On the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death, I chose to listen instead of speak—guided by the advice of a friend. Reflecting on that day, I realize how much the events of 2014 shaped my path as CEO of Midwest BankCentre. In the years since, I’ve come to see the critical difference between offering help and offering a hand-up. Help meets an immediate need, but a hand-up creates lasting change, opening doors to new opportunities. St. Louis needs more hand-ups—more belief in the potential of people and shared economic growth that includes everyone. If we don’t act now, the world will move on without us.