We sat down with Cynthia Simpson, executive director of marketing, communication and sales and service operations, to discuss her role at UMB, her leadership style and her community involvement. 

Describe your role with UMB

In my role,  I am responsible for overseeing a variety of functions, including marketing, branding, communication, sales and service operations  and strategic planning for positioning the company in the best way possible, for the long-term. 

In my nearly 20 years at UMB, I have held several roles leading up to my current work, including serving as chief administrative officer for UMB Institutional Banking which allowed me to become deeply involved in all aspects of that line of business. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to grow, learn and lead a team at UMB. 

How else are you engaged with UMB?

Beyond my daily responsibilities, I am a proud graduate of UMB’s esteemed Accelerate program. The year-long program targets associates within the bank who have demonstrated the potential to continue elevating their careers at the C-suite level, with an emphasis on honing leadership skills. 

Internally, I am also part of UMB’s Women business resource group (BRG),  in which I offer leadership and guidance to women at the bank to help them reach their goals and feel empowered to progress in their careers. 

In addition to UMB’s programs, are you involved with any community organizations?

I currently serve on the board of directors for KVC Foundation‡, an organization focused on children’s wellbeing. I also serve on the American Cancer Society Charman’s Circle Kansas City board. I recently rolled off the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City (BBBSKC)‡, a role I held for six years, but remain active in the organization through the EmpowHER giving circle. This is an organization made up of women professionals in Kansas City that focus on supporting the single moms that are a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

I have held a variety of roles throughout my career, and every step of the way I have developed leadership skills through unique experiences. 

I love being directly involved with company strategy and direction and understanding company operations at a broad level. It allows me to act as a resource to a wide range of associates—not just those who are under my direct supervision. To be a great leader, I need to empower my team. That starts with making sure I am a mentor and not an authority figure; I strive to be viewed as an ally and a member of the team. 

As a leader, my primary goal is to encourage associates to use their skills and follow their passions. I am dedicated to learning their personalities and preferences so I can uniquely support them as they elevate their careers. With this strategic approach, I am constantly learning how to be a better leader. 

I also try to lead with curiosity, it is my opinion that we can always do things better, smarter, faster. By leading with curiosity, it allows me to foster a culture of continuous improvement. I have an open-door policy for anyone seeking mentorship or guidance at the bank. I remember the challenging times during my career and want to help others find success and love for their work. 

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