Izaiah Johnson
Bryon Pierson
The metro region is a place where rising professionals can quickly make a difference, both in the community and in their own careers. Opportunities abound, whether that means launching a startup or joining a well-established organization. Local business leaders shared insights on some of St. Louis’ most attractive qualities for professionals:
ZEKITA ARMSTRONG ASUQUO Gateway Global Data Logistics
NICOLE McPHERSON BJC HealthCare
BRYON PIERSON EDUrain
RICKY VIGIL Twain Financial
WHAT BENEFITS DOES THE ST. LOUIS METRO AREA OFFER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS?
VIGIL: St. Louis is whatever you make of it. We have big-city opportunities and a small-town feel. When you look at the cost of living in St. Louis versus what that looks like in other cities, plus the economic opportunities that are here, it’s really hard to find that combination in other cities.
McPHERSON: There’s a lot of diversity in what St. Louis has to offer. We have a lot of great restaurants, theaters, museums, and sports teams.
ARMSTRONG ASUQUO: One thing I love is that there are a variety of neighborhoods to enjoy. I love the different types of architecture and vibes found across the city.
PIERSON: The fact that we’re in “flyover country” makes it easier to build something that gains traction and notoriety. It gives you an opportunity to cut through the noise because there’s not going to be a lot of competition around you. In fact, there’s going to be more help.
Izaiah Johnson
ricky vigil
ALONG THOSE LINES, WHAT’S MOST NOTEWORTHY ABOUT HOW ST. LOUIS SUPPORTS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS?
VIGIL: We have every size of company that you could want to work for. With those different sizes comes a variety of cultures. We have a vibrant startup community on one end and international, publicly traded companies on the other. Right in the middle, we have unbelievably strong regional companies. It’s pretty impressive.
McPHERSON: We’re a very generous city. I think a lot of senior leaders at some of the largest companies within our region really want to see young professionals succeed. You’ll see these senior leaders involved in various mentoring programs across the city, and a lot of them are very open to connecting with individuals they don’t really know over lunch or coffee. I feel like young professionals will find that they have access to more seasoned leaders here than maybe other places.
ARMSTRONG ASUQUO: St. Louis has great ecosystems that allow professionals and business owners to engage with like-minded people. Having the ability to connect with people and exchange ideas is something that makes this city special. Here, you have access to people and ideas that can help catapult your business or career to the next level.
PIERSON: In any city, there’s room for people who have passion and energy and are willing to be coached and do the research on what they’re building. St. Louis is a city where, if you can do that, you can literally win the city.
Izaiah Johnson
Nicole McPherson
WHAT TYPES OF NETWORKING ARE AVAILABLE?
VIGIL: For me, the Regional Business Council’s Young Professionals Network has been a huge supporter. They have opened so many doors to executives that didn’t work at the companies I was working for at the time and provided access to them. Another organization I’ve benefited from is the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. My parents were both born in Cuba. I was the only person in my family raised in St. Louis. The Hispanic Chamber was a way for me to stay in touch with my social and cultural roots while giving back economically to Hispanic small businesses that are trying to grow and thrive.
PIERSON: Wherever you are, you have to understand what you’re trying to do and then search that city and see if it’s there. I have personally benefited from the BALSA Foundation. They help entrepreneurs who are people of color, women, and immigrants. They’re really good. The Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneur Network is good as well.
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING THAT NEWCOMERS SHOULD DO TO GET SUPPORT?
ARMSTRONG ASUQUO: Seek out our region’s economic development resources. By exploring the mission and offerings of places like the Regional Business Council, Greater St. Louis Inc., or World Trade Center St. Louis, a person who’s new to the region can gain access to critical resources that will help propel their growth here and keep them on pace with what’s happening in our region.
McPHERSON: St. Louis is a relationship-focused city. Even if you start small, like meeting someone at the gym, look for opportunities to build your professional network. In my experience, I’ve never met someone in St. Louis who said, “Yeah, I know a few people, but I’m not going to introduce you.” People want to help, which is why I agreed to be chair of RBC’s Young Professional Network.
Izaiah Johnson
Zekita Armstrong
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU SEE ST. LOUIS STRIVING TO BE MORE EQUITABLE?
VIGIL: What I’ve noticed in the last several years is everyone has a lot of focus on [equity and inclusion]. In my mind, the fact that there’s a focus on it means there’s going to be improvement.
McPHERSON: A lot of companies who may not have had a diversity, equity, and inclusion practice within their organization have taken steps to establish that type of department. A lot of companies are really trying to increase representation of people of color and women in leadership. I’ve seen a lot more diversity in those circles.
ARMSTRONG ASUQUO: I think businesses across the region are making real and tangible steps toward being equitable by rethinking their recruitment and engagement strategies. I also think talent development has become a much-needed focus for St. Louis businesses. A focus on equitable opportunities and developing short- and long-term goals to cultivate new talent will keep businesses in our region competitive.
