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Thought leaders in spotlight at SBJ event

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There were challenges to embrace difficulties, encouragement to see therapists and even tears shed on stage this morning at Springfield Business Journal’s fourth-annual 90 Ideas in 90 Ideas event.

Roughly 165 people attended the speaker series at AMC Springfield 11 IMAX Theater, with SBJ Associate Publisher Marty Goodnight as emcee.

The executives shared personal experiences of failure and risk taking and delved into their successes and losses.

Snippets from this morning’s event are below, and the full list of the executives’ 90 business ideas is slated to be published in SBJ’s Dec. 9 edition.

Rita Baron, principal, Baron Design & Associates LLC

Idea: Failure is an experience.

“Learn from failure. It’s a great experience. It makes us stronger.”

Cynthia Black, attorney, Cynthia R. Black, Attorney at Law LLC

Idea: Be open to learning from others.

“Everybody has a talent. Capitalize on yours to make the world a better place.”

Brett Curry, CEO, OMG Commerce

Idea: Embrace difficult problems.

“When we sit back years from now, we’re not going to think about the times that were easy. We’re going to think about the time we took on the beast.”

Steve Edwards, president and CEO, CoxHealth

Idea: To not tolerate complacency; if change is necessary, move with urgency.

“Have the courage to make bold changes for our future.”

Brandy Harris, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

Idea: Get a therapist.

“There is no recipe or ingredient that you need to possess in order to feel heard.”

Stephen Kleinsmith, co-deputy superintendent, Springfield Public Schools

Idea: Overcome adversity.

“We all have a struggle. Turns out that it’s doable. God does draw straight, but with crooked lines sometimes.”

Mark McNay, senior vice president and general manager, Southern Missouri Containers

Idea: Live inside your skin.

“If you are genuine, it’s much more comfortable for you and those around you.”

Toby Teeter, president, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce

Idea: Workplace diversity is good for business.

“All roads lead to talent attraction and retention.”

Zach Troutman, founder, Follow the Leader

Idea: Reach one, teach one.

“I’m mentoring you. You need to be mentoring someone else.”

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