In the ever-evolving leadership landscape, seasoned professionals’ insights can provide invaluable guidance. Jennifer Jacobs, Connor Santana, and Steve Reid offer a rich tapestry of wisdom for aspiring and current leaders alike, drawn from their diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives.
Jennifer Jacobs, a veteran leader with a background in the military, emphasizes a collaborative approach to leadership. She believes in learning from those she leads and acknowledges that leadership is not about having all the answers but steering the team in the right direction. Jennifer’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the idea that a good leader is someone who creates an environment where team members feel comfortable voicing their opinions and challenging the status quo. One of Jennifer’s biggest leadership inspirations was her brigade commander, Colonel Sullivan, who taught her the importance of making informed decisions and backing up her team, even when mistakes were made. This experience instilled in her the confidence to lead effectively and support her team through challenges. Jennifer stays sharp by maintaining a curious mindset and learning from everyday interactions with colleagues or even her children. She believes that leadership lessons can be found in the most unexpected places and that continuous improvement is critical to effective leadership.
Connor Santana’s leadership philosophy has been shaped by his experiences in both the military and the private sector. He believes in empowering the right people to build a cohesive team while conveying a clear vision. Connor emphasizes the importance of giving team members enough autonomy to take ownership of their work, which fosters a sense of contribution and belonging. Connor’s biggest leadership inspiration was Chief Warrant Officer Lenore’s Ford, who provided mentorship and guidance throughout his military career. This mentorship helped Connor understand the value of inspiring and supporting his team. Connor leverages practical experience, literature, and modern resources like YouTube videos and keynote speakers to stay sharp. He acknowledges that leadership in the private sector requires a different approach, as motivations and incentives can vary significantly from those in the military. One of Connor’s biggest challenges in the business world was starting and growing a straw company. Despite initial skepticism and numerous rejections, he persevered and successfully built the business, demonstrating the importance of resilience and adaptability in leadership.
Steve Reid’s leadership philosophy is grounded in collaborative and servant leadership. He distinguishes between management and leadership, emphasizing that authentic leadership is earned through trust and respect. Steve believes a leader’s primary role is to remove barriers to others’ success and develop future leaders. Steve’s biggest leadership inspiration was President Reagan, whom he served as a communications aide. Observing Reagan’s leadership style and values had a profound impact on Steve’s approach to leadership. To stay sharp, Steve practices the fundamentals of leadership daily, much like a professional athlete. He believes that continuous improvement and learning are essential for effective leadership. Steve also emphasizes the importance of making timely decisions with the best available information and being willing to pivot when necessary. One unexpected barrier Steve encountered in growing his business was the realization that many barriers were self-imposed. He achieved success faster than anticipated by setting higher expectations and pushing beyond perceived limitations.
Despite their diverse backgrounds, Jennifer, Connor, and Steve share several common themes in their leadership philosophies. All three leaders emphasize empowering their teams and fostering a collaborative environment. They recognize the need for continuous improvement and stay curious about new ideas and perspectives. Each leader has faced significant challenges and demonstrated resilience and adaptability to overcome them. They all believe in serving their teams and removing barriers to their success.
The insights from Jennifer Jacobs, Connor Santana, and Steve Reid provide a comprehensive guide to effective leadership. By embracing collaboration, continuous learning, resilience, and servant leadership, aspiring leaders can navigate the complexities of leadership and inspire their teams to achieve great things. For more resources on leadership development, visit 10xYourTeam.net.
Published by: Holy Minoza
