily actions with a larger sense of purpose, we can find deeper meaning and satisfaction.

59. A change of heart is the most powerful force for real transformation.

True fulfillment often comes from these deep, personal transformations that alter how we view ourselves, others and the world. A change of heart can lead to renewed motivation, enhanced empathy and a more authentic way of living. It’s the catalyst for meaningful personal growth and can inspire similar changes in others, creating a ripple effect of positive transformation in our relationships and communities.

60. Hard conversations expose vulnerability but open the door to a breakthrough.

While these conversations may be uncomfortable, they offer opportunities for deeper understanding, resolution of conflicts and personal development. Embracing these difficult discussions can lead to increased self-awareness, improved communication skills and stronger, more authentic relationships. The vulnerability exposed in these moments often paves the way for significant breakthroughs and a more fulfilling life.

Take a peek at previous years' events below: