Speakers and Mentors Share Their Legacy Network Feedback

Biz 417 launched The Legacy Network after seeing a need in the business community to amplify leader’s skills, network and influence to craft a lasting legacy. Nate Thiry, head of Sales Strategy & Business Development for Innovation at Forvis Mazars, applied for the program after hearing about it at the 2024 Think Summit. New to the Springfield community, Thiry wanted to take the next steps to plant roots in the business community. “It has helped with getting to know real people, their businesses and their stories,” he says. “It’s made the city itself more attainable.”

An exciting aspect of The Legacy Network is that through the program, participants are paired up with mentors. Thiry’s mentor is Codefi President & CEO James Stapleton. Despite being in two different industries, the two have found a surprising amount of crossover. “We’ve been able to dig into challenges we both face and it’s given me a good, transparent look into what he does from a leadership standpoint for his business, which I’ve been able to take and apply for mine,” Thiry says. Even after The Legacy Network reaches its completion, the two plan to continue meeting.

Similarly, another program mentor, Max Buetow, president and CEO of CoxHealth, says he foreseees a long-lasting relationship with his mentee, feeling he takes away just as much insight and discernment from their time together. “I think if you open your mind up to the concept of mentorship going both directions and you realize the caliber of the individuals participating in this program, the combinations of those two things can be a really fruitful opportunity,” Buetow says. Buetow also believes The Legacy Network will impact the community. “We’re very thankful that we’ve got incredible local businesses that are willing to provide this level of engagement for people without having to leave the region,” he says. “I just really appreciate that The Legacy Network seeks to help provide that expertise to each one of us here right in our own backyard.”

One of the speakers for The Legacy Network, David Cameron, Republic city administrator, anticipates a similar need being met. “One of the things that is desperately needed in our region is leaders to step up,” Cameron says. “So the whole idea of The Legacy Network is to leave a legacy of leaders giving back to other people, which is why I agreed to speak at the program because I feel it’s giving back to what other people have given me.” While Cameron often speaks at larger-scale events, he enjoyed the opportunity for a more intimate environment to connect and discuss. “What I saw out of this group was a lot of promise, they’re going to impact and lead our local organization’s futures,” he says.

Participant Abbye Bobbett, architect + COO at Kinetic Design + Development, says she gained a lot of knowledge that inspired her. “I’ve gotten something really meaningful out of every session,” she says. “I feel like every speaker we’ve had has been very relevant to what I’ve gone through and am going through as a business owner.” Her favorite aspect of the program has been the community built with the other participants. “We did a more personal, vulnerable exercise in the beginning and it bonded us from the get-go,” she says. “I know I can call any of them to grab coffee or talk through difficult situations and they’d be there with advice.”

The Legacy Network is designed for next generation leaders and is ideal for those who have experience in a manager, director or C-level position and are looking to build their skillset, vision and influence. Find more information on the sessions, speakers and mentors and apply online by May 14.