Des Moines Business Record

MercyOne is one of several hospital systems statewide using robots to assist in surgery. Surgeons say it prolongs careers, as they don’t have to hunch over for a couple of hours; instead they sit at a console. It also reduces the invasiveness of surgery and the recovery time, as well as serves as a recruitment tool for new surgeons, who expect to use the devices, surgeons and health care officials said. https://lnkd.in/gSTUqCWu

Leading through change is a learning journey. Suzanna de Baca looks at strategies for how leaders can make change stick in her recent "On Leadership" column: https://lnkd.in/gTtseXHT

Angela Franklin, president & CEO of Des Moines University and our 2025 Women of Influence Alum of the year, will be one of the speakers at this year's Fearless Forward event. Franklin became the 15th president of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in 2011. She is from McCormick, S.C.. She graduated magna cum laude from Furman University and is a Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Emory University and a year-long clinical internship at Grady Memorial Hospital. Franklin has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, previously serving as executive vice president and provost at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., where she also held a professorship in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. Franklin has made a significant impact in recruiting students to study medicine at DMU and oversaw the opening of the school’s new campus in West Des Moines. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the Downtown Marriott in Des Moines. Sign up to join us at fearlessbr.com/events.

SPONSORED CONTENT: Business Insights: Check out the latest blog by Commerce Bank: The digital payments revolution. https://lnkd.in/ev-8hCX9

It is estimated that over half of U.S. business owners are 55 and over, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau 2019 Annual Business Survey, with data from the year 2018. That will create a “silver tsunami” of retirements and even closures, some small business advocates say. Small business support organizations and city leaders in Iowa and beyond are monitoring trends around small business succession plans, which plan for a transition of ownership. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gM4Cn5ns

A changing of the guard is underway in Central Iowa — and it’s happening at a record pace. Some in the community may have detected the recent increase in retirements and the variety of other departures, new hires and newly created roles across the region. Leadership transition is nothing new, but as long-time leaders step back and new faces take the helm of key organizations in Greater Des Moines, the community as a whole will need to navigate both the opportunities and challenges that presents. During our last Power Breakfast of 2025, a panel of business and community leaders will reflect on the history and culture of community leadership in Des Moines and the collective effects of widespread leadership transition on regional collaboration, community involvement and philanthropy. REGISTER TODAY to join us Thursday, Oct. 30 https://ow.ly/Jxqp50X9ocL

Shanna Sieck, founder and board president of Mason's Light House, will be one of the speakers at this year's Fearless Forward event. Sieck and her husband, Curtis, decided she’d stay home with their children after they were born. Her role of caregiver took on a whole new meaning when her middle son, Mason, was diagnosed with Gardner Syndrome at age 2. They received the devastating news that Mason needed to be in hospice care. At age 7, he died from his illness. Mason was supported in his final days by Crescent Cove Respite and Hospice for kids in Minnesota. Moved by the incredible care Crescent Cove provided Mason and the rest of their family, Shanna and Curtis set out to open Iowa’s first pediatric hospice and respite home. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the Downtown Marriott in Des Moines. Sign up to join us at fearlessbr.com/events.

Iowa’s ag economy is feeling the squeeze. High input costs, weak crop prices, inflation and tariffs are challenging farmers and the manufacturers who supply them—big names like John Deere, Vermeer and CNH. Read how these pressures are reshaping one of the nation’s top ag and equipment hubs: https://lnkd.in/gqzKfQTm

Women are ambitious at every career stage, but priorities shift with experiences. Suzanna de Baca spoke with women leaders about their priorities for this week's Leading Fearlessly column: https://lnkd.in/g_SmgS3p

SPONSORED CONTENT: Business Insights: Check out the latest blog by Oscar Health: A Smarter Way for Small Businesses to Offer Health Coverage Has Arrived in Des Moines https://lnkd.in/eDwgnVrY