What makes a good leader? Rebecca Knight, journalist and contributor to the Harvard Business Review, shares her eight essential qualities of successful leaders: authenticity, curiosity, analytical prowess, adaptability, creativity, comfort with ambiguity, resilience and empathy. Arguably, there are many more traits that could be added to the list and members of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) program have spent months delving into the topic of leadership. EBL is a talent development program designed to enhance the leadership capability of high-potential, diverse professionals who will ultimately create a competitive advantage for the Charlotte Region’s workforce and economy.
Over the past seven months, the 12th EBL cohort has been challenged and motivated to go outside their comfort zone and take their leadership skills to the next level. They’ve confronted tough topics such as polarity management, ethical leadership, navigating difficult conversations, strategic leadership and much more. And now, at the end of the program, cohort members are more competent and self-aware in terms of managing their careers and maximizing their value and overall contributions to their organizations.
Last week, EBL Class 12 concluded their leadership journey with the CLT Alliance with a graduation ceremony and celebratory reception. David Head, managing partner with Grant Thornton, provided the keynote remarks. David inspired the cohort by sharing his top three tips for successful leaders. First, leave a mark. “When a ship misses the harbor, it is rarely the harbor’s fault,” he said. Work hard to leave your positive lasting imprint on those around you. Second, be a servant leader. Be generous with your time and give back. As John Wooden said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” And last, appreciate the moment. Life is full of peaks and valleys. When you are at a peak, take the time to stop, reflect and be appreciative of those moments.
David challenged the cohort to ask themselves if the journey or the destination is more important. When you arrive at your destination, did you learn and grow from the journey? As the great Maya Angelou said, “Do all you can to be better, then once you are better, be better.”
A special thank you to the 2024 EBL content partners! Bank of America, Honeywell, NASCAR, PwC, Queens University, UNC Charlotte and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Congratulations to the 12th Class of the CLT Alliance’s Emerging Business Leaders program. Although your leadership journey with the CLT Alliance has come to an end, we challenge you to continue your commitment to leadership excellence and look forward to your future accomplishments. The future of the Charlotte Region is in good hands with this group of passionate, talented and dedicated leaders.
Congratulations to the EBL Class 12 Graduates!
Interested in being a part of the 13th cohort? Planning is now underway for the CLT Alliance’s next class of leaders. The application process will open in late summer/early fall. Please reach out to Laura Foor for more information.
