Michael Sytsma - Mid-Month Deep Dive

In this mid-month deep dive, our guest hosts revisit a popular interview with Michael Sytsma, President of Key Bank in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Michael shares his unconventional journey to leadership and his dedication to serving his community. The episode highlights his inspiring story about helping create a sustainable orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo with his friend Christophe and delves into his philosophy of servant leadership. Michael emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment, lifelong learning, and the powerful role of faith in his leadership style. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own leadership journey, the legacy they want to leave, and how they can make a positive impact in their daily lives.

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Jason 0:00

Welcome to the biblical leadership at work mid month. Deep dive. And today's bonus episode. Our guest hosts revisit one of our most popular interviews. If this quick recap inspires you. Then be sure to check out the full episode. For even more great insights.

0:18

All right. So today we're taking a deep dive into leadership, faith and philanthropy all through the lens of Michael Sixma. Yeah, should be a fascinating one. President of Key Bank in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Um, you gave me this interview he did on the Biblical Leadership at Work podcast, and it's, uh, Quite a story. It is. Full of surprises. Yeah. And, you know, one of the things that struck me right away was just how his path to leadership wasn't this, like, straight line. Oh, yeah. You know, he starts out interested in real estate, in manufacturing. Yeah. He even interned at a bank just to kind of help him decide between the two. It's funny how life takes you in these different directions. It is. And so he ends up having this passion for banking, but not in the way you might think. Exactly. And, you know, he could have focused on You know, climbing that corporate ladder and getting to the top, but instead, he really found fulfillment by focusing on serving his community and really building those relationships. It's a good reminder that leadership isn't always about a title or a position. Absolutely. It's really about having a positive impact in whatever you do. It really is. And speaking of impact, his story about the orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Oh, yeah. Is just such a powerful example of how he puts his beliefs into action. Yeah. So his friend Christophe, a refugee from Congo. Right. Makes this incredible decision to adopt 27 children who were living on the streets. That's amazing in and of itself, that act of compassion. It is. What's really remarkable is how Michael kind of used his business skills. Right. To help Kristoff turn this into a sustainable organization. Yeah. So they set up a functioning orphanage complete with housing and education health care for all these kids. And it shows the power of how different skills and passions can come together. Absolutely. To create real change. Yeah, it's inspiring. And, and it's not just him, his daughter, who was only 19 at the time. Wow. Played a key role in setting up the website, the sponsorship program. That's great. It's really cool to see different generations coming together and make a difference like that. Absolutely. And it kind of speaks to that idea that, you know, you don't have to be a CEO or have, you know, years of experience to make a difference. You know, everyone has something to contribute. Sometimes it's just using those skills and resources that you already have to support a cause that you believe in. Now, shifting gears a bit, let's talk about Michael's leadership philosophy in general. Okay. One thing that really stood out to me was his emphasis on creating a positive work environment. He really believes in supporting and empowering his team. Yeah, and, and he's not afraid to admit that, you know, he's had his own struggles along the way. Oh, yeah. Early on in his career, he talks about wrestling with pride and, you know, wanting to prove himself. Mm hmm. And it's kind of refreshing to hear a leader. You know, acknowledge, you know, those imperfections in that growth process. Yeah. It makes it much more relatable. It does. He realized that true leadership is about fostering trust, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and prioritizing collaboration over competition. It makes me think of that, you know, John Maxwell quote. Yeah. Leadership is influence. Yeah. Nothing more, nothing less. Right. It's powerful. And Michael really gets that. You know, it's about inspiring and guiding people, not dictating or controlling them. And he gives some practical examples of this. Oh, really? He mentioned a time when he stepped down from a board position that wasn't the right fit. Even though it might have seemed like a prestigious opportunity, he realized it was important to be really deliberate about how he spends his time and energy. That's a great point. You know, sometimes saying no can be just as important as saying yes. It's about making those conscious choices that align with your values. It's worth noting that Michael's faith plays a significant role in shaping his leadership style. Mm hmm. He often refers to the biblical principle of servant leadership. Okay. Which is really about putting the needs of others before your own. Interesting. Yeah, it's fascinating how that faith really informs his whole approach to leadership. Mm hmm. Yeah. You know, it's not just about, you know, going to church or reading the Bible. Yeah. It's about really like living out those values in his daily life. And he's open about the fact that it's not always easy. You know. Right. He talks about struggling to stay consistent in his spiritual practices, especially with prayer. Yeah. I think that makes him even more relatable. You know, even someone like him, you know, in a leadership position, someone who's deeply rooted in his faith still faces those everyday struggles. It does. You know, it highlights the importance of having that support system and, you know, that accountability. He talks about finding strength and encouragement in his weekly men's group, which he's been a part of for over two decades. Wow, that's a commitment. It is. Yeah. And speaks to the power of community and surrounding yourself with people who can support you. And not just receiving support, but offering it as well. Yeah. It seems like that sense of community is a big part of his life. It really is. Both personally and professionally. And he also talked about how he loves the works of C. S. Lewis. Oh, that's interesting. Yeah. What is it about C. S. Lewis that resonates with him? He admires how Lewis can break down these complex theological concepts and make them relatable and understandable. And I think that kind of aligns with his own leadership style, you know, emphasizing clear communication and Yeah. Building those genuine connections. And he also mentioned finding inspiration from biographies of people like George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill. So he's pulling from a lot of different sources. Yeah. Different perspectives. Yeah, a lot of different perspectives. He had the opportunity to meet Christo Brand. Okay. Who was the prison guard who oversaw Nelson Mandela. Oh, wow. During his imprisonment. Now, that's a story I want to hear more about. It really is incredible to think about these two men coming from such different backgrounds and experiences, but finding this common ground, this mutual respect and understanding. And I think it speaks to the power of forgiveness. Absolutely. Reconciliation. Considering the circumstances, you know, Mandela, after enduring all those years of unjust imprisonment, He comes out not with bitterness or revenge but with a message of peace and reconciliation. It's incredible. It really is a powerful example of leadership. Yeah, it makes you think about, you know, how you would react in a similar situation. You know, would you choose resentment? Or forgiveness. Yeah. Would you let those past experiences define you? It's a tough question. It is. You know, it really goes beyond leadership in just a professional setting. Right. It speaks to, you know, our core values as human beings and how we choose to navigate the complexities of life. And Michael doesn't shy away from these tough conversations about the complexities of leadership. Especially when it comes to ethical considerations. He talks about this concerning trend he saw in Africa where resources intended to help people in need were sometimes diverted for personal gain. Yeah. It's a sad reality. It is. That power can be misused even with the best intentions. Yeah. Ethical leadership really requires constant vigilance and commitment to transparency and accountability. Yeah. For sure. He emphasized that true leaders put the needs of others first, you know, it's not about enriching yourself or furthering your own agenda. It really ties back to that idea of servant leadership that he talked about earlier. It does. You know, recognizing that leadership is a responsibility. It's a privilege. Yeah. It's an opportunity to serve something greater than yourself. And it's not always about those big gestures or pronouncements, you know, it can be about The smaller everyday choices we make. Like when he decided to step down from that board position. Yeah, I remember that. Yeah, he recognized that true leadership sometimes means making sacrifices. Right. And prioritizing what really matters. Yeah, absolutely. And you can see how his faith really plays a central role in shaping his values. Right. He sees leadership as this calling. To serve, to lead with humility, and to create a work environment that reflects his beliefs. It's a great example of how faith can really inform our actions and guide our decisions. Yeah. You know, it's not about imposing your beliefs on others, but about letting your values shine through in the way you live your life and the choices you make. So ultimately, Michael's approach to leadership is about Using your influence, your talents, right, your resources. Mm-hmm To make a positive impact. Yeah. It's about inspiring others to be their best selves and to contribute to something larger than themselves. And when asked about, you know, what he wants his legacy to be, right. He didn't talk about, you know, professional achievements or accolades. No. Didn't he said he wants to be remembered. For caring. Yeah. For making a difference and for the quality of his relationships. And that really stood out to me. It did to me, too. You know, in a world that often prioritizes success and accomplishments. Right. He seems to understand that true fulfillment comes from making a positive difference in the lives of others. Absolutely. He also talked about building a strong team. Mm hmm. Fostering a culture of respect and collaboration in the workplace. Right. He believes in recognizing the leadership potential in everyone. Yeah. I like that. Regardless of their position. Mm hmm. And it kind of reminds me of his point about being deliberate with your commitments. Oh, yeah. You know, like when he stepped down from that board position. Right. Sometimes saying no can actually be an act of leadership. Yeah. It can free you up. Yeah. To focus your energy where it really matters. And it allows you to stay true to your values. Exactly. And, you know, for Michael, those values are clearly rooted in his faith. Right. But the underlying message is universal. It's about integrity. It's about authenticity and it's about using your influence for good He also emphasized the importance of being a lifelong learner. Oh in what way, you know always seeking out new knowledge and perspectives Yeah, whether it's through books conversations or just observing the world around us. That's such a valuable mindset You know, it's easy to get complacent. Yeah, especially as we gain experience, right? But true growth requires that willingness to, you know, challenge our assumptions, to stay curious, and to be open to learning from anyone, regardless of their background or position. He shared one of his favorite pieces of advice for young leaders. Okay, like that. Find something you love and go find a way to be excellent at it. I love that. There's so much wisdom in that. There is. You know, it encourages people to identify their passions, to align their work with their values, and to find what truly fulfills them. Right. It's not about chasing those external markers of success. It's about finding what truly lights you up. What are your thoughts on that? I think it's incredibly empowering. Yeah. It shifts the focus from, you know, external validation to internal motivation. Right. You know, it's not about chasing titles or accolades. Right. It's about pursuing something you genuinely care about. Yeah. And striving to be the best version of yourself within that field. Yeah. Yeah. It's about finding that sweet spot, you know, where your passions and your skills align. Yeah. And then really dedicating yourself to mastering that craft. And And, you know, as Michael's story shows, it's a dedication can lead to some pretty incredible impact. Yeah. Both personally and professionally. And when you ask him about, you know, what kind of legacy he wants to leave. Right. He doesn't talk about, you know, money or fame or success. Yeah. He talks about wanting to be remembered for caring, for making a difference and for the quality of his relationships. That's powerful. It is. You know, in a world that often, you know, put so much emphasis on achievements and awards. Yeah. He gets it. Yeah. You know, true fulfillment comes from making a positive impact on the lives of others. He talked about how important it is to build a strong team and to create a culture of respect and collaboration. And he really believes in recognizing the leadership potential in everyone, no matter what their job title is. It all comes back to that idea that leadership isn't about hierarchy, it's not about authority. It's about empowering those around you. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and they can contribute their unique gifts and talents. And it reminds me of when he talked about stepping down from that board position. You know, because it wasn't the right fit. Sometimes saying no is the best way to lead yourself and to lead others. And stay true to your values. Exactly. Which, for Michael, are very much rooted in his faith. But I think there's a universal message there. Oh, yeah. You know, it's about integrity, it's about authenticity. It's about using whatever influence you have to make a positive impact. It really is. So, as we wrap up this deep dive into Michael's story Yeah. I want to leave you with this. What kind of leader do you want to be? Yeah. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Think about the people you interact with every day, at work, at home, in your community. Yeah. How can you use your influence to serve them? Right. How can you make their lives a little bit brighter? Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference. Absolutely. Just a kind word, a helping hand, a listening ear. Those little things can go a long way. They can. Leadership is a journey. It is. Not a destination. We're all learning and growing and evolving. So embrace those challenges, find mentors, and never stop striving to be the best version of yourself. It's been great taking this deep dive with you. Likewise. Thanks for joining us.