Former Governor Mike Parson Reflects on Leadership, Public Service and Missouri’s Future

LEBANON, Mo. — Lebanon Now’s Taylor Howe recently sat down with former Missouri Governor Mike Parson at the 57 Foundation for a conversation about elections, leadership, public service and what he believes lies ahead for Missouri.

During the interview, Parson reflected on everything from his first campaign for Polk County sheriff to serving as Missouri’s 57th governor, while sharing what he believes separates effective leaders from politicians.

“People are trusting you.”

Parson said no election carried more personal significance than his first race for Polk County sheriff.

Unlike statewide campaigns, where candidates may never meet many of the people casting ballots, Parson said local races are deeply personal.

“These are the people you go to church with. These are the people your kids go to school with. These are the people you see at the grocery store.”

He said earning the trust of neighbors and friends made that first victory the most humbling experience of his political career.

Staying Authentic

Despite never losing an election, Parson said he never relied on previous victories.

Instead, he credited success to listening, working hard and refusing to pretend to be someone he wasn’t.

“The worst mistake you’ll ever make is trying to be somebody you’re not.”

He said voters are looking for genuine leaders instead of carefully crafted political personalities.

“I think people are hungry for a down-to-earth politician that’s like them.”

Parson added that no amount of advertising can replace meeting voters face-to-face.

“I never believed anybody would outwork me,” he said.

Choosing Leaders with a Servant’s Heart

As governor, Parson appointed several statewide officials who have since advanced to prominent leadership positions.

When asked what qualities he looked for, his answer was simple.

“The whole secret to why I picked the people I picked is called public service.”

Rather than focusing on political popularity, Parson said he wanted people willing to sacrifice for others and put Missouri first.

“Are you really willing to sacrifice for other people?”

He said those appointments were made with the future of Missouri in mind, and he believes they have proven successful.

Continuing the Work Through the 57 Foundation

Although he has left elected office, Parson said his commitment to serving Missourians continues through the 57 Foundation.

The nonprofit helps working Missourians overcome temporary financial emergencies that could keep them from remaining employed.

Whether it’s repairing a vehicle, helping with childcare, covering car insurance or replacing a refrigerator, the goal is to solve the immediate problem so someone can get back to work.

“Our foundation is set up to make sure they can go to work the next morning.”

Unlike long-term assistance programs, the foundation provides one-time help through referrals from people within the community.

Looking Ahead

When asked what gives him hope for Missouri’s future, Parson pointed to the values he believes continue to unite the state.

“I think faith plays a big role. I think family plays a big role. And then I think freedom plays a big role.”

He said that despite political disagreements, most Missourians want the same basic things: safe communities, good schools and opportunities for their families.

“Govern, Not Politics”

Parson also encouraged elected officials to remember why they sought office in the first place.

“You should be there to govern, not to run politics.”

He argued that once campaigns are over, leaders should spend less time making political statements and more time accomplishing the work voters elected them to do.

Parson pointed to accomplishments during his administration, including multiple state income tax reductions, record revenues and historically low unemployment, saying those successes came from focusing on governing rather than politics.

Final Thoughts

Parson closed the interview by encouraging both candidates and voters to focus on character over campaign messaging.

He said voters should look beyond polished advertisements and ask whether a candidate will remain true to their values after taking office.

“We just need to encourage good people to do the right thing and to be public servants.”Watch full video here: