Opinion: Sharing the lessons learned from our stories shared

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No Ceiling from SBJ Podcasts

As journalists, we have the responsibility of documenting what has been called the first draft of history. From our biggest stories of the year to the day’s news, our work is recording the story of our local business community.

Back in 2020, we had an idea to tell a different kind of story. The No Ceiling podcast was developed to get to know area women who’ve achieved success in their careers and businesses and to talk about the personal challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced.

It’s been the most rewarding and demanding project I’ve worked on at Springfield Business Journal. As host, I ask every guest to be vulnerable and honest, even about the hard stuff. In this past three seasons, we’ve talked about everything from the death of spouses to landing a dream job. It’s no small thing to be trusted to tell someone’s story. It’s a privilege. 

This month, we recorded the final episode of No Ceiling, Season 3. I’ve learned many personal and business lessons from talking with these guests. I’ve highlighted a takeaway that stands out from each episode.

 Michelle Billionis: Trust yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. After the sudden death of her husband, Michelle was left to run The Coffee Ethic in downtown Springfield. She admitted she didn’t know enough about coffee, but she had a team that stepped up, and she’s learned the business and the craft over the years. And along the way, she’s learning to trust herself.

Katelyn McConnell: Find your unique gift you can give the world, and pursue it with passion. Katelyn was living abroad in Norway when she felt a calling to return to the Ozarks to tell its story. She started Ozarks Alive as a side hustle, documenting the history, people and businesses in our rural communities. She grew the business to a full-time job and is capturing stories no one else has.

Dami Odunewu: Know your why and challenge others to discover their purpose, too. Dami is an evangelist for meaningful work. She’s seen the conflict that can happen when your passions aren’t aligned with your job. She created a company, Purpose Connect, to help prospective employees and employers find that match.

Teresa McGeehan: Your past does not define your future. Teresa bravely shared her experience with domestic violence and her journey to find a loving partner. She also shared her unlikely rise from a McDonald’s entry-level worker to an owner/operator of 19 local stores. Her story defies the odds, and now she’s focused on paying it forward.

Christie Love: Everyone can do something. When Christie learned of the poverty in her own community, she knew she had to be part of the solution. Through her church, The Connecting Grounds, she has become an advocate for people who are homeless. She acknowledges not everyone who has a heart to serve can do it full time, but we all have the capacity to make our community better.

Sarah Jenkins: Bigger isn’t always the goal. Sarah said she considered moving to pursue comedy on a larger scale after a skit from “The Mystery Hour” went viral. But she realized she could make something great and all her own, right here in Springfield.

Cicely Woodard: Make the space where people can thrive. As a teacher for Springfield Public Schools, Cicely has built a classroom that cheers on teamwork and critical thinking. She also makes room for students to get personal. Her approach has earned national recognition.

Melinda Burrows: Unexpected changes can lead to unexpected possibilities. After being fired from her job at Hickory Hills Country Club, Melinda said her mentor congratulated her. Her next move had no limits, and she’s taking the opportunity to try some paths she always wanted to go down as a chef.

Norma Champion: Learning and improving can continue your entire life. When I asked Norma what she still wanted to accomplish, she talked about being a better person, wife and mother. At 90 years old, the former “Children’s Hour” host, professor and legislator hasn’t lost her zest for learning and is practicing being mindful of every moment to achieve her goals. If we’re still here, there’s still time.

Stephanie O’Connor: You can lead unapologetically when you’re true to yourself and your mission. When she joined the executive leadership team at City Utilities of Springfield, her interactions with co-workers and the level of her responsibilities changed. She learned not everyone will always agree with decisions made when you become a leader, but if they believe in you and your commitment to doing what’s right, that’s the key.

At the conclusion of this season, I’m left inspired by these gutsy and admirable women in our community. I hope you take the time to listen to their stories at SBJ.net/NoCeiling or wherever you get podcasts. I’d love to hear your takeaways.

Springfield Business Journal Executive Editor Christine Temple can be reached at ctemple@sbj.net.