Two members from Leadership Springfield’s Signature Class 37 took what they learned from participating in the program and applied it to their workplace through a series called ‘Make It Happen with Matt and Teri.’ Matthew Suarez is a vice president and portfolio manager with Central Trust Company, and Teri Cantwell is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Central Bank.
During their Launch Retreat, they felt inspired when hearing facilitator Don Harkey share that Leadership Springfield isn’t only about learning facts about Springfield, but about the connections you make. Suarez recalls, “He challenged our class as individuals to go and have coffee with everybody in your class and get to know everyone on a personal level, and so Teri and I took that challenge and actually did it as a team… we created ‘Make It Happen’.”
What started as a simple challenge quickly became a shared commitment. Matt and Teri took Don’s challenge and made it a priority to get to know every member of Signature Class 37 throughout their program year. Even though COVID forced them to hit pause halfway through the program, they picked up right where they left off a few years later, dedicated to strengthening their relationships with classmates and sharing reflections from each conversation on social media to celebrate community leaders.
While some may have thought that was the end of ‘Make it Happen with Matt and Teri,’ after conversations with colleagues at Central Bank and a belief in the power of connection, the series returned in 2025 when they made it a priority to get to know 25 Central Bank employees over coffee for the reboot of their legendary LinkedIn series. This time, the focus shifted from classmates to colleagues, intersecting connections, and company culture.
Cantwell explains, “It’d be really nice to connect more. I know a lot of people because I’m their director, but I don’t know everything, and every time there’s something different that we learn… it’s just been really fun to do it within the bank.” Suarez felt the same way: “You don’t get a chance to really interact with other members of the company, depending on the size of the company, and so for us it’s been a really good way to interact with branch managers, loan officers, credit analysts, and folks that aren’t necessarily client-facing.”
When they first launched the series among Central Bank employees, not everyone knew what to expect. Suarez remembers, “Before it took traction, it was a lot of ‘why am I here?’ We didn’t spell it out for them. We wanted it to be organic.” Teri adds, “People who get asked think, ‘this is kind of nice that you asked me.’ It’s almost like a reward.” That uncertainty shifted into excitement, and both leaders found that people were happy to share their stories. What began with curiosity quickly turned into momentum.
Suarez and Cantwell ask a series of questions during their coffee meetings to guide conversations and encourage dialogue. They begin by asking participants to share their story, including where they graduated from and how they got into their career. They follow with questions about mentorship, career paths, and what the next five years might hold, adjusting the questions for those nearing retirement. Teri adds, “We also ask about community banking, what that means to them, what they’re involved in, what’s near and dear to their heart, and what they like about the Springfield community or surrounding areas.”
Learning about employees’ career journeys has revealed hidden stories and unexpected paths. Teri shares, “I’ve hired a lot of these people, so I know their resumes, but hearing that our marketing director started a jet ski rental business right out of school or that someone had a music scholarship to Memphis…those are things I never knew.” Suarez adds, “Since I’m not involved in hiring, most of that information is new to me. It’s kind of cool to see where everyone comes from, but it all ends up in the same place.”
Leadership Springfield’s impact is evident in the perspective Matt and Teri bring to these conversations. Suarez explains, “The biggest thing for me in Leadership Springfield and these conversations is putting myself in other people’s shoes, getting to know where people come from and what their values are. I don’t think you can be an effective leader unless you understand the individuals you are leading.” Teri adds, “For me, the biggest thing is continuous growth. Leadership Springfield teaches you to ask, ‘How do we get better?’ every day, and it has molded that mindset for multiple people.”
Another key element of the Signature Class program is exposure to different industries, perspectives, and lived experiences. Teri notes, “Leadership Springfield sets up each class with so many different industries. It’s really good to be able to look at other areas and see what could work for us, maybe tweak it to our industry, but it’s a new idea that might be really beneficial.” This perspective has helped Matt and Teri think creatively about solutions and ways to improve their organization. Suarez agrees, “Bringing in new ideas, whether from a different industry or from employees who just participated in a program, keeps us from stagnating. Stagnation kills culture. The influx of ideas helps the organization improve and keeps our teams energized.”
Leadership Springfield has also helped to shape the culture at Central Bank by promoting innovation and collaboration in alum. Matt says, “Any organization that sends folks out to get new ideas and then brings them back benefits from that. Whether it’s continual coffees or other initiatives, being open to new ways of thinking strengthens the organization.” Teri adds, “It’s not just career development. Having alumni from different industries at your fingertips is invaluable for sharing new perspectives and improving our culture.”
The program and the coffee connections are rooted in both leaders’ personal values. Teri shares, “I wanted to be in a place that really took community to heart. Leadership Springfield teaches that, and our bank does too. These are things that are really important to me. My why and my value.” Suarez echoes this sentiment: “Central encourages us to be involved in the community in the way that speaks to you. There’s a benefit to the organization, but they don’t restrict us. We can improve the community while doing our jobs, and often the two overlap.”
At the heart of these programs is the philosophy that leadership requires effort and engagement. Suarez concludes, “You can only get out of it what you’re willing to put into it. We wanted to maximize what we got out of Leadership Springfield, not just have great program days, but build lasting relationships and carry that over to the bank.” Teri adds a lighthearted note, “If you get a random email from Matt or me, just accept the invitation. We’ll buy your coffee.”
A simple challenge to class participants has become a living example of leadership in action. Through Signature Class 37 and ‘Make It Happen’, Matt and Teri have not only strengthened individual connections but also reinforced a culture of growth, innovation, and empathy at their organization. Leadership Springfield’s emphasis on relationships, cross-industry thinking, and continuous learning has translated into tangible benefits for both people and the organization, creating a ripple effect that will continue to shape their workplace for years to come.
Contributors: Emily Chandler, Communications Intern Spring 2026; Hayley Cobb, Communications Director
