An open letter from CEO Chris Krehmeyer to Lou, reflecting on their relationship and sharing insights on leadership and mentorship.
Dear Lou, I know you have grown weary of the problems before you. I know that at times you are energized by the discussions on how to move you forward and at others times it all becomes overwhelming to the point that it’s easier to turn away. Do not look away. Do not lessen your standards. Do not slip back into comfortableness and complacency, or lower your head in defeat thinking the problems are just too big to solve or that some things will never change.
Things can always change if enough people want them to. I believe your collective will to finally create the change our region needs is greater than ever. But this is a window in time. A moment we have arrived at together that we must capitalize on to the fullest. If we go forward half-heartedly, if we simply throw resources at our problems without truly understanding what is behind them and what is needed to really create change, this window will shut and we will go back to our former less courageous and ambitious selves.
We have been talking about these same challenges for more than forty years. If we want a different result, we need to take action in a way that is far different and far bigger than what we have ever done before. Do not look away. Every movement begins with a call for change. This is not the time to be timid. This is the time to be bold. This is the time to think bigger and be audacious in our goals. We don’t have a shortage of resources. We have a shortage of results.
Our organization Beyond Housing created Once and for All as answer to our growing call to change things for the better and to provide a real solution—a solution based on facts and common sense that we can all agree on and that benefits everyone. I am an optimist at heart. I truly believe our biggest challenges are our greatest opportunities. I would not be writing to you now if I didn’t wholly believe there is a real answer to our problems and that real change is within our reach. While I am optimistic about our future and our ability to create a better St. Louis for all of us, I am not naïve. I can’t promise you that everything we do will turn out perfect and wonderful. I can’t promise you that this change will come easily or overnight. What I can tell you with absolute certainty is that if we keep doing what we’ve always done before, we’re going to get the same results. Do not look away. Instead, join us.
We’re looking for individuals who are tired of the status quo, who believe there is a better way and have the courage to take a new course of action. We’re looking for leaders with the ability to bring others on board and who want to leave a legacy of lasting change that will be felt for decades to come. If that sounds like you, join us in creating a stronger, more equitable, and prosperous St. Louis—once and for all.
Sincerely,
Chris Krehmeyer President and CEO – Beyond Housing
#LeadershipLessons #CEOInsights #MentorshipMatters
