Thirty Years: The Leaders Who Shape Us
Thirty years. That’s how long I’ve spent in the Chamber world thus far—building relationships, navigating challenges, and growing alongside business and community leaders. Over the years, I’ve worked with leaders who have inspired me, mentored me, and shown me exactly the kind of leader I strive to be. But I’ve also encountered leaders who have taught me, just as powerfully, how not to lead.
Leadership isn’t just about titles or tenure. It’s about how you show up, how you treat people, and how you leave them feeling after an interaction. Some leaders leave a lasting impression of integrity, vision, and encouragement. Others leave a wake of confusion, mistrust, and frustration. And through it all, I’ve learned that every leader we encounter—good or bad—teaches us something valuable.
The Leaders Who Inspire
The best leaders I’ve worked with share a few key traits:
Authenticity: They are the same person in every room. There’s no guessing game about who they’ll be today. Their values are steady, and their actions match their words.
Integrity: They don’t just talk about doing the right thing—they do it, even when no one is watching.
Encouragement: They lift others up. They recognize strengths in people and help them develop those strengths.
Listening: They don’t just wait for their turn to speak. They genuinely hear others, making people feel valued and understood.
Collaboration: They know that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating an environment where the best ideas rise to the surface, no matter who they come from.
These are the kinds of leaders who leave a lasting legacy—not just in their organizations, but in the people they influence. I’ve been fortunate to work with many who lead this way, and they have shaped the kind of leader I strive to be.
The Leaders Who Teach You What Not to Be
Then, there are the other leaders. The ones who make you realize how important authenticity, kindness, and trust really are—because they lack them. Over the years, I’ve encountered leaders who:
Say one thing and do another. They preach collaboration but make unilateral decisions. They claim to value honesty but operate in secrecy.
Backstab or gossip. Leadership isn’t about forming alliances against others or whispering behind closed doors. The best leaders don’t tear others down to elevate themselves.
Take credit but deflect blame. True leaders acknowledge their team’s efforts and own their mistakes. Bad leaders hoard the spotlight when things go well and point fingers when they don’t.
Lead with fear, not trust. They micromanage, control, and create a culture of uncertainty. People aren’t inspired to do their best work under this kind of leadership—they’re just trying to survive.
Put ego over mission. When a leader prioritizes their own recognition or power over the good of the organization, everything suffers—morale, collaboration, and long-term success.
If you’ve worked under a leader like this, you know how draining it can be. But there’s something to be learned even from them. Every experience—good or bad—shapes the way we lead.
Be the Leader You Needed
At the end of the day, leadership is about impact. We don’t always get to choose the leaders who come into our lives, but we do get to choose the kind of leader we become.
In my 30 year career, the best leaders have left me with inspiration, guidance, and encouragement. The worst have left me with clarity on exactly what I don’t want to be. And for that, I’m grateful.
If you are a leader —whether it’s in your workplace, your community, or even in your own family—ask yourself:
Am I the same person in every room?
Do I lift others up?
Am I leading with integrity, not ego?
Would I want to work for someone like me?
The answers to those questions will define your legacy. Remember, leadership isn’t just about what you accomplish—it’s about how you make people feel along the way.