Jessie Hughey

LEADERSHIP LESSONS 

My biggest professional leadership influence was one of my first managers at The Bank of Missouri. The lessons she taught me were critical at a time I really needed them. I was young and timid when promoted to a leadership role and she challenged me to stand on my own and not let anyone think less of me due to my age. I have carried those lessons with me throughout my career. I learned that I thrive when challenged and I can most definitely stand on my own. 

I have also learned that no one person can do it all and having a good team makes you a better leader. Good leaders are patient and thoughtful and know that listening is more important than speaking. 

We seem to learn the most in the most stressful times. When I think back about my biggest strides in personal growth, they always took place during times that I felt incredibly overwhelmed. Just like how a diamond is made from pressure, this pressure makes us stronger. Most recently, for example, during COVID and the launch of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), there were many who leaned towards me for knowledge and guidance when implementing that program seemed virtually impossible. My strategy was to remain calm and trust my own judgment and keep those thoughts moving in the direction of accomplishing this huge task for the peace of mind of our clients and their employees. 

ADVICE FOR FUTURE LEADERS 

Being a strong leader doesn’t necessarily come with a guidebook, especially for women. There will be great days and huge wins, but if you’re doing it right, there will also be hard days and tough conversations. It’s important to remember that not every day will be better than the last. It is a steady, general move forward that makes us better people overall and giving yourself that reality check is key. 

It’s also helpful to find a strengths-based leadership program that focuses on living your best life both in and outside of work. Lately I have been focusing on the CliftonStrengths Program because I think it not only helps us understand ourselves both in and outside of work but also teaches us how to work better as members of a team. Focusing on the strengths of the team instead of weaknesses pushes us in the right direction together. Putting the emphasis on the positive is always the best strategy when it comes to motivating a team. 

I personally think that technology will have a big impact on leadership in the future so making sure you stay on top of tech changes in your industry will be crucial. This will present both opportunities and challenges since many of us are too relaxed with whatever technology we’re used to and the flexibility it gives us. As technology improves and changes, there will be a continuous push to try and maintain the right work-life balance for both those who are leaders and our teams. 

LEADERSHIP LEGACY 

A coworker recently told me that they enjoy working with me because I “have patience and an incredibly amazing positive attitude and you make us want to do better.” I want my team to know that I have an incredible level of commitment to them, and my biggest hope is that it pushes them to do more and want to be better.