St. Louis Business 500: Q&A with Yemi Akande-Bartsch, FOCUS St. Louis
Insights from the president and CEO of FOCUS St. Louis
Akande-Bartsch leads one of the region’s most impactful organizations, coaching the next wave of local leaders and connecting organizations to some of the top talent in St. Louis. Her advice to the next generation of leaders: Lead with purpose, build strong relationships, embrace inclusion, stay engaged, and commit to becoming a lifelong learner.
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders?To the next generation of St. Louis leaders and entrepreneurs, my advice is to lead with purpose and impact, defining success not just by profit but by the positive change you create in our community. Build strong relationships across sectors—business, nonprofit, and government—because collaboration is the key to solving complex challenges. Embrace inclusion as sources of strength and innovation, and ensure that every voice has a place at the table. Stay civically engaged, understand the issues shaping our region, and be part of creating solutions. Commit to lifelong learning, remain curious and adaptable, and never underestimate the power of empathy and integrity in leadership. Finally, think regionally but act with a global mindset, recognizing that St. Louis has the potential to be a hub for innovation with worldwide impact.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? A couple of years ago, we launched the Impact Fellows program with the goal of equipping talented leaders to drive significant and lasting change in our region. It was a wonderful program, and the fellows accomplished meaningful work during their time with us. However, coming out of the pandemic, we made the difficult decision to place the program on pause. While it didn’t continue in the way we initially envisioned, I’ve been encouraged to see other programs launch in a similar spirit, and I’d like to think that our work helped inspire and pave the way for those efforts. Most importantly, the lessons and curriculum from Impact Fellows didn’t disappear—they now live on in our Emerging Leaders program, where they continue to shape and empower the next generation of changemakers. It was a valuable reminder that even when something doesn’t unfold as planned, it can still plant seeds for future impact.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? When I feel stuck, I give myself space to pause and reset—whether that means taking a walk, journaling, diving into a good book, or even traveling to a new place to gain fresh perspective. I’ve learned that clarity often comes when I step away rather than try to force a solution. When inspiration strikes, I capture it right away–writing down ideas, sketching out next steps, and connecting with people who can help bring the vision to life. Both moments—feeling stuck and feeling inspired–are valuable to me. One invites reflection and growth, while the other fuels action, creativity, and possibility.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? What I can say is that I am deeply proud of the team and board at FOCUS. Their dedication, vision, and commitment make it possible for us to develop leaders who go on to create meaningful change in every corner of St. Louis. Our staff and board members work tirelessly behind the scenes to support programs that equip leaders, foster dialogue, and build connections that strengthen our community. St. Louis is filled with individuals and organizations making a real impact, and rather than spotlight just one, I’m grateful every day to be part of a collective effort—supported by an extraordinary team and board—that helps empower so many of these changemakers.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? I can’t pick just one organization because so many incredible nonprofit leaders are graduates of our programs, and in my role, I’m fortunate to witness countless inspiring projects and people through our leadership programs. St. Louis is blessed with individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact, often without the recognition they deserve. From grassroots advocates working tirelessly to strengthen neighborhoods, to educators shaping the next generation of leaders, to nonprofit professionals addressing critical needs in health, housing, and equity, there is no shortage of people quietly driving change. Business leaders who invest in the region’s growth, civic leaders who bridge divides, and volunteers who generously give their time and talents all play vital roles in moving St. Louis forward. Rather than highlighting just one organization or person, it feels most fitting to celebrate the collective effort of so many dedicated individuals who are committed to building a stronger, more inclusive, and opportunity-rich region for all.
