Address to the Leadership Fellows of New York

Recently I had the opportunity to be a commencement speaker at the Leadership Fellows of New York commencement ceremony. It was a wonderful experience and I got to share my insights on the importance of leadership development.

Although I am an educator and workshop facilitator who uses storytelling in most of my work, I still find myself nervous and apprehensive about delivering comments or making a speech. I am many things… many things… however, I am not a speechwriter.

First, a little background on the Leadership Fellows of New York program (LFNY): LFNY is a leadership development program established in 2015 as a collaboration between the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College and the New York Community Trust. The program has developed a reputation as an excellent opportunity for mid-level nonprofit career professionals to expand their leadership potential as they step into senior management roles within the sector. I have been a faculty member of the program since its inception. Cohorts of approximately twenty-five to thirty participants are selected  from  the NYC metropolitan area for a fall series and a spring series. Participants attend sessions on many key aspects of leadership development within the context of justice, equity, and organizational change. Twice each year, I conduct a strategic overview session on financial management and budgeting. 

The 2023 Spring cohort invited me back to deliver some remarks at their commencement ceremony. I was thrilled and felt honored by the invitation, especially given the caliber of guest speakers available to the program. I began to craft a graduation speech that would uplift  the virtues of leadership development and emphasize the importance of excellence in leadership skills in order to create and sustain cultural change. The typical speech writing methods (outlines, notecards, rehearsals, etc.) were not working for me, probably because much of my public speaking and workshop delivery style is based on an extemporaneous approach from my heart. I realized that the key messages I wanted to convey were just how I believe those in leadership should — must — lead in order to be effective! It became obvious to me that what I wanted to say was really a reflection of my own journey into leadership.

Thinking about leadership development, what I wanted to say revolved around a few key words and phrases that I jotted down the day before the ceremony.  The key phrases were at the core of my comments and my beliefs about leadership.

“Step into your Space”

The opportunity to participate in LFNY is a way to support folks building their leadership abilities and practicing the craft of leadership. Each person has the responsibility to own their power and potential in order to make a difference in their organization.

“Community building and Networking”

Stepping into your space may ensure your personal growth and fulfillment; however, another real benefit of the program (and other leadership development programs) is the opportunity to connect with others who are sharing the experience. This shared experience is community-building with others for support and for collective knowledge. Do not underestimate the power of being able to call on others for support, encouragement, and organizing.

“Be Bold”

Stepping into your space and building a community and network of individuals on the same journey will ultimately allow leaders to gain confidence and think boldly about strategic vision and direction. By “being bold,” I also mean being creative in leadership. Creative leadership is about being strategic and intentional while also being empathetic. Creative leadership requires the person to be present in their organization.

“Clarity…clarity…clarity”

Leadership development can best be summarized as a strong sense of understanding about who you are as a leader, in addition to being forthright in your intentions and plans. Clarity is always your friend!

This opportunity to speak in front of a group of smart, talented professionals reminded me of the importance of using your voice to speak your truth for the benefit of others.

Hopefully my words were encouraging to the group. That was my gift to myself.