Monett probes business strategies with Drury Leadership Summit

Educator, banker, financial technology executives offer tips

Differing leadership styles and tips on interacting with a team highlighted the annual Drury Leadership Summit, held Nov. 14 at the Monett City Park Casino.
A program directed by the leadership class at Drury’s Monett campus, the summit again highlighted the experiences of business leaders in and around Monett. Joel Thomas, instructor of the class, let students introduce the speakers then led the question-and-answer session that followed.
This year’s speakers, selected by the students, were: Dr. Jeff Frederick, president of Drury University; Amanda Lee, chief operations officer at First State Bank of Purdy; and Greg Adelson, president and chief executive office of Jack Henry.
University president’s perspective
Frederick, who has headed Drury University since June 1, opened the session with four questions: why do you want to lead, what does the team need to accomplish, how will you connect to the team, and who will you grow.
While people may seek leadership for fame, power and wealth, Frederick declared, “Serving others is the best ultimate motivator. The goal has to be meaningful. Your leadership must be predicated on something larger than yourself.”
He urged focusing on what the team needs to accomplish. “It should never be about you. When the team wins, you win.”
Banker’s perspective
Amanda Lee, who handles community outreach for First State Bank, which involves organizing the annual First on Front concerts in Monett, has served on the Monett Chamber of Commerce and Historical Society boards, and was named the Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year in 2024. She admitted trying her talk on her children, ages 4 and 11, watching their unimpressed responses, then asking them what a leader does. The youngest said, “A leader is the person who brings the snacks, and who everyone follows.” The older said, “A leaders is someone who does something no one else wants to do.”
Taking those cues, Lee focused on a leader’s responsibility for the team, noting “a rising tide raises all ships.” She emphasized being passionate about your mission, so that others will want to be part of that. In looking at the difference between a leader and a boss, she noted, “A lion does not have to tell you he’s a lion.”
Business executive’s perspective
Greg Adelson, who lives in Kansas City, joined Jack Henry and Associates in 2011 as president of the iPay Solutions division, progressing to chief operating officer in 2019 and chief executive officer in 2022 before becoming chief executive officer in 2024. “Leadership isn’t that hard,” he said, noting there are things to remember, especially Lee’s daughter’s definition as the “head snack giver.”
When Adelson worked in his first management job for Continental Airlines, he recalled being asked about his experience, and lacking that, the response was positive, offering a chance for those company leaders to mold his leadership style. Adelson noted the job does not come with a manual. Those around offer prime examples of how and how not to lead.
Key to leadership, Adelson stressed, is building relationships. He attended many meetings where he was not ready to participate, but he learned by watching. “You must be authentic yourself,” he said. “What drives opportunity for you is to be trusted. If you try to emulate a personality you’re not, you won’t feel comfortable.”
Team building, then, grows out of empathy and always showing respect. “Show vulnerability,” he said. “Share things that feel uncomfortable. I can practice those key characteristics and establish a relationship. It starts with trust.”
A reception was held prior to the presentation. Speakers at past summits were introduced and received a round of applause.

(This story was originally published in the December 4, 2024 edition of the Lawrence County Record)