Jayhawks hold leadership positions across diverse industries and professions, and many connect with KU students and fellow alumni through the Jayhawk Career Network. In “Copy the Leader,” KU Alumni, in partnership with SumnerOne, spotlights Jayhawk leaders who are models for others in their fields.
Jess Mumm, j’25, is the next-generation engagement coordinator for the Nebraska Bankers Association. Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, the association works to support, advance and advocate for the state’s banking industry, which collectively employs more than 15,000 people. As a KU student, Mumm was a KU Alumni Student Alumni Ambassador and served on the Homecoming Steering Committee.
What do you do in your work, and how do you practice leadership in your role?
Mumm: In my role, I connect with students and bankers to promote the different career pathways in banking, as well as engage with young bankers across the state to create a stronger workforce. I love that I get to do a mix of marketing, event planning and anything else that gets thrown my way.
Leadership is vital to my success in my role, as I am constantly building relationships and tasked with finding new ways to bring the next generation into the banking industry. Staying curious and constantly trying to learn has allowed me to become more confident, take initiative and connect with people.
How did your KU education and involvement shape you as a leader?
I truly believe I would not be the person or leader I am without my KU experience. Being involved with KU Alumni through the Homecoming Steering Committee and as a Student Alumni Ambassador pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and grow. I developed confidence in my decision-making, learned how to build relationships, and got my first real exposure to a professional environment. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation that I still rely on today as I navigate my future.
What qualities do you most admire in the leaders you have worked with?
The leaders I admire most are those who lead with authenticity and consistency. They show up as themselves, listen to their team, and follow through with their commitments. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘To be unclear is to be unkind.’ Strong communication goes a long way in the workplace and can help create a culture where everyone has the chance to be successful.
How has leadership contributed to the success of teams you have been a part of?
In my experience, leadership creates the environment that can make or break a team. I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who encourage ideas, build trust with their team, and can step in when guidance is needed.
As someone early in my professional career, strong leadership has been especially important in helping me grow and develop my own skills. It’s given me the confidence to make decisions and represent our association out in the community. Because of that support, I’ve been able to contribute more meaningfully and continue building my own leadership style.
What can students or young professionals do to develop leadership competencies within your industry?
Young people can develop leadership competencies in any industry by taking initiative and staying curious. The best leaders don’t know all the answers, but they know how to ask for help and are always willing to learn.
In the banking industry specifically, learning how to effectively communicate with different types of people and taking ownership of your responsibilities can go a long way. I used to think being the youngest person in a professional environment was a disadvantage, but I find that peers often look to you for ideas. Understanding that your perspective is just as valuable and knowing how to communicate that to your audience will help you grow in your role.
How has serving as a mentor benefited you and the work you do?
As a KU student, I was lucky to be surrounded by an amazing group of people I considered mentors. Having that experience, I knew I wanted to be able to make the same impact on others.
In my job, I am often mentoring students and being a resource for them. I am happy to be able to be that presence for someone else, and it impacts my work as well. I am constantly learning things from students and others that I am able to apply to my life personally and professionally. As I get further in my career, I am excited for the opportunity to continue giving back and being able to use my experiences to help others.
