2024 40 Under 40: Ryan Morris

Ryan Morris aims to break barriers that could prevent the success of his team.

Morris, 32, is the director of talent development for CoxHealth, and he aims to help employees grow their talents and professional skills through the health system’s Emerging Leaders Program. This program provided 20% of graduates of the program with a promotion and led to a 94% retention rate of employees.

“This innovative step is the first of many future efforts of its kind to ensure we sustain a culture of growth within the organization,” Morris says.

Additionally, he aspires to aid underserved individuals within the community, especially after his time as president of the Missouri Rehabilitation Association.

“My hope in providing opportunities, whether professional or civic, is to identify and remove as many barriers as possible for individuals to have the ability to thrive and succeed,” says Morris.

Your professional aha moment? Lesson learned the hard way through mistakes – being partially right with a team is better than being fully right alone.

Favorite book? "Greenlights," by Matthew McConaughey (audiobook version only!).

Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I love running and exercising! Currently, I am training for my second half-marathon – and hopefully a full marathon following.

Favorite local food order? Weewowwow or Cardinals rolls from Hinode.