Opinion: Go all in on your passion

Editor’s Note

Finding your passion in life can be tricky. It can take time to discover, hard work to fully develop and, in some cases, guts to even pursue.

The 2017 Men of the Year honorees are on that track. Many found their passion, some created their avenue and all mastered up the guts to embrace the work to its fullest. On this year’s cover are three thought leaders in the banking industry. Jack Prim knew as a child he wanted to wear a tie to work, today he’s chairman of a $1.4 billion company. Dan Derges and Steve Fox lead local bank branches looking to grow and expand every day.

Randy Mayes, CEO of People Centric Consulting Group LLC, shared the Men of the Year awards honor as part of the 2016 class. The following are his reflections on the award, his fellow honorees and what it means to go all in on your passion.

—Emily Letterman, Features Editor

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2017 Men of the Year

The research team at Gallup asked more than 10,000 followers what the most influential leaders contribute to their lives. Their answer was clear: trust, compassion, stability and hope.

This year’s honorees for Men of the Year highlight some of our community’s finest who have exemplified these characteristics and, as a result, are making a valuable impact in our community. This award is a byproduct of their dedication to the community and their selflessness to those they serve.

I have found making a living doing what I love is one of the greatest joys in life, and it is not something I take for granted. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It is one of the beautiful compensations in life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

Each day, I am empowered and energized by the work we do at People Centric Consulting Group LLC. I believe everyone has a unique calling in life only they can fulfill. I believe my calling is to help people, discover and develop who they uniquely are. Through this calling, I have learned a great deal about people and I am constantly in awe of what we can do when we live and work within our core strengths and passions.

People who are “all in” tend to make a significant difference. It is no wonder the greatest contributions we can make in life tend to encompass what we are most passionate about.

Being recognized in Springfield Business Journal’s Men of the Year is a great honor. It is a privilege to be included alongside so many influential businessmen in our community. This award left me with a deep sense of gratitude to all those who have helped me along the way.

Receiving this award also has inspired me to encourage others in their quests for success, regardless of wherever they currently may find themselves in their professional career.

In Springfield, we have so many talented people who have so much to offer. My hope for our community is that we can make more room for others to contribute their gifts. Even as you are reading this, there are many who are quietly pursuing their passions and not receiving any recognition.

However, success is not about recognition; success is serving. This perspective is something to which the past and present honorees of this award can attest. Whatever your calling is in life, give it all you’ve got. Keep doing whatever it is that you are passionate about and don’t let the lack of recognition hinder your progress.

Randy Mayes is CEO of People Centric Consulting Group LLC. He can be reached at randymayes@peopleccg.com.