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Jayhawks in leadership positions are everywhere you look, including through the Jayhawk Career Network. KU Alumni, in partnership with SumnerOne, is highlighting Jayhawk leaders who are models for others in their industries with our “Copy the Leader” program.
What do you do in your work?
I currently work as a St. Louis-based Business Development Executive for Built Solutions, LLC. The company specializes in commercial-grade architectural products. Our mission is to curate holistic interior solutions for people to heal, learn and thrive. Prior to my current role, I was the Manager of The Resource Center @ AIA St. Louis, where I operated the in-house materials library and fostered collaboration between A&D Practitioners and Product Manufacturers. My studies at KU’s School of Architecture empowered me with tools to succeed. In a full circle moment, I am also on the local Steering Committee for the school’s proposed new KUbe.
What are the qualities of a good leader?
Atop the list of qualities must be communication. Effectively communicating directives to your teammates allows directives to be completed faster and right the first time. This also means both talking and listening to your team. The leader is never alone – acknowledging teammates with praise leads to a successful team that’ll work together again.
How do you practice leadership at your job?
Actively reaching out to teammates from neighboring departments for their expertise. I exhibit leadership by analyzing an objective from all angles and then empowering team/group members with experience to give opinions for the table. As a committee chair for a couple of non-profit A&D organizations, creating agendas and efficiently going through each item in a timely fashion achieves better and faster results without burnout from the members.
What makes a team or group successful?
Also, willingness to collaborate with your teammates. Each person brings their unique strengths to the table. Good leaders pinpoint those strengths and delegate tasks accordingly.
How can leaders in your industry help their organizations adapt to change?
Keeping abreast with what’s new! Reading up on the latest advancements (especially with Artificial Intelligence) and alerting fellow peers will encourage new thinking. One analogy I love is with trees – given I live near Forest Park in St. Louis – plant the seeds now and see the growth eventually. Change is inevitable, but the willingness to adapt and welcome ways to embrace it set leaders and good leaders apart!
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