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Shared Goals Need Shared Expectations: What It Takes to Build a Team That Works Together

As we head into the season of business planning, it is important to look beyond goals and objectives and examine how your teams are functioning.

Are teams working together toward the same outcomes? Are there clear lines of authority and responsibility? Do business units understand who owns a decision, who needs to be consulted, and who needs to be informed? And, perhaps most importantly, have we created an organizational structure that allows people to succeed?

Strong teams that communicate openly, operate with honesty and integrity, and trust one another are not built on good intentions alone. Trust is built through consistent behavior. It requires clarity, accountability, transparency, and an environment where people can depend on one another.

When a business unit is responsible for an area of work but is not given the information, authority, or support necessary to lead that work, trust begins to erode. Withholding information, excluding key people from decisions, or working around colleagues rather than with them creates an environment where collaboration is expected of some, but not of everyone.

And that is where shared goals can fall short.

Individuals and business units can be committed to the same organizational objectives and still behave in ways that undermine one another. Competing incentives, organizational structures, power dynamics, fear, or the desire to protect one’s own area can influence behavior.

Having the same goal does not guarantee that we will work toward it in the same way.

So, as we think about building winning teams, we need an operating philosophy that creates not only shared goals, but shared expectations for how we work together.

A few principles that can help create the right foundation:

  • Expect transparent communication. Information that affects another team’s responsibilities should be shared with the people who need it to do their jobs effectively. Transparency should be an expectation, not a favor.
  • Create clarity around ownership and decision-making. People need to know who owns an outcome, who has authority to make decisions, and who needs to be consulted or informed. Clear responsibility reduces ambiguity and builds accountability.
  • Create systems that make decisions visible. Documentation is not about bureaucracy. It creates clarity, consistency, and accountability and helps prevent misunderstandings.
  • Establish a “no surprises” culture. Teams don’t have to agree on every decision, but they should have the opportunity to provide input when their responsibilities or outcomes are affected.
  • Reward collaboration, not territorial behavior. Business units should be encouraged to optimize for the success of the organization, not simply protect their own function, budget, influence, or priorities.


Ultimately, trust isn’t built by telling people to trust one another. It is built when people consistently experience behavior that is trustworthy.

I will communicate with you. I will tell you what you need to know. I will respect your area of responsibility. I will raise concerns directly. I will do what I say I will do. And when we disagree, we will work through it without undermining one another.

Those behaviors create the foundation for trust and, ultimately, high-performing teams.

As you enter your next season of planning, don’t just ask whether your organization has shared goals. Ask whether you have created the structure, culture, accountability, and behaviors necessary to achieve them together.

Because winning teams don’t just agree on where they’re going. They agree on how they get there.

Animal Health Summit spotlights three trends driving the industry’s next era

Speakers point to practical innovation, access to care and longer health span as priorities

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 3, 2026 — Innovation in animal health is accelerating, but the ideas that take hold will be those that solve the industry’s most fundamental challenges: making care easier to deliver, expanding access to that care, and helping animals live healthier for longer.

Those themes emerged across presentations and discussions at the 2026 Animal Health Summit, which brought together more than 675 animal health executives, investors, entrepreneurs and other industry leaders this week in Kansas City. Here’s more:

Trend 1: Innovation that simplifies

As veterinary teams contend with increasing workloads and an expanding array of technologies, industry leaders said innovation will increasingly be judged by whether it makes care easier to deliver.

“We have to look at it through the lens of, is this going to take work off of the team, or are we adding another step?” said Julia Loew, chief commercial officer for MWI Animal Health. She noted that disconnected technologies can create fragmented records and duplicative work, placing an additional mental load on already stretched veterinary teams. Automation and connected workflows, she said, can instead give time back to veterinary professionals for patient care and team engagement.

In their talk on innovation, industry consultants Chad Terrell and Juerg Baggenstoss of Stonehaven Cozmix estimated that roughly two-thirds of industry growth in the past decade has come from new products and innovation, and they expect innovation to remain a primary engine of growth even as the overall market matures. But they noted that innovation runs the spectrum from blockbuster therapies to simple changes in formulation or delivery that can drive real value.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly part of that equation, but executives suggested a shift is happening. Rauf Gurbuz, US president and general manager of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, said AI differentiation will come from tools grounded in proprietary clinical and biological data and integrated into “the backbone of company operations.” Scott Bormann, SVP, North America, at Merck Animal Health, agreed: “It’s not a matter of whether it’s going to be here. It’s a matter of how you choose to use it.”

Trend 2: Greater focus on access and affordability

Of course, scientific advances don’t mean much if veterinarians, producers or pet owners cannot access them, panelists said. Loew characterized access to care as a “structural issue” across both companion and production animal health. Pet owners increasingly expect care that is continuous and affordable, she said, while the production sector faces persistent shortages of veterinarians and skilled labor needed to deliver new solutions at scale.

“You need to have the right infrastructure, the right economics and the right delivery mechanisms,” Loew said.

Those pressures may also impact competition. The Stonehaven Cozmix team estimated that approximately $15 billion in revenue among leading animal health brands is already off patent or will lose patent protection in coming years, while generics are being introduced more quickly than ever. This may help meet consumer demand for affordable medicines, Terrell and Baggenstoss said, while increasing pressure on both pioneer and generic manufacturers to differentiate through continued innovation.

Trend 3: A shift toward longevity and ‘health span’

As pets live longer, there’s an increasing focus on extending their healthy years. Terrell and Baggenstoss identified longevity—or, as it’s increasingly being referred to, “health span”—as one area likely to attract investment and innovation, alongside oncology, chronic kidney disease and metabolic disease. Advances in treatment and diagnostics are also synergistic: better therapeutic options create greater reason to identify disease earlier, supporting a shift from episodic treatment toward earlier intervention and ongoing care.

That interest is mirrored by pet owners. In his consumer insights presentation, Michael Johnson of BSM Partners said heart health, kidney and urinary health, and longevity rank among the functional benefits pet owners most want in their nutrition products, even though consumers may struggle to evaluate the outcomes of products that improve these factors.

“If you can crack longevity in the pet space and prove it, that is the holy grail,” Johnson said.

Underpinning it all: Trust 

Running through each of these trends was another priority emphasized by Summit speakers: trust. Johnson described pet care as operating increasingly within a “trust economy,” where consumers have access to more information than ever but often lack the scientific expertise to assess competing claims. That makes simple communication from trustworthy sources increasingly important.

Trust was also the focus of keynote speaker and Kansas City Royals broadcaster Joel Goldberg, who drew lessons from nearly two decades traveling with the team. “The business of people is the business of trust,” Goldberg told attendees.

His framework—build trust gradually, strengthen it by making life easier and anchor it by making interactions meaningful—also carried a message for an industry rapidly adopting AI and automation. “I’m a firm believer in embracing the technology, but we can’t let go of the personal relationships,” Goldberg said. “The relationship piece still is the heart of it all.”

Production animal draws new attention

Innovation may also be poised to accelerate in livestock and production animal health, where challenges around labor, disease detection, productivity and efficiency are creating opportunities for new approaches—and investment.

During the Summit’s investor Q&A panel, Eric Moore, managing director of DW Healthcare Partners, described production animal health as one of the most interesting areas for private equity today, citing a market that is not yet overcrowded with solutions while increasing numbers of innovators turn their attention to its unmet needs.

In fact, a production animal startup drew the Summit’s Emerging Companies Innovation Award, presented to ProtonDx for Dragonfly, an on-farm molecular diagnostic platform being launched with an initial focus on PRRSV surveillance in swine. The company said its process takes approximately 40 minutes from sample preparation to result, using a simple field-based system that enables faster surveillance at the farm level. The same underlying technology could ultimately support additional livestock and food-safety applications.

The 2026 Summit also recognized industry achievement and community service:

  • Iron Paw Award: Richard R. DeLuca Jr., executive vice president and president, Merck Animal Health
  • Spirit of Service Award: War Horses for Veterans. 

The Animal Health Summit, organized by the KC Animal Health Corridor, is held annually in Kansas City. Next year’s event is scheduled for August 30-31, 2027.  

ABOUT THE KC ANIMAL HEALTH CORRIDOR 

Companies with a business location in the KC Animal Health Corridor account for more than half of the sales generated by the global animal health industry. The Corridor, anchored by Manhattan, Kansas, and Columbia, Missouri, is home to more than 300 animal health companies, representing the largest concentration in the world. For more information, visit www.kcanimalhealth.com. 

Media Contact:

Kristi Fender

kristi.fender@stephens-adv.com

913.396.1938

TeamKC 2026 Intern Season: That’s a Wrap!

For more than a decade, the TeamKC Intern Program has helped interns across the region do more than envision their careers in KC — it’s connected them to the people, places and opportunities that make the region a place worth building a future.

This summer, nearly 1,000 interns from 80+ companies took part in programming designed to help them get to know KC — and each other — beyond the workplace.

A Summer Built Around Experiences

The best way to get to know a region is to get out and explore it. That’s where TeamKC comes in.

KC 101 presentations covered all the basics of living and working in KC, highlighting what makes the region stand out and helping the audience connect with the region and all it has to offer.

Group of interns standing in front of KC 101 screen

Courtesy of Clarkson Construction

Group KC 101 events at Atlas9 brought the experience to life for hundreds of interns, who heard directly from early career professionals about launching their careers in KC. TeamKC also partnered with KC Global Design on the Share the KC Love event, showcasing the breadth of architecture, engineering and construction opportunities across the region.

And Intern Night at the K — always a fan favorite — brought together nearly 700 interns to network and enjoy Royals baseball.

Interns gathered at Kauffman stadium
Group of interns dressed in Royals gear seated at a picnic table
Many interns in an open patio area, seated at picnic tables and playing games

Expanding the KC Connection

The TeamKC Intern Program reached nearly 1,000 interns from 80+ companies. Partnerships with ProX and other organizations extended KC 101 programming to an additional 600+ non-traditional interns and early career professionals.

And the impact didn’t stop at in-person programming — 400 interns signed up for weekly emails featuring things to do, places to explore and stories showcasing life in KC, including features from KC Options.

The experiences extended to all corners of the region. This year’s prize and ticket giveaway partners — including Morton Amphitheater, Starlight Theatre, Hot Country Nights, the KC Royals, KC Current and Made in KC — gave interns even more ways to get out and explore.

Courtesy of ProX

The Interns Have Spoken

As the summer wound down, TeamKC asked interns what they thought about the experience — and their responses show the program is doing more than filling summer calendars.

77% said TeamKC helped them make connections in the region.

83% said the program helped them explore the region in ways they wouldn’t have otherwise.

100% said they would recommend the program to future interns.

“I would recommend the program because it gives you not only a base understanding of the KC lifestyle but also gets you connected with people around the KC area, helps you grow a broader knowledge of KC, and creates opportunities for events. Incredible program and would recommend to anyone!”

Could KC Be Home After the Internship?

For many interns, the answer is looking increasingly like yes.

88% said they were likely to live and work in KC in the future, including 72% who said they were very likely.

That’s the bigger opportunity behind the TeamKC Intern Program: helping early career professionals see KC as not just a summer stop, but a place to build their future.

As one intern shared:

“It was a great way to start the summer hearing about all the opportunities in KC!”

And for others, the program offered a chance to see a familiar place in a new way:

“I got to learn more about the city that I’ve lived in my whole life, and I also got to engage in several fun experiences across the city that I wouldn’t have known about had I not been a part of this program.”

Internships may be ending, but the KC connection doesn’t have to. TeamKC is available year-round to support employers’ talent attraction and retention strategies — helping connect the KC region with the next generation of talent. Stay connected by joining the TeamKC network.

Building the Platform, Catching the Wave: The 2027 KC SmartPort Transportation Outlook

by Ayden Ammann | Intern, KC SmartPort

The transportation industry is entering one of its most consequential periods of change in history. In 2027, three forces will converge to reshape the movement of goods and people: decarbonization mandates, major investments in infrastructure modernization and the accelerating demand for autonomous and electric technology across all transportation networks.

Combined, these shifts are not incremental — they are redefining the competitive landscape for cities, regions and industries.

Advantageously positioned in the center of the continent, Kansas City delivers access to the largest navigable inland waterway, a new state-of-the-art airport, significant highway infrastructure and four Class I railroads. Kansas City is not simply responding to these trends; it is built for them.

This report examines significant changes across major modes of transportation and what those changes mean for economic competitiveness in the years to come.

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Water Transportation | A New Era For Inland Shipping

The maritime industry is currently undergoing one of the most significant shifts in water transport history.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is pursuing a net-zero emission goal by 2050. A fleet of 90,000 vessels altogether emits roughly 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide and consume 370 million metric tons of fuel annually; the offset from this net-zero achievement would be significant.

Simultaneously, the electric ship market grew by $4.9 billion in 2024, with projected growth of $22.73 billion by 2034. Europe currently leads the electric maritime market share globally at 55%. 

Missouri’s central positioning with inland waterway access is growing in strategic weight as shippers aim to get closer to their end customers. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri has access to over 1,000 miles of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers — more than the length of Interstates 44, 55 and 70 combined.

The Missouri and Mississippi rivers move more than 500 million tons of goods annually, the equivalent of 19 million trucks moving on the nation’s highways. When IMO carbon emissions prices start to change how shippers calculate logistics costs globally, the river access will turn from a legacy asset to a competitive edge.

Kansas City is not passively waiting for that advantage to materialize. The region is investing to capture it.

The Missouri River Terminal (MRT) project is backed by $30 million in state funding, along with an additional $1.2 million awarded to Port KC by the U.S. Department of Transportation for early planning and development. Modeled after Port Duisburg, Europe’s largest inland port, MRT aims to create a transformational intermodal hub connecting river, rail and highway freight at a large scale. Work is currently underway on environmental mitigation, permitting and Phase I site assessment.

On the technology side, autonomous ships operate across four levels, ranging from human-assisted navigation to fully self-directed operations. But autonomous doesn’t mean crewless or unregulated. This shift creates a need for a different kind of workforce: remote operators, systems engineers, data analysts and compliance officers.

For Kansas City, an opportunity exists in pairing the physical platform MRT provides with the workforce development needed to operate it. The regions that move both infrastructure and talent forward at once are the ones that lead.

Air Transportation | New Airport & Workforce to Support Growth In KC

The aviation industry is navigating the challenge of balancing industry ambitions with current realities across transportation modes in 2027.

The aviation industry contributes to around 2.5% of CO2 emissions globally. While industry targets call for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to make up around 10% of total fuel use by 2030, current adoption is sitting below 1%. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says SAF production doubled in 2025, reaching 1.9 million tons, but this is still not nearly enough fuel supply to meet the 10% goal. Operators are responding through fuel management tools that optimize payload-range trade-offs and route forecasting, while new facilities like Avina Synthetic’s production plant aim to develop the first on-airport production facility in the U.S.

Aviation’s 2027 moment is also defined by converging investment and innovation in its infrastructure and technology. The industry posted near-record revenue, approaching $1 trillion in 2025, with 5% annual traffic growth and approximately 3% air freight growth driven by AI investment and e-commerce demand.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is funding $12 billion toward a full overhaul of the country’s air traffic control system and is targeting 8,900 new air traffic controllers by 2028. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) — with technologies like electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and autonomous drones — is developing in parallel, working within existing flight safety and air traffic systems while building the infrastructure needed to support new aviation applications, including cargo and supply chain use cases.

Kansas City couldn’t be better positioned for these shifts. The region is among the most biofuel feedstock-rich areas in the country, with strong logistics and agricultural legacy that position it as a natural candidate for SAF for supply chain development.

Kansas City International Airport (MCI)’s new $1.5 billion LEED Gold terminal supports 12 million passengers annually and serves 47 nonstop markets through 50 gates. Downtown, a $55 million airport development — including expanded hangar capacity and a growing Red Tail Academy workforce pipeline — is underway and set for completion mid-2027, positioning the region to supply a trained aviation workforce at a time when the industry needs it the most.

Road Transportation | Industry & Greenhouse Gas Phases In Action

Unlike other modes of transportation, road transportation in 2027 is simultaneously shaped by emission regulations, infrastructure investment and autonomous technological convergence.

As noted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulators, net-zero emissions standards are no longer a future goal for businesses in this sector but a present reality. Companies are beginning to take note of high-emission machinery such as heavy-diesel trucks, which are a primary source of nitrogen oxide pollution in the transportation industry, and have faced an 80% nitrogen oxide reduction requirement in 2025. The EPA’s Phase 3 of reducing greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty vehicles, taking effect from 2027 through 2032, pushes industry decisively toward electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. 

The U.S. is currently navigating infrastructure investment challenges. Truck charging availability is a leading obstacle, with fewer than 100 public charging stations and zero public hydrogen fueling stations as of 2024.

The industry has developed a four-phase response to this shortage:

  • Phase 1: Establishing priority hubs (2024-2027)
  • Phase 2: Connecting priority hubs along critical freight corridors (2027-2030)
  • Phase 3: Expanding the network (2030-2035)
  • Phase 4: Achieving national zero-emission coverage by 2040

The Department of Energy’s $7 billion hydrogen hub investment is set to begin in Phase 2.

Missouri has received $98.9 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program funds, and Kansas has restarted its Charge Up program, both aimed at building EV charging infrastructure along I-70 and I-35. The Kansas City region enters Phase 2 with a strong infrastructure base — Evergy’s existing 1,000 charging ports — providing a foundation for extending distribution center fast charging of commercial trucks. 

Autonomous vehicle technology is increasingly centered on improving safety across the freight industry. According to Kodiak AI, from 2021 to 2023, more than 85% of truck crashes in the U.S. were caused by human error; large truck crashes led to more than 15,000 deaths in the U.S.

The national trucking industry is projected to face a shortage of roughly 175,000 drivers by 2028. Autonomous systems can help address that labor shortage while raising safety to a higher standard. Physical infrastructure is well-structured to help support this technological shift nationally. The Self-Drive Act requires enhanced federal safety standards for autonomous vehicles by September 30, 2027.

With four major highways — I-29, I-35, I-49 and I-70 — Kansas City has 30% more interstate miles per capita than any other U.S. metro, positioning the region at the center of the autonomous freight conversation. The I-70 corridor is already being used to prove that autonomous trucking works, and companies across the region are advancing cutting-edge innovations that support the technology. 

Rail Transportation | KC Sits At Top of U.S. Metros With Four Class 1 Railroads

Rail enters 2027 with more complex decarbonization challenges than the rest of the transportation industry.

Voluntary corporate commitments are being set for Class I railroads to hit net-zero emissions by 2050. This will be exceedingly difficult to accomplish, as a full locomotive fleet transition is expected to take 15 or more years, compared to three to five years for commercial trucking. That timeline gap could leave rail behind in terms of sustainability as aviation, shipping and road freight accelerate their own emission reductions.

Moving freight from truck to rail already carries an emissions advantage, cutting greenhouse gas output by up to 75% for the same cargo. Trading 25% of long-haul trucks with rail would reduce emissions by 13.1 million tons, which removes 2.8 million cars off the road each year. Rail is three to four times more fuel efficient than trucking — a single gallon of diesel can move freight roughly 500 miles by rail, compared to roughly 125 to 165 miles by truck.

Rail’s next generation of decarbonization efforts should focus on hydrogen fuel cells, battery-electric locomotives and alternative fuel blends. This will establish a strong foundation to keep pace with other transportation modes working toward net-zero.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) grade for the nation’s rail infrastructure fell from a “B” to a “B-“ in 2025, compounding a sense of urgency. Federal financing tools like the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) are helping fund public and private improvements that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. Investment in regional rail networks benefits communities by reducing supply chain friction and connecting smaller markets to larger economic hubs.

On the technology side, autonomous rail is seeing positive advancement. Autonomous trains are already operational in controlled environments globally — airport connectors and dedicated metro systems, for instance. Rail is working to develop AI-driven sensors and decision-making systems needed to navigate the complexity of the national freight networks. The workforce conversation around autonomous rail isn’t about reducing headcount — it’s about expanding rail efficiency, capacity and the jobs that come with transformation. 

Kansas City sits near the top of U.S. metros with four Class I railroads and serves as a natural convergence point for North America’s rail network. As autonomous technology drives efficiency and capacity forward, Kansas City stands to benefit directly from those efficiency gains. The challenge is keeping up with infrastructure changes and keeping pace with the workforce pipeline, so that more autonomous rail networks could help create a positive influence moving forward.

Forecast: Kansas City in 2027 | What Sets KC Apart

Kansas City’s geography is quietly becoming one of its most valuable economic assets as decarbonization mandates tighten globally.

Coastal cities are scrambling to retrofit aging port infrastructure for low-carbon freight and investing in aviation hubs to secure SAF supply chains. Kansas City, by contrast, sits at the center of some of the most productive biofuel feedstock territory in the country, with access to a river network that moves freight at a fraction of the carbon cost of highway transport. Kansas City can get ahead of the tightening regulatory environment — the opportunity is to claim its position deliberately before other Midwest cities recognize the same advantage and move first.

The cities benefiting most from the current wave of transportation infrastructure investment aren’t necessarily the largest; they’re the ones that built capacity ahead of demand.

Kansas City has done exactly that across multiple transportation modes simultaneously, and 2027 is when that timing will pay off. What sets KC apart from peer metros isn’t any single project, but the convergence of investments across water, air, road and rail happening at the same time. That includes MRT advancement, a downtown airport expansion, fully operational logistics parks along I-70 and I-35 and a rail network that continues to anchor national freight connectivity.

Many cities are making targeted infrastructure bets in one or two modes. Kansas City is positioned across all four, with a multimodal depth that becomes increasingly rare and valuable as national freight volumes grow and supply chain resilience moves to the top of every logistics company’s priority list.

The cities leading in autonomous and electric transportation in 2027 share one common trait: they said yes early.

Successful metros have welcomed pilots, partnered with technology companies and built the regulatory and physical environment that made their corridors attractive for innovative investment.

Kansas City has a meaningful opportunity to follow that model on its own terms. Rail is exploring further opportunities in autonomous transitions to increase supply chain efficiency while moving industrial goods. The I-70 corridor is already being used to prove that autonomous trucking works. Overland Park-based Ryan Transportation made history as the broker on America’s first humanless commercial truckload delivery in April 2026. The next step is to position KC as the Midwest’s preferred destination for autonomous freight investment and electric fleet infrastructure, rather than waiting for that designation to arrive on its own.

Will KC Take the Next Step? | The future of transportation isn’t on the horizon — it’s here.

Decarbonization mandates are transitioning from voluntary commitments to legal requirements across every mode, infrastructure investment is determining which cities are ready for the next generation of freight and passenger demand, and autonomous and electric technology is no longer a future concept but a current reality.

The transportation industry will continue to evolve well beyond 2027, and decisions cities, businesses and policymakers make in the near future will help shape the nation for years to come.

The platform is built, and the wave is arriving. The question for Kansas City in 2027 isn’t whether the opportunity is real; it’s whether the region moves boldly enough to claim it. 

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VanTrust Real Estate Welcomes Final Occupant to Platte International Commerce Center

Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting Celebrated Purina Animal Nutrition’s Move to the Campus

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – August 5, 2026 – VanTrust Real Estate is proud to announce the completion of Platte International Commerce Center in Platte City, Missouri. Since breaking ground in April 2023, VanTrust constructed 1.67 million square feet of Class A distribution center industrial space on 150 acres in a highly desirable location in the Kansas City metro.

The distribution center has immediate access to I-29 and I-435 and is just over two miles from Kansas City International Airport, capitalizing on the region’s top location for ecommerce companies and ability to reach most of the U.S. in two days or less. The location provides access to the following major freight distribution markets within 12 hours: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Louisville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Omaha and St. Louis.

“Platte International Commerce Center is an outstanding distribution center for companies looking to maximize their logistics efficiency with close proximity to an international airport and major freight distribution markets,” said Grant Harrison, VanTrust Executive Vice President of Development. “The center’s completion testifies to the growth and vitality of the Kansas City metropolitan area.”

Purina Animal Nutrition, a Land O’Lakes, Inc. company, has leased the final 397,000 square feet facility at Platte International Commerce Center. The building was delivered in July 2026, opened in August 2026, and was built to support the company’s continued growth and customer service needs across the region.

“This is an important milestone for Purina Animal Nutrition and our continued growth,” said Nick Najjar, Senior Logistics Director, Land O’Lakes, Inc. “This investment strengthens our ability to serve customers across the region with greater speed, efficiency and reliability, and we’re grateful to our development partners for helping bring this project to life.”

Purina Animal Nutrition’s location joins Platte International Commerce Center’s two other buildings totaling 1.27 million square feet. VanTrust leased the first two buildings to Central Power Systems & Services in 2024 and 2025 for. In 2026, those buildings and an additional 27 acres within Platte International Commerce Center were sold.

“VanTrust’s Platte International Commerce Center brings together assets that have made Kansas City a top 15 U.S. industrial market: Class A industrial space, the ability to deliver speed to market and multimodal connectivity that reaches 90% of the contiguous U.S. within two days,” said Elli Houston, vice president of KC SmartPort, the industrial-focused initiative of the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). “Purina Animal Nutrition’s investment is another prime example of how the region’s logistics strengths position KC to support global companies across industries.”

JLL led the leasing assignment for VanTrust. Whiting Turner Contracting Company led the design-build team for Platte International Commerce Center which includes Olsson Engineers and M+H Architects.

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About VanTrust Real Estate, LLC
VanTrust Real Estate, LLC is a full-service real estate development company. The company acquires and develops real estate assets for the Van Tuyl family portfolio and offers a broad range of real estate services including acquisition, disposition, development, development services, corporate services, and asset enhancement. Product types include office, industrial, multifamily, mixed-use and science + technology. VanTrust works nationally with regional offices in Columbus, Dallas, Phoenix, Jacksonville and Salt Lake City with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit www.vantrustre.com.

Embracing The In Between

As the parent of a college student, I am discovering what it really means to live in the in-between.

When they’re away at school, they seem like independent adults. They need space to make their own decisions, but they still reach out for guidance when life gets complicated. They are building lives of their own while still relying on the foundation that home provides.

Then they come home for breaks.

Suddenly, the shoes are back by the door, the dishes are in the sink, and the house feels full again. The everyday routines return almost effortlessly. Between the ordinary moments are the unexpected conversations about life, relationships, purpose, and the future. Those conversations are a reminder that while they are becoming independent, they haven’t completely left the nest.

And then, almost as quickly as they returned, they leave again.

I’ve realized that this season isn’t about holding on or letting go. It’s about learning to live in the space between the two.

The more I reflected on this, the more I recognized how often life asks us to navigate these in-between seasons.

Professionally, these seasons appear in countless ways. You realize you’ve outgrown your current role, but the next opportunity hasn’t yet arrived. An entrepreneur works tirelessly to grow a business, balancing today’s realities with tomorrow’s vision while raising capital and building value. An organization evolves, outsourcing some functions while integrating new systems, trying to create harmony without losing momentum.

Wherever we encounter these seasons, they are bound to be challenging. Relationships change. Families grow in new directions. Priorities shift. We find ourselves no longer who we were, but not yet fully who we’re becoming.

The in-between is rarely comfortable.

It often feels uncertain because the familiar is behind us and the future remains just out of reach. We naturally want clarity, a roadmap, or reassurance that we’re moving in the right direction. Instead, we’re often asked to trust the process before we can see the outcome.

But perhaps that’s exactly what growth looks like.

Growth is rarely found in the moments when everything feels settled. It happens during the transition when we’re learning new skills, redefining our identity, strengthening our resilience, and discovering capabilities we didn’t know we possessed.

The in-between isn’t evidence that you’re stuck. More often, it’s evidence that you’re growing.

So, if you find yourself in one of these seasons, personally or professionally, give yourself grace. Celebrate the progress that isn’t yet visible. Be patient with the uncertainty. Trust that not every chapter is meant to feel complete while you’re living it.

Because one day, you’ll look back and realize the in-between wasn’t simply something to endure. It was where you grew into the person and the leader you were becoming.

UMKC-Led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine Selected for $160 Million NSF Award

Historic investment positions the Greater Kansas City region to strengthen America’s supply chains, advanced manufacturing and national security

Today, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) selected the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine in the Kansas City region to receive up to $160 million in funding, potentially the largest award in Missouri higher education history and one of the nation’s most significant investments in rebuilding America’s domestic critical materials ecosystem.

The award positions the Greater Kansas City region and the broader Missouri-Kansas corridor as a national hub for critical materials innovation, commercialization and workforce development. The initiative is expected to create approximately 10,000 jobs by 2036 across manufacturing, research and development, logistics, engineering, construction and workforce training, according to Missouri Extension. The effort could generate up to $40 billion in economic output and increase the combined Missouri-Kansas GDP by $17 billion over the 10-year period.

The NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, initiated by the University of Missouri System in 2022, is driven by a coalition of more than 260 partners spanning higher education, industry, entrepreneurship, government and community and workforce development organizations in Missouri and Kansas. The ultimate goal: to help secure the United States’ economic and national security future by reducing dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains for critical materials.

The NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine (Critical Materials Crossroads) will develop the regional ecosystem necessary for increasing production of the metals and advanced materials that manufacturers use in batteries, aircraft engine parts, semiconductors, medical devices and more. The starting materials include concentrated ore and spent materials, recovered domestically and internationally. This effort, led by UMKC, will establish the region as a national hub for critical materials innovation, commercialization and workforce development.

“Critical Materials Crossroads represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen America’s economic and national security while positioning the Kansas City region as a global leader in critical materials research and innovation,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “This initiative reflects what is possible when a region unites around a bold vision with national impact.”

University of Missouri President Mun Choi added: “This consortium exemplifies the power of the University of Missouri System’s four research universities working together to address one of our nation’s most pressing strategic challenges. Thanks to the leadership of UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal and Dr. Anthony Caruso and their strong partnerships across industry and government, we are creating a collaborative enterprise that makes a transformative impact for our state and country.”

The University of Missouri System’s leadership in critical materials extends beyond the UMKC-led NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine. Collaborator Missouri S&T is internationally recognized for its critical materials research and is also a recipient of a federal Tech Hub award, further strengthening Missouri’s role in advancing domestic supply chains and advanced manufacturing.

“This initiative demonstrates what can happen when higher education, industry and government unite behind a shared purpose,” said Todd Graves, chair of the UM Board of Curators. “This significant investment positions Missouri to lead in an area that is vital to our nation’s future while creating lasting opportunities for our universities, citizens and economy.”

The Critical Materials Crossroads has garnered bi-state and bipartisan support from top federal and state leaders because of what it means for the United States. Currently, the nation imports most of the critical materials essential to modern life, with China dominating large portions of the global supply chain. Congressional leaders supporting the initiative warned that America’s dependence on foreign adversaries for these materials represent “an active and growing vulnerability to U.S. national security and economic independence.”

The Kansas City region offers strategic advantages unmatched in the United States, including a central geographic location, one of the nation’s most robust rail and river transportation networks, deep manufacturing roots and growing expertise in advanced materials research and engineering.

The Kansas City region’s economic development arms strongly support Critical Materials Crossroads including the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, EnterpriseKC, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Kansas City Area Development Council and Midwest Area Regional Council.

Anthony Caruso, UMKC vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and founder of Critical Materials Crossroads, said the effort represents years of collaboration focused on solving one of the nation’s most pressing economic and security challenges. Caruso is the principal investigator leading the initiative in partnership with fellow Carnegie R1 research institutions including University of Missouri, Missouri S&T, University of Kansas and Kansas State University.

“For decades, the United States has steadily lost much of the workforce, infrastructure and manufacturing capacity required for critical materials production,” Caruso said. “This investment allows us to rebuild that capability here in America — creating jobs, strengthening our national resilience and ensuring the technologies that power our future can be produced domestically. We are deeply grateful to the National Science Foundation and to the hundreds of partners across Missouri, Kansas and the nation who united behind this vision and are now dedicated to action.”

The NSF announced the newest NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) awards to 12 U.S. teams across 20 states. These NSF Engines will build and scale innovation clusters that aim to accelerate the development of critical technologies, prepare talent for emerging jobs and grow regional economies. Building on decades of NSF investments in foundational research, the NSF Engines partner with the private sector to advance technology deployment and secure America’s position at the forefront of science and technology.

“NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. “This NSF Critical Materials Crossroads Engine will be a substantial resource in the Midwest to onshore and sustain production capacity for critical minerals used across the transportation, energy, communication and national security sectors.”

Critical Materials Crossroads and the other awardees will initially receive an award of $15 million over two years. If Critical Materials Crossroads demonstrates progress on well-defined milestones, it will have the potential to eventually receive up to $160 million from NSF over the next decade as it seeks to build an internationally competitive technology and innovation cluster in the region. In 2025, NSF selected Critical Materials Crossroads as one of just 15 finalists out of 285 proposals nationwide.

Read what federal and state leaders say about the NSF’s selection of the Critical Materials Crossroads Engine:

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe: “The State of Missouri is proud to welcome this incredible opportunity to further position the region as a leader in strengthening America’s national security and strategic supply chains, while also generating thousands of jobs and billions in economic growth. Developing a critical materials ecosystem in Missouri will leverage many historic strengths of our state, including as a longtime leader in the mining and production industries, a strong U.S. transportation and logistics hub, and a robust manufacturing workforce.”

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly: “The Critical Materials Crossroads initiative represents a bold, high-impact opportunity to advance scientific leadership while strengthening supply chains, enhancing global competitiveness and delivering durable economic growth in the heart of the United States.”

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt: “Missouri is doing its part to secure American dominance on the world stage. Kansas City’s NSF Engine will be an important driver in enhancing U.S. competitiveness and strengthening the domestic critical mineral supply chain. I am proud to support a transformational NSF investment that accelerates innovation, creates high-paying jobs and establishes the Kansas City region as a national hub for critical materials and advanced manufacturing.”

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran: “The National Science Foundation’s selection of UMKC for this award is an important investment in the Greater Kansas City region. This investment will strengthen our local economy, support job growth and position the region to continue leading in research, innovation and advanced manufacturing while creating new opportunities for the next generation. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds NSF, I have long made it a priority to support efforts like these to strengthen our domestic supply chains and support U.S. economic and national security.”

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford: “This is a big win for Missouri’s New Fourth District and for America’s future. I was proud to support this effort because rebuilding our domestic supply chains for critical materials is essential to our national security, our energy independence and our economic strength. This investment will create good-paying jobs, strengthen our manufacturing base and ensure the Heartland continues to lead the way in innovation.” 

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver: “Today’s announcement proves that the future of American innovation is being built right here in Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District. UMKC’s designation as an NSF Regional Innovation Engine reflects the extraordinary talent and collaboration that define our community. This investment will strengthen our economy, create good-paying jobs, and ensure our region continues to lead in developing the critical technologies of tomorrow. I congratulate Chancellor Agrawal, UMKC and all of the partners who helped make this achievement possible. Today, we are reminded that our greatest successes come when there’s collaboration towards a shared vision. That’s the Kansas City way, and today the nation is taking notice.”

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids: “I’ve been proud to support this effort since day one because Kansas City has the talent, the partnerships and the know-how to help solve our nation’s biggest challenges. This investment shows what’s possible when we work across state lines and across sectors to build the future right here in the heartland. By strengthening our critical materials supply chains, we’re not only protecting our national security — we’re creating good-paying jobs and new opportunities for the next generation of Kansas City innovators.” 

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves: “The Critical Materials Crossroads is a huge deal for the Kansas City region and the State of Missouri. The future of our country is dependent on having the ability to produce our own critical materials. Missouri is well-positioned to develop the resources, technology and talent to make that happen here at home and I can think of no one better than the University of Missouri System to lead this effort.” 

U.S. Rep. Bob Onder: “This historic investment for UMKC is a major win not only for Missourians, but for our entire country as we work to rebuild American manufacturing. Our state is now well-positioned to help lead the next generation of innovation, and this investment will ensure that our researchers, manufacturers and workforce are driving the advancements needed to strengthen our economic and national security. Funding merit-based, evidence-driven research is exactly what the NSF should be supporting to help grow advanced manufacturing, secure our domestic supply chains and keep America competitive on the global stage.”

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith: “For too long, the United States has watched critical minerals supply chains shift overseas, leaving our energy security dependent on foreign adversaries like China. This grant is a serious step toward reversing that, building a real domestic supply chain for the materials that power everything from batteries to jet engines, right here in Missouri. I was proud to join my colleagues in a letter of support for the University of Missouri System’s effort to secure this award, and I’m glad to see that work pay off for our great state. Missouri has the mineral supply, the research talent and the manufacturing base to lead the effort in rebuilding our domestic critical minerals supply chain, and this grant gives us the resources to do so.”

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner: “This is a tremendous win for Missouri and for America’s future, and I am proud to have helped lead congressional efforts supporting this proposal. Developing secure domestic sources of critical materials is essential to protecting our economic competitiveness and national security. Missouri has long been a leader in innovation, manufacturing and research, and this award further showcases our state’s central role in strengthening America’s industrial base. Congratulations to the University of Missouri System and the partners who came together to make this monumental investment a reality.” 

Read what industry partners say about the NSF’s selection of the Critical Materials Crossroads Engine:

Ron Coker, senior vice president, Burns & McDonnell: “Kansas City has long been a place where complex challenges are solved through collaboration. Today’s announcement recognizes the strength of our region’s talent, industry and research community. We are proud that UMKC in leading this important initiative and look forward to supporting the development of new and lasting economic opportunities here in Kansas City while strengthening America’s critical materials supply chain.”

Mario Destephen, director of research and development, EaglePicher Technologies: “We are excited to be part of this important regional initiative. EaglePicher, a leading battery manufacturer serving the defense and aerospace industries, will be a key partner in the development and commercialization of domestically produced battery materials, helping to strengthen national security and enhance supply chain independence.”

Clyde McQueen, chief executive officer, Full Employment Council: “This project holds great promise for the region’s workforce, and will create pathways for thousands of in-demand, quality careers in sectors that play to the Kansas City region’s economic strengths. Through training and support systems that match the needs of employers and job seekers concurrently, the Critical Materials Crossroads Engine will ensure that opportunity is accessible to the workforce and employers in Greater Kansas City region.”

Joe Reardon, president and chief executive officer, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce: “This is a transformative moment for Greater Kansas City and a powerful validation of what is possible when universities, industry, government and civic partners come together around a shared vision. The NSF Regional Innovation Engines award positions our region to lead the nation in advancing critical materials innovation while strengthening our economy, creating high-quality jobs and building a more resilient domestic supply chain. The KC Chamber is proud to have supported this effort, and we congratulate UMKC and every partner whose collaboration helped make this achievement possible. We look forward to building on this momentum to ensure Greater Kansas City continues to compete and lead on the global stage.”

Jimmy Swift, chief operating officer, Great Jobs KC: “This historic $160 million NSF award is a massive win for the Greater Kansas City region, and Great Jobs KC is ready to ensure our local workforce shares in that success. Our role is to break down barriers to these high-paying career pathways by delivering comprehensive tuition assistance, specialized workshops, and critical support services. We look forward to working alongside our partners through 2036 to build a diverse, skilled talent pipeline that will sustain this vital national initiative for the decade to come.” 

Elli Houston, vice president of KC SmartPort, the industrial-focused initiative of the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC): “This award is a powerful validation of what the Kansas City region can achieve when industry, higher education and public partners unite behind a shared vision. With world-class infrastructure, a thriving talent pipeline and a collaborative ecosystem, our region is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of advanced manufacturing and create new opportunities for critical materials innovation and production.”

Brian Smith, chief executive officer, Wagner Logistics: “Rebuilding America’s critical materials supply chain will require strong partnerships across research, manufacturing, workforce development and logistics. Wagner is proud to support the UMKC-led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine and the coalition of partners working to strengthen domestic manufacturing, enhance supply chain resilience and position the Kansas City region as a national leader in critical materials innovation.”

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Championship Mindset: Lessons from the World Cup and Animal Health

As I reflect on our annual conference theme, Champions of Animal Health, I can’t help but see remarkable parallels between our industry and Kansas City’s role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup.

At first glance, both might appear to be underdogs.

The Animal Health industry is significantly smaller than human health and many other sectors within the life sciences ecosystem. Yet our impact reaches every corner of the globe. We help ensure healthy animals, safe food, sustainable agriculture, and thriving communities. Our work may not always make headlines, but it changes lives every day.

Kansas City tells a similar story.

Among the World Cup host cities, Kansas City is the smallest. Yet throughout the tournament, it has delivered outsized impact on the world stage. It hosted record-setting fan celebrations, welcomed historic performances, and became the backdrop for unforgettable moments. From breaking attendance records for the Oranje Fan Walk to hosting Lionel Messi’s historic hat trick to celebrating Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup goal, Kansas City has proven that size doesn’t determine significance. Four national teams even selected Kansas City as their base camp, more than any other host city.

Like the Animal Health industry, Kansas City has demonstrated that you don’t have to be the biggest to make the biggest impact.

But perhaps the greatest parallel isn’t found in the records. It’s found in the people.

The World Cup has reminded us of what is possible when people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds come together around a shared purpose. Rivalries remain on the pitch, yet outside the stadiums there is celebration, curiosity, respect, and connection. Fans proudly wear different colors while embracing one another’s traditions, reminding us that our shared humanity is greater than our differences.

That spirit feels very familiar.

The Animal Health Corridor brings together companies that compete every day in the marketplace yet willingly set competition aside to collaborate on the challenges that matter most. Together, they advance research, innovation, workforce development, policy, and the future of animal health. They take off their company jersey and put on their industry jersey, because they know that when our industry succeeds, everyone benefits.

That is what it means to be a Champion of Animal Health.

Champions aren’t defined solely by trophies, market share, or records. They are defined by their commitment to something bigger than themselves. They elevate others, unite around a common purpose, and leave a lasting impact on the communities and the world they serve.

As we gather for this year’s conference, I hope we embrace that championship mindset. Let’s celebrate the innovation that drives our industry, the partnerships that strengthen it, and the people whose passion makes it possible. Like Kansas City on the world stage, our industry proves every day that extraordinary impact isn’t measured by size. It’s measured by vision, collaboration, and purpose.

Together, we are more than leaders in Animal Health.

Together, we are Champions of Animal Health.

Showcasing KC’s Design and Construction Excellence on a Global Stage

KC Global Design Educators Tour 2026

As Kansas City welcomed the world for FIFA World Cup 26™, KC Global Design took full advantage of the moment by hosting two influential educators as part of its second annual Educators Tour.

While the 2025 tour brought 13 educators to Kansas City, this year’s experience, created in partnership with BNIM and DRAW Architecture, was intentionally curated around FIFA World Cup 2026™, allowing for a deeper, more immersive experience with two distinguished guests: Louise Harpman, New York University; and Paola Sanguinetti, Arizona State University.

Louise Harpman headshot
Louise Harpman
Professor of Architecture, Urban Design and Sustainability
New York University
Paola Sanguinetti headshot
Paola Sanguinetti
Professor & Director, The Design School
Arizona State University

Over the course of three days, our guests experienced Kansas City through the lens of the architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) industry, gaining an insider look at adaptive reuse projects, innovative developments and the creative collaboration that defines Kansas City’s design and construction community.

Academia Meets Industry

Throughout the tour, our educator guests engaged in robust conversations with industry leaders from prominent organizations across the region, diving into the industry landscape and its evolving talent pipeline.

Large room with decorative metal ceiling designs
Woman looking at metallic plate with decorative squiggles.
The educators visited a variety of prominent firms across the region, including architectural metal engineering & fabrication specialists, Zahner.

Our guests explored the KC region’s deep A/E/C expertise with leaders from firms including HNTB, CRB, AIA KC, BRR Architecture, Greenwood Consulting, Burns & McDonnell, Zahner and many more, discussing ways to better prepare students for careers in the built environment and ensuring employers have access to the talent they need to grow and thrive.

Global Expertise, Local Impact

The KC region’s design expertise extends far beyond its borders, but its influence is equally visible at home. Our guests explored a range of developments that reflect the region’s ongoing evolution, including the Campbell Dome House, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the revitalization of the West Bottoms district.

Three guests walking and talking in a large room with plants, brick walls and a large domed ceiling
Our guest educators visited a range of KC architectural developments, including the Campbell Dome House.

During the tour, our guests explored some of Kansas City’s most innovative design experiences, from the Rock Island Bridge, the world’s first entertainment district on a bridge, to Atlas9, a massive immersive art experience set in a “living” cinematic experience.

Leaders from HOK and BNIM also provided an exclusive tour of The Rabbit hOle — a one-of-a-kind interactive museum that celebrates and brings to life a century of American children’s literature. 

Three people looking at a large vintage schematic of the Kansas River area.
Several people standing in front of the Rock Island Bridge sign, with a blue sky in the background.
Several people sitting on a carpeted tiered seating area, surrounded by children's books.
Dark tunnel with a purple spiral on the walls, leading down to a display with a rabbit silhouette.

Creating a Dialogue with Industry Pros

As part of the tour, KC Global Design hosted a special Meet the Educators event at JE Dunn, bringing local industry professionals together with the visiting educators and leaders from DRAW Architecture, Black & Veatch and JE Dunn for an engaging panel conversation.

JE Dunn hosted the Meet the Educators event, featuring a panel of the tour’s visiting educators alongside leaders from DRAW Architecture, Black & Veatch and JE Dunn.

The discussion focused on strengthening the talent pipeline across A/E/C, exploring how academic programs and student expectations are evolving while identifying opportunities to build stronger connections between education and industry.

KC’s World Cup Moment

The Educators Tour was specially designed to coincide with an exceptionally vibrant time for KC, as the city hosts six FIFA World Cup™ matches.

Our guests had the opportunity to experience the excitement firsthand, visiting KC•House — the region’s premier VIP World Cup destination, convening community and industry leaders with international delegations — and attending the Argentina vs. Algeria match at Kansas City Stadium.

Ashley McDonald and two educators standing in front of a lighted sign reading KC•House
Two women and one man standing in front of a sign reading KC•House
KC•House is the region’s premier VIP World Cup destination, convening community and industry leaders with international delegations.

The Future of A/E/C in KC

Most importantly, the tour showcased something that makes the KC region unique: a spirit of collaboration that transcends individual firms, disciplines and organizations. Time and again, our guests witnessed competitors working side-by-side to advance the industry, strengthen the region and create opportunities for future talent.

The conversations didn’t end when the session concluded. In fact, they will only continue.

Ideas generated throughout the week included:

  • Opportunities for alternative spring break programs
  • Expanded internship experiences
  • Collaborative research initiatives
  • Potential for future design “hackathons”

The enthusiasm from both educators and industry leaders underscored a shared commitment to developing the next generation of talent and creating meaningful pathways between the classroom and professional practice.

The feedback from both educators was overwhelmingly positive, and KC Global Design is grateful to the many investors, partners and industry leaders who generously shared their time, expertise and passion throughout the week.

If the conversations and connections made during this year’s Educators Tour are any indication, the future of Kansas City’s design and construction industry is exceptionally bright.

Learn more about KC Global Design programming.

The Importance of Leading with Heart

This month, a dear friend and colleague is retiring after 28 years with our organization. The impact she has had on our organization and the Kansas City region is immeasurable. At her retirement celebration, she shared a simple but powerful reflection: “I tried to lead with heart, not numbers.” Anyone who has worked alongside her knows how true that is. She built relationships, invested in people, and made others feel valued. She especially took great pride in lifting up other women in the industry.

At the other end of the career spectrum, we are welcoming new team members and summer interns. As they begin their professional journeys, they will observe many examples of leadership: how people contribute in meetings, collaborate with colleagues, and support their teams.

That reality serves as an important reminder: leadership is always on display. For those of us further along in our careers, the example we set helps shape the next generation of professionals.

A few reminders worth keeping top of mind:

  • Make space for every voice and perspective. Encourage discussion, even when viewpoints differ.
  • Be open and transparent. Share information that can help the team succeed.
  • Pay attention to your tone. Often, how something is said matters as much as the words used.
  • Stay creative in your approach to problem solving. Curiosity and innovation are contagious.
  • Bring the same enthusiasm and energy you had early in your career.
  • Invest in the growth of others and proactively contribute your expertise.
  • Show up for team events and meetings, even when schedules are busy. Your presence demonstrates commitment to the team and its mission.

As leaders, our words, actions, and energy shape culture every day. The way we show up influences how others collaborate, serve customers, and support one another. Never lose the passion that inspired you at the start of your career and remember that the most lasting legacy is often built by leading with heart.