This one time, in college…

As we approach the next quarter-century, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the journey of personal and professional growth. Time, an unyielding force, moves swiftly, often leaving us caught up in the noise, distractions, and routines of life. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these challenges but also pushed us to connect, learn, and innovate in unprecedented ways.

Looking ahead to 2025, I sought to accelerate my executive leadership skills and chart a path for intentional growth.

What better place to start than my alma mater, The University of Tampa, where the foundation of my leadership journey was laid? My search led me to the “Modern Advances in Leadership” certification program, a part of the university’s MBA curriculum but also available to working professionals. This 10-week program was tailored to address critical facets of leadership, particularly those relevant to entrepreneurial startups and small businesses operating in hybrid or virtual environments.

As we delved into each module, guided by outstanding mentors and community advisors, I was reminded of the early seeds of leadership planted during my undergraduate years.

Rewind 25 years to my time as a student at The University of Tampa. By the end of my freshman year, financial challenges loomed large, threatening ability to continue my education. In a fortunate turn of events, I secured a role with the Student Productions board, which became my lifeline for the next three years. Starting as a volunteer and eventually rising to the position of President, I treated this role with the commitment of a full-time job. The stipend I earned supplemented my scholarships, allowing me to complete my degree.

This role was more than a financial bridge; it was a transformative leadership experience. Managing four departments with chairs, co-chairs, and volunteers, overseeing an annual budget to coordinate 20-40 events per semester, and representing the university at regional conferences to negotiate talent/event acquisition helped hone my leadership acumen in a short period.

One of the most pivotal moments during my tenure was recognizing the imbalance in workload and compensation among team members. Co-chairs, who often outperformed their departmental chairs, were unpaid, while only the President, Vice President, and department chairs received stipends. Having been in their position, I understood the strain of balancing academic, financial, and organizational responsibilities. I felt compelled to advocate for equitable compensation, not just as a means of fairness but also to incentivize and retain talent within our organization.

To address this, I reviewed the organization’s budget and proposed reallocating my own stipend to fund stipends for co-chairs. After lobbying Student Government and working closely with our advisor, we successfully passed a motion to adjust our bylaws, ensuring all positions received appropriate compensation. This unconventional and unpopular decision not only reduced burnout and improved retention but also strengthened our recruitment process, ensuring the continuity of our organization’s success.
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about vision, execution, and the importance of collaboration. Vision alone is insufficient; effective leadership requires the support of a network that shares your goals and empowers you to act.

Over the years, these lessons have guided me from being recognized as one of Florida’s top 20 college student leaders in 2001 to receiving the University of South Florida Outstanding Staff Award in 2013, and now over a decade later serving in an executive role at a marketing agency.

As we move toward 2025, the question remains: How do you plan to intentionally grow within your organization, your business, and your personal life?

Leadership, particularly in entrepreneurial startups, plays a critical role in driving innovation, fostering resilience, and creating sustainable success. It is through strong leadership that visions are transformed into reality, empowering teams to overcome challenges and achieve collective goals. Let’s embrace the journey with a clear vision and the resolve to lead with purpose and impact.

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