Editorsnote

Developing Leaders

While there are a number of regional leadership programs, we're very proud to see Ingram's 40 Under Forty program become an important annual tradition and a key to the future of greater Kansas City. We appreciate the help of those who have contributed to the success of this program and who share our mission in developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Running an organization like ours involves a bit more work than just putting out a publication each month. I must admit, however, that our workload is a bit self-inflicted. And with the added work comes the responsibility to multi-task more efficiently--and ideally more tolerantly--than in the past.

Coordinating events and managing meetings has become a big part of what we do. A recent string of activities might help explain. On the morning of March 26th we hosted 225 people at the Downtown Marriott for the debut celebration of Heroes in Healthcare. The next morning we partnered with Platte County and Kansas City Aviation Dept./City of KCMO to host the Platte County Economic Development Assembly. That afternoon we convened this year's 40 Under Forty class for an informal reception and photo shoot. A couple of days later we hosted the 3rd annual Commercial Real Estate Industry Outlook. We juggled these initiatives while at deadline with ad pages to sell, editorial to manage and future projects to plan. If we didn't love what we do and felt our role in the region wasn't important or purposeful, we wouldn't publish Ingram's.

The Life of the 40 Under Fortian

The old adage--"If you need something done, find the busiest person you know"--is a pretty wise philosophy. This adage is integrated into the decision process we use to name each class of Ingram's 40 Under Forty. By the looks of things, our nominees are as busy as we are, maybe even busier.

Our average candidate--if there is such a thing--gets the kids fed and off to school in time to make the morning meetings, then humps through the day motivating self and others to succeed, then rushes out to coach a sports teams and gather kids home for dinner. With the day still young, it's out to chair a local charity or civic meeting and then home in time to tuck in the kids and prepare for another day. This would all seem like wasted energy were it not directed by a love of family, of work, of community, of country, and, quite likely, of God.

Since 1998 we've researched literally thousands of resumes, criteria sheets and letters of reference to name the most accomplished and successful young business and community leaders throughout the greater Kansas City area to the 40 Under Forty program. Since it all began we've named 240 accomplished young leaders to this program. To say that the task has been easy or even popular--those accepted are always in the minority--would be a lie. We're confident, however, that by doing the diligence and keeping the standards high we have highlighted an exceptional group of leaders and encouraged all candidates to do their best in all aspects of their lives.

Along the way several additional organizations have been created. Hallmark CEO Don Hall, Jr. recruited our alums to build a young leadership program at the United Way. John Dillingham and the Native Sons of Greater Kansas City created the Scouts program. One notable project the Scouts are engaged in is to lead the charge in building the Harry S. Truman Statue in front of Union Station.