and they understand that leadership is about serving others while holding themselves to the highest standard. METHODOLOGY: THE HOW BEHIND WHAT YOU DO Great ideas are useless without a plan to execute them. Methodology is your system - the repeatable, scalable process that keeps things running even when you’re not in the room. In my years leading in tactical environments, I learned that you don’t rise to the occasion - you fall to the level of your training. In business and leadership, that translates to this; you don’t rise to the moment - you fall to the quality of your systems. If you want your leadership to last, don’t “wing it”. Build a process that can grow with you. MATERIALS: THE TOOLS TO DELIVER VALUE Materials aren’t just physical items, they’re the resources, tools, and talent that help you deliver on your promises. For young leaders, this might mean investing in technology, hiring the right people, or developing personal skills that sharpen your edge. Without the right tools, you can’t deliver your best work, and your ability to scale will always be capped. MENTORSHIP: HAVING AND GIVING THE RIGHT INFLUENCE No matter how talented you are, you can’t see every angle. Mentors help you spot blind spots, navigate challenges, and prepare for what’s next. If you’re just starting out, find mentors who’ve walked the path you want to take. And as you grow, pay it YOUNG LEADERS: LET’S BUILD A LEGACY THAT LASTS Forging LEADERS { b y R y a n C o n n } BEING RECOGNIZED AMONG A community’s top young leaders is an honor, but it’s also a responsibility. In 2023, I had the privilege of being featured in the 40 Under 40 list here in Paducah. And, while the recognition was humbling, it also reminded me of an important truth; leadership isn’t about a title or an award. It’s about what you build, who you serve, and the legacy you leave behind. It’s not just about making a splash in the moment. It’s about building something that stands the test of time. When I think about what it takes for young leaders to succeed, not just now, but for decades ahead, it comes down to five core tenets I call the 5Ms. These aren’t trends or “nice-to- haves”. They’re the non-negotiables every leader needs in place to create influence, impact, and sustainable growth. These 5Ms: Mindset, Methodology, Materials, Mentorship, and Measured Growth form a framework that equips young leaders to not only achieve success today but to sustain it for the long haul. Let me break each one down for you. MINDSET: THE FOUNDATION OF EVERYTHING If you don’t have the right mindset, nothing else matters. Your mindset determines how you handle challenges, lead others, and pursue your vision. For young leaders, this means embracing responsibility early, seeing set- backs as stepping stones, and knowing your worth. The best leaders I know approach their work with a growth mindset. They see opportunities where others see roadblocks, 72 SEPTEMBER 2025
