You’ll find Lelia Voss, GMLC Class of 2020, in Springfield, Mo. Often, she is surrounded by immense energy and the hustle-bustle of juggling a career as a corporate banking officer for U.S. Bank, the forever delight of being a mother and a wife, and finding time for solitude and relaxation at Table Rock Lake. She has been married for 27 years to Gordon Voss and they have 2 sons; Bill, 25 and Trystin, 21. She also finds joy in spending treasured time with her 2 golden-doodle fur babies, Marley and Bentley.
Lelia has a remarkable 24-year career, at U.S. Bank. When asked how she decided to become a banker, she laughed and then said, “Does anyone ever say, ‘Hey, I’m going to school to be a banker?’” No, she did not set out to be a banker, it likely just evolved — as her career did — as she relocated across the U.S. Bank footprint and grew professionally within the organization. Currently, her expanded role with U.S. Bank’s Healthcare Group specializes in financing and banking solutions within the healthcare industry. Covering 9 midwestern states, she dives deep into the industry and gathers data to provide relevant financial solutions. “The heartbeat of my success has been having the resources, drive, passion, and experience from being in the financial services industry for more than 20 years,” she stated.
When asked what newsletter she loves, she replied, “The Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation newsletter, of course. The GMLF newsletter provides insights to others who have experienced the sheer joy of a sisterhood of like-minded women who have a passion to grow personally and professionally. “Reading about the successes of dynamic women across Missouri energizes me to do better and to be better.” She encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with GMLF and the amazing opportunities the organization provides to women leaders across the state. She ended by saying, “If you’re a leader, a mother, a sister, or a friend to a leader and you haven’t talked to them about GMLF, then you’ve missed an opportunity to help that individual grow personally and professionally.”
What is she currently watching? It is no surprise to hear her talk about football….ALL things football. Not only is Lelia a big KC Chiefs fan, but she loves watching her son, Trystin, a defensive lineman for Northwestern College. In 2022, NWC won NAIA national championship in Durham, NC and in 2024 Trystin was named an All-Conference player of the year.
What’s on her current playlist? She spoke about her faith in the Lord, spending most of her time listening to Christian music. As to whom she’s listening, that’s her clients and friends. She assesses client’s needs or listens to a friend who is simply struggling at that particular moment. “It took me a long time to realize the importance of being a good listener.” This came from realizing how impactful it can be to be in a position where she truly could make a difference in someone’s life, job, or heart simply by being an active listener.
Finally, when asked what she is currently reading, Lelia stated she loves to read a variety of genres. Right now, she is reading several books related to leadership. They include Foundational Leadership Lessons by Jordan Sterling and Inspire Greatness by Matt Tenney. Both books talk about navigating challenges, achieving success, and motivation. She enjoys all facets of learning and finds you can learn something from every interaction. Sometimes you learn something about yourself; but hopefully, if you’re a good listener, you’ll learn something more about the other person or organization. Lelia said she never waits for an opportunity; she embraces each interaction as an opportunity to succeed. If lucky enough, she’ll grow from it. After all, great things never come from comfort zones.