St. Louis Business 500: Q&A With Yemi Akande-Bartsch, FOCUS St. Louis

Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Yemi Akande-Bartsch has always strived to “lead with empathy.” Putting others first has driven her work and success. “Understanding the needs, motivations, and challenges of others has not only strengthened my relationships but also enhanced my ability to drive meaningful change in our organization and the communities we serve,” she says. Through her leadership, FOCUS St. Louis has expanded its reach and impact through new initiatives that integrate technology and civic education. “I have seen firsthand how empowering individuals with the right knowledge and leadership skills can transform communities, break cycles of inequality, and create lasting change.”

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? Over the last 12 months, we are most proud of the successful launch of our FOCUS Board Bridge program, which is aimed at matching new Americans to nonprofit boards. This was a program that we launched with our first Executive in Residence, Anna Crosslin, retired CEO and President of the International Institute. The program’s positive reception and measurable impact on participants’ effectiveness and community engagement have been truly gratifying.

What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? I’m most excited about our ongoing efforts to expand our reach and impact, particularly through our new initiatives that integrate technology and civic education. We’re exploring innovative ways to engage a broader audience and drive systemic change by connecting leadership development with real-world civic challenges.

If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would like to see a greater emphasis on collaboration across sectors. Too often, the civic and leadership development sectors operate in silos, which limits our ability to address the complex, interconnected issues we face today. By fostering more cross-sector partnerships, we can amplify our collective impact.

What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? The toughest business challenge I’ve had to overcome, aside from the pandemic, has been fundraising and passionately conveying why civic issue education and leadership are so vital. It can be incredibly difficult to convince stakeholders and potential donors to invest in something where the impact isn’t always immediate or visible. But this work is deeply personal to me. I’ve seen firsthand how empowering individuals with the right knowledge and leadership skills can transform communities, break cycles of inequality, and create lasting change. It’s more than just a cause—it’s a mission that drives me every day. Even when the path is uphill and the challenges feel overwhelming, my unwavering belief in the power of civic leadership keeps me pushing forward, knowing that the future of our communities depends on it.

MENTORS & PEERS

To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I seek advice from a diverse network of mentors, colleagues, and leaders across different industries. I believe in the power of collective wisdom and often find that insights from those in different fields provide fresh perspectives on our challenges.

Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Yes, I have several mentors and sponsors, each bringing unique perspectives.

What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? One piece of advice that has profoundly shaped my career is to ‘lead with empathy.’ Understanding the needs, motivations, and challenges of others has not only strengthened my relationships but also enhanced my ability to drive meaningful change in our organization and the communities we serve.

If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? If I could have dinner with anyone, I would choose two students from Marian Middle School, the all-girls, family focused, faith-based school here in St. Louis. The wisdom and insights these young women share are truly inspiring and often leave me motivated to do more. Their perspectives, dreams, and determination remind me of the importance of investing in the next generation, and I always come away from those conversations with a renewed sense of purpose.

BACKGROUND

Where were you born? Lagos, Nigeria

What was your childhood aspiration? As a child, my aspiration was always to make a difference in the world by helping others. I was naturally drawn to roles where I could serve and uplift those around me, whether it was through leadership, education, or just being a supportive presence in my community. This passion for making an impact has shaped my journey and continues to inspire the work I do today.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? While I was in high school, I started my own cookie business, and it turned out to be widely successful. The key to that success was the relationships I built with other teens—my peers were my biggest supporters and helped spread the word. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a thriving venture, teaching me invaluable lessons about business, customer service, and the importance of community.

What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I hold three degrees from the University of Oklahoma: a Ph.D. in Communications, Intercultural, Political, and Organizational Communication;an M.H.R. in Human Relations and Organizational Development;and a Master of Arts in Public Relations, Journalism & Mass Communications. I earned my B.A. in Speech Communications from Southwest Baptist University.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? If I weren’t serving as CEO/president, I’d likely be hosting a podcast, diving deep into conversations that inspire and inform. I’ve always loved connecting with people and sharing stories that can make a difference. Beyond that, I’d probably still be involved in work that empowers others and drives positive change, whether through mentoring and sponsoring young leaders or leading initiatives focused on education, or community development. My passion for making an impact runs deep, so whatever path I’d be on, it would definitely involve creating opportunities for others to thrive and making a difference in the world.

What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? My favorite restaurant is African Palace. I love the vibrant atmosphere and the authentic flavors they offer. Every time I go, I make sure to order the jollof rice‚Äîit’s my absolute favorite dish there. The rich, spicy flavors always hit the spot and remind me of the incredible culinary traditions across Nigeria.

What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? I don’t actually have a bucket list—just live. For me, life is about embracing opportunities as they come and making the most of every moment. Instead of focusing on checking things off a list, I prefer to stay open to new experiences and let my journey unfold naturally.

What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? One podcast I think everyone should listen to is mine—stay tuned!

What’s your hobby/passion? My passion lies in photography and travel. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about capturing the beauty of different cultures, landscapes, and moments through my lens. Traveling allows me to see the world from new perspectives, and photography gives me the chance to share those experiences with others. It’s a combination that fuels my creativity and keeps me inspired

What is your most prized possession? My most prized possession is my health. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my passions, spend time with loved ones, or contribute to the work I care about. I value it above all because it’s the foundation for everything else in my life.

What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? People might be surprised to learn that I’ve done stand-up comedy before—in Chicago, no less! It was a lot of fun and a great way to challenge myself in a completely different way. There’s nothing quite like making people laugh and stepping out of your comfort zone at the same time!

What is your go-to karaoke song? My go-to karaoke song is “#41” by Dave Matthews Band. There’s something about the melody. It’s one of those songs that never gets old, no matter how many times I hear it.