Spencer Horn was the highlight of our 2025 OpEx Summit. He didn’t just show up with a generic keynote—he met with me multiple times to make sure his message was laser-focused on our DSS 2030 strategy. And it worked. Over 150 of our 200 attendees said he was the best part of the event, and I kept hearing the same compliment again and again: ‘That keynote was spot on for us.’
Spencer is energetic, tuned in, and has a way of inspiring and challenging people that actually makes them lean in instead of check out. This is no small feat in government, where folks can sniff out fluff from a mile away.
Beyond the keynote, he rolled up his sleeves and co-facilitated a strategic planning workshop with me for our directors and excellence leaders, pushing us to see each other differently and sharpen how we impact the work and the people we serve. As a large agency of over 6,000 people that impacts millions of Missourians, having the experience and expertise that Spencer brought to the table was excellent. He listened to my feedback, pivoted with my thoughts, and showed up to make a great event. On a very personal note, having worked in continuous improvement spaces for the last 10 years, it was a moment where I relished in what we were accomplishing.
I left encouraged, motivated, and maybe a little spoiled—because not every speaker is a true partner like Spencer.