Spring Leadership Summit: The Leader Within
On Monday, February 6, 2023, the Center for Leadership held it's bi-annual Leadership Summit. The goal of the Summit is to bring the Center's affiliate together from across campus to provide updates on the Center and to celebrate leadership.
This Spring's Summit was very well attended, with around 80 attendees from 13 different affiliate programs, board members, executive committee members, and students. The attendees were welcomed by Chancellor DiStefano, current interim Executive Director for the Center, who reflected on the new Strategic Plan and how that will guide the Center for Leadership's efforts to build a community that connects leaders across campus, to create new and inclusive experiential opportunities, and to understand and practice leadership.
Attendees then heard from the Center's 2023 recipients of the Student Leaders of the Year nominees as they engaged in a panel discussion moderated by Walt Morgan, a Center for Leadership Executive Committee member.
When asked, “What makes your approach to leadership unique to you?”, Matthew (CU GOLD), Cade (ENLP), and Sabrina (Outdoor Pursuits) shared similar sentiments of being true to themselves, recognizing the individuality within themselves and others.
In response to, “How has your understanding of leadership changed over time?”, both Natalie (Army ROTC) and Anneliese (Air Force ROTC) described similar experiences of expecting military leaders within ROTC to be the "tough drill sergeant", but were surprised when their officers prioritized not only the mission, but the well-being of their soldiers. Savannah (Scripps), while not in the military, agreed that she originally used to think to be a leader one had to be the loudest and most energetic, but found that the most impactful leaders lead through example and by showing kindness and compassion.
To the question, “What is an area of growth that you would like to pursue that would make you a more effective leader?”, Anya (Leeds Scholars) responded that she likes to feel in control, but after the pandemic learned that that isn’t possible, and is learning to take more risks in leadership.
In answering, “Is there something about you that you thought might limit you as a leader, that instead made you a more capable leader?”, Nicolas (MLS) shared his experience coming to a large university as a first-generation student and how that felt like a disadvantage at the time. Then found that he gained skills in being self-reliant and in community building. Sabrina described how being sensitive seemed like a weakness when leaders are seen as tough and strong. However, sensitivity has allowed for deeper connection and trust, especially in environments that other people are uncomfortable or scared, having empathy and vulnerability is an asset.
When Walt inquired, “I believe that leaders are built from the inside out. What does that mean to you?”, Caitlin (PLC) said there are two main parts: grit and reflection. Being able to persevere through challenges and showing up for yourself. Also being able to look at a situation on how you can make yourself or the situation better and taking constructive criticism. Anya thinks it means being authentic, understanding who you are and why you are here, and what you bring to the table. Finding what drives you, not focusing on optics, but how you feel.
In reply to, “What would you say to somebody who doesn’t believe that they can be a leader?”, Nicolas shared that it is important to recognize everyone is a leader every day in little ways and need to acknowledge the little things as an agent of change and you should embrace them.
The students concluded the panel by sharing what is possible in their roles as a leader and their impact. Responses ranged from leading pilots in the Air Force, to bettering themselves, to having no idea what the future holds but knowing to stay true to their why.
These young leaders bolstered many attendees’ energies around how the collective understanding and definition of leadership is expanding.
To cap off the evening, a meet and greet was held to foster community and networking amongst those in attendance.
The next Summit will be held in fall of 2023.