Reflections on My Titan 100 Journey

Summary:

• The Program: Titan 100 honors exceptional CEOs and C-suite leaders for sustained impact across business, nonprofit, and public sectors.
• The Perspective: Serving as a Titan 100 judge reveals that true leadership is measured by influence, not just achievement.
• What Sets Titans Apart: The strongest candidates lift others—building teams, shaping culture, and giving back to their communities.
• The Takeaway: Titan 100 is more than recognition; it’s a responsibility to lead with humility, purpose, and lasting impact.

For those unfamiliar with the organization, Titan 100 is a national program that honors 100 standout executives in select regions across the U.S. These leaders include CEOs and other C-level decision-makers who are recognized for their vision, influence, and ability to drive meaningful impact across private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Leaders who earn this recognition three times achieve Hall of Fame status, representing the highest level of sustained excellence and influence.

At Spry Digital, Titan 100 holds special meaning. Our CEO, Sheila Burkett, is a two-time Titan 100 honoree. Sheila first introduced me to the organization, and that introduction sparked one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career.

Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a judge for Titan 100. This year, my involvement deepened. I interviewed Hall of Fame honorees and joined the nomination committee, which offered a broader perspective on what truly defines leadership at this level.

As fall turns to winter, Titan application season fills my calendar. The week of Thanksgiving and the first week of December are dedicated to reading, ranking, and offering feedback on applications from remarkable leaders across the St. Louis region. It’s a season that naturally invites reflection and gratitude. More importantly, it creates space to immerse myself in the stories of people who aren’t just succeeding in business, but actively shaping our community.

While I follow the official evaluation guidelines, I always look for something deeper.

First, I consider a candidate’s impact within their organization. True leaders don’t just manage; they lift others up. They develop their teams, create opportunities, and foster cultures built on growth and trust.

Equally important is a leader’s impact beyond their organization. Giving back, mentoring, and investing in the community matter. Real Titans don’t stand alone at the top. Instead, they bring others with them.

One of the most rewarding parts of the application process is learning how candidates earned their leadership stripes. This is especially true for leaders in multi-generational companies. I want to know what they did differently than those who came before them.

It’s not enough to inherit or purchase a business. What sets you apart? How did you lead through challenges no one else faced before you? Or, how did you seek guidance, choose a different path, and turn that decision into meaningful progress?

These stories of resilience, courage, and innovation reveal far more than titles or revenue numbers ever could.

Ultimately, a Titan is more than a high achiever. Titans stand out because of the impact they have on others. Leadership isn’t about personal success alone. It’s about how your story reflects a commitment to strengthening teams, organizations, and communities.

When I see someone balance professional excellence with genuine influence, I know I’m looking at a leader who will inspire not only future Titans, but the next generation of change-makers.ut the next generation of change-makers.

This year, serving on the nomination committee felt especially meaningful. It allowed me to move from evaluator to advocate by nominating leaders I’ve encountered through both my professional work and personal life.

I’ve always believed that the most remarkable leaders aren’t necessarily the loudest. More often, they lead with quiet humility. Their impact shows up in how others speak about them and in how they make people feel.

The individuals I nominated embody what it truly means to be a Titan. I don’t envy the judging committee. Selecting just 100 leaders from such a strong pool is no small task. Still, I wish every nominee the very best.

What continues to amaze me is the depth of talent in St. Louis. Each year, Titan 100 introduces me to powerhouse leaders I might never have crossed paths with otherwise. The program consistently expands my understanding of leadership and reinforces the idea that greatness comes in many forms.

To those who share your stories, invest your time in others, and lead with both strength and heart—thank you. You make our region stronger, and you inspire me to keep paying it forward.

Being part of the Titan 100 community is about more than recognition. It’s a responsibility. I’m grateful for the opportunity to witness, celebrate, and support the Titans among us.