Leadership In Action

The words “boss” and “leader” are often used interchangeably, but their meanings couldn’t be further apart. A boss commands; a leader listens. A boss demands respect; a leader shows it. A boss controls; a leader inspires.

True leadership involves empowering others while serving the community and those around you. At Anthologic, we’re fortunate to have great leaders at every level and department, including two who are dedicated to our organization and our community — Director of Public Relations Kelsey Hanson and VP of Operations Alyssa Saunders.

Elevating others. Broadening perspectives.

Kelsey has spent her life learning from those around her, and the organizations she is a part of reflect her desire to connect with like-minded people and help make an impact. “I find leadership most fulfilling when I help others identify and leverage their strengths,” she says.

“True leadership isn’t about elevating yourself — it’s about helping lift others up to their full potential.” She’s currently a board member on the Greater Des Moines Partnership Public Relations Committee, a member of the Public Relations Society of America Central Iowa Chapter and a member of the Turf and Ornamental Communication Association (TOCA).

Similarly, Alyssa has always felt a deep responsibility to broaden her perspective and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences across Iowa, the state she has called home for most of her life.

That inclination drove Alyssa’s interest in joining Leadership Iowa, a program that brings together 40 leaders from various industries and organizations across the state to deepen their understanding of key issues facing Iowa. Alyssa’s role involves active participation in discussions, site visits and hands-on learning experiences across monthly sessions that explore economic development, education, government, agriculture and more.

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Additionally, she also serves on the board of the Science Center of Iowa and is actively involved with Women Lead Change, where she has volunteered for the past five years supporting the conference and marketing committee.

“These experiences push me to think differently and approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Whether it’s a dynamic group discussion in Leadership Iowa or tackling an initiative at the Science Center, I have the opportunity to witness innovative problem-solving in action,” she says.

Laying The Foundation.

While great leaders are never in it for recognition, Kelsey and Alyssa’s work at Anthologic and with other organizations has helped them reach significant milestones and opportunities.

In September 2024, Kelsey was selected to the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Class of 2025. The 9-month curriculum includes leadership development training and exposure to community issues through experiential learning, expert presentations and class discussions.

In March, Alyssa was chosen as a member of the Des Moines Business Record’s Forty Under 40, an annual list of local leaders under the age of 40 “who have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement.”

These achievements represent the continuous journey of growth that defines true leadership. They also serve as inspiration for the next generation of female leaders.

“I once read a statistic about how often men apply for jobs they aren’t fully qualified for, compared to how often women hesitate to apply for roles they are qualified for — and that stuck with me,” Alyssa says. “Too often, we let self-doubt or imposter syndrome hold us back from opportunities we are more than capable of taking on.

“To young women aspiring to leadership: Put yourself in the game. Apply for the job, speak up in the meeting, take on the challenge. Even if your confidence feels shaky, step forward anyway. More often than not, you’ll find that you were more prepared, more capable and more ready than you thought. Growth comes from stepping into spaces that feel just beyond.”