In this episode of FOCUS on Leadership, Amy Shaw, President and CEO of Nine PBS and past Board Chair for FOCUS, explores an often-overlooked leadership principle: joy. From stepping into the CEO role during a time of crisis to navigating personal health battles and industry-wide uncertainty, she explains how leading with joy has helped her and her organization stay grounded, resilient, and forward-looking. In this candid conversation, we also discuss the importance of vulnerability, the lessons learned from navigating crisis, and how to create a workplace where people feel energized and valued.

How do we lead with clarity and compassion through times of crisis or uncertainty? In this episode, we had the privilege to talk with Dr. Alexander Garza, Chief Community Health Office for SSM Health and past Commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force. Drawing from his unique experiences in emergency medicine, military service, and public health, Dr. Garza reflects on the lessons he has learned and the leaders who have shaped his path. He also discusses today’s biggest public health challenges, his goals for the future, and how health is shaped far beyond hospital walls.

In this episode, we sit down with FOCUS Leadership St. Louis grad Dr. Yusef Scoggin, Executive Director of Delmar DivINe, to explore his career evolution and vision for our region. From his early experiences in medicine to leading a regional nonprofit hub, Dr. Scoggin reflects on the importance of cultural competence, collaboration, and courage in creating real community change. He shares how Delmar DivINe is redefining the historic Delmar Divide and driving collective impact. The conversation also explores the hidden traumas that affect local communities and how healing begins with inclusion, understanding, and shared purpose.

Whose story are we telling and why does it matter? In this episode of the FOCUS on Leadership podcast, we had the privilege to sit down with historian and author (and former FOCUS board member) Dr. Frances Levine. We explore the roots of her early interest in history, as well as her distinguished career in museum administration, including her work as past President of the Missouri Historical Society. Dr. Levine discusses her perspective on the valuable role museums play in today's culture, the importance of stories in building community, and the stories she brings to light in her new book, Crossings: Women on the Santa Fe Trail.

As President of Marian Middle School since 2013, Mary Elizabeth Grimes is responsible for stewarding over 200 students from 5th grade through post-secondary education and beyond. In this episode of the FOCUS on Leadership podcast, she shares her thoughts on the power of education and the joy she finds in supporting and leading her students. Reflecting back on a long and extensive career, ranging from media sales to sports marketing to nonprofit management, Mary Elizabeth discusses the importance of staying in alignment with your purpose and values.

Recently retired after a 25-year career with Mastercard, FOCUS Leadership St. Louis alum Wendy Richardson is reflecting back on the lessons she's learned, the advice she would share with others, and how she finds joy in every day. In this episode, FOCUS Director of Leadership Programs Shalia Ford sits down with Wendy to explore the difference between mentors and sponsors, how her Leadership St. Louis experience shaped her perspective and what lies ahead in this next stage of her life.

Too often, we hold ourselves back with feelings that we don't belong or don't measure up. In this episode of the FOCUS on Leadership podcast, we sit down with Ruth Kim, General Counsel, SVP and Senior Partner for FleishmanHillard, to explore her strategies for tackling imposter syndrome and the lessons she's learned throughout her successful career. In it, she also discusses the importance of giving yourself grace, the power of unconditional love, and her vision for a St. Louis renaissance.

Few people have made their mark in the St. Louis region like our next podcast guest. In this episode of FOCUS on Leadership, we had the privilege of sitting down to talk with FOCUS Leadership St. Louis alum and current Executive-In-Residence Anna Crosslin, who led the International Institute of St. Louis for 42 years. She reflects back on the principles and values that guided her career, offers the advice she would give aspiring CEOs, and shares her hopes for the future of our region.