Lesly Baxter, a Credit and Collections Specialist based in Phoenix, recently attended Credit Congress 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri, where she gained valuable insight into leadership, accountability, and professional development.

Throughout the event, Baxter participated in multiple learning sessions focused on leadership without title, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. She emphasized that one of her key takeaways was that leadership is not defined by management roles, but by accountability, influence, and intentional actions.

“Leadership is about how you show up every day,” Baxter said. “It’s about being proactive, holding yourself accountable, and building trust with others.”

The conference also highlighted the importance of addressing challenges early, turning conflict into collaboration, and using clear, fact-based communication to strengthen relationships. Baxter noted that emotional intelligence plays a critical role in credit and collections, helping professionals balance business needs with strong customer relationships.

In addition to professional development, Baxter reflected on her personal growth, recognizing a shift from reactive to more thoughtful, strategic decision-making. She credits feedback, mentorship, and self-reflection as key drivers in her progress.

Inspired by the experience, Baxter is pursuing further education and certifications in bookkeeping, payroll, and QuickBooks, with long-term goals of becoming a Credit Manager and earning advanced credit credentials.

Although she has made the decision to move on from her current role, Baxter expressed deep gratitude for the experience and knowledge gained throughout her career.

“Credit Congress reinforced that leadership is about impact—not title,” she said. “When you lead with intention and accountability, you create lasting influence.”