Throughout both my professional career and personal life, I’ve been guided by John Maxwell’s question: “Who do you know that I should know, and will you introduce me?”
It’s a simple question, but it’s one of the most powerful ways leaders can build relationships. And it’s something special to see it become a guiding value of an entire organization.
That’s what I’m seeing at Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Because we know that our region only wins when our partners have the connections they need to succeed. Our region only wins when we value collaboration over competition. Our region only wins when our communities thrive and all families have access to well-paying jobs.
Last week exemplified those values.
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to join over 250 leading agtech and plant science experts at 39 North’s second annual Plant Science Family Reunion. The energy in the room was palpable — and not just because we were at Energizer Park.
It was electric because of the connections forming in the room.
The St. Louis region is already a hub for agtech, bioscience, and plant science research, but we can’t just assume we’ll be great in the future because we’ve been great in the past. 39 North understands that, and by convening experts from across the Midwest to spark ideas and new connections, they are moving the needle to make St. Louis the agtech capital of the nation.
Last week, we also announced a new partnership with St. Louis County Library to launch their Business Author Series. Beginning Sept. 26 with world-famous restauranter and St. Louis native Danny Meyer, SLCL will bring business experts from across the nation to Clark Family Branch to share their expertise with our community. It’s another example of how we can use Maxwell’s question to facilitate greatness: by building relationships between SLCL and industry leaders, we’re investing in a stronger, bolder business community that has the tools and connections they need to succeed.
There’s perhaps no greater example of this idea than our work supporting our region’s small businesses. Thanks to the James S. McDonnell Foundation, we announced this week that GSL will incorporate the St. Louis Anchor Action Network into our existing SupplySTL program, simplifying the ecosystem to give us one stronger platform to connect local businesses with major corporate buyers.
That is exactly what strategic collaboration looks like. It’s a win for entrepreneurs, a win for our communities’ anchor institutions, and a win for our economy. All based on the idea that when we build connection, we succeed.
There has never been a moment in history where that kind of collaboration matters more than it does today. Not just among each other or among those doing the same work and the same research as us, it’s collaboration across sectors that will define our ability to succeed.
Know that at Greater St. Louis, Inc. we will continue to convene, connect, and follow through to ensure greatness.
Because that is how we win.
Always forward,
Ron Kitchens