From the Town Hall Luncheon: Courageous Leadership
 Print this article | Send to a colleague
By Sheryl S. Jackson
The talk show-style stage set-up was the perfect setting for the lively, informative discussion of courageous leadership at the Town Hall Luncheon on Thursday.
Moderated by Star Jones, attorney, author, television host and commentator, the panel explored the traits and definitions of courageous leadership by discussing their personal journeys and experiences. Panel members were Bonnie St. John, Olympic medalist, leadership consultant and author; Benjamin Crump, attorney; and Catherine LeBlanc, business and education consultant.
A few of the key points made by the panel include:
- There is no one template for a "perfect leader." Powerful leaders have leveraged their unique skills, traits and values.
- Courageous leaders are flexible and can easily adapt to change without compromising their integrity or authenticity.
- It takes courage to make decisions based on "what is right" as opposed to "what is easy or convenient.
- Leaders need to mentor younger people to prepare the next generation of courageous leaders.
- Credibility increases when leaders talk about "us" rather than "I" – a tact that requires self-confidence and the courage to give credit to others.
Whether it was representing the Trayvon Martin family, leaving a successful corporate position to work with a struggling Atlanta Public School System, or being a child with a disability who chose a non-traditional sport for African Americans, all of the panelists represented leaders who made courageous decisions that have positively affected people’s lives. They expressed their belief that NBMBAA members can pay homage to the civil rights leaders who opened the doors through which they’ve all walked by continuing to support young people through scholarship and mentoring programs, and demonstrating courage in and out of the workplace by advocating for diversity and inclusion.
During the luncheon, two key NBMBAA awards were presented at the Town Hall Luncheon by Jesse J. Tyson, NBMBAA interim president and CEO.
- The Silver Torch Award went to Chrysler Group LLC to recognize the company’s commitment to hire, train, develop and advance African-American employees. Chrysler Group’s support of NBMBAA includes long-time partnerships in educational efforts and support of scholarship programs for young people.
- The H. Naylor Fitzhugh Award recognizing a commitment to self-improvement and innovation in the education and promotion of diversity was awarded to Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture.
|
|
