Thought leaders take spotlight at SBJ event

Seeking out mentors, being authentic and consistent, and choosing to be a proactive change agent were among suggestions offered this morning at Springfield Business Journal’s 60 Ideas in Sixty Minutes event. The annual event, formerly known as 90 Ideas in Ninety Minutes, is designed to inspire, motivate and equip attendees with perspectives they can apply in their workplaces and lives.

Six people chosen by SBJ spoke at Alamo Drafthouse Springfield to highlight a handful of the best ideas they’ve learned throughout their careers.

Excerpts from this morning’s event are below.

Alyea Alldredge, executive director, Mercy Health Foundation

Idea: I’m not for everyone, and neither are you.

“We can be too much for some people, and that’s OK.”

Rachel Anderson, executive director, Efactory

Idea: Forward is a pace right now.

“Don’t let things that are overwhelming or things that seem really big or challenging stop you from inaction or doing things.”

Ron Bogart, CEO, Gold Mechanical Inc.

Idea: Leadership looks a lot like counseling sometimes.

“If psychological health is important for your company, you need to make it important.”

Art Hains, sports broadcasting legend

Idea: Never burn your bridges.

“Don’t be a person who thinks they can crawl over others on their way up because they’re not coming back down. You should be careful. Suppress the impulse to take revenge.”

Sean Kouplen, chair and CEO, Regent Bank

Idea: Write a handwritten note every day.

“This is something we all know we should do. It’s much harder than you would think. It’s got to be the first thing that you do, I’m convinced.”

Dami Odunewu, founder and CEO, Purpose Connect Inc.

Idea: Honor people’s inherent value.

“The first key to growth and transformation lies in the way that we see other people. Every single person has potential.”