​My approach to leadership is grounded in servant leadership, a perspective shaped during my first career in theater. In theater, a production only succeeds when everyone works together toward the same goal. The leaders I respected most were never distant figures giving instructions from the sidelines. They were present, working alongside the team and doing whatever needed to be done to make sure the show came together. That experience shaped my understanding of leadership as service, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

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As I moved into higher education, I carried those lessons with me. I believe effective leaders hire capable people and trust them to do the work they were brought in to do. My role as a leader is to support, guide, and remove obstacles so others can succeed in their roles. At the same time, I try to be mindful not to get too deep into the day-to-day details of others’ work. Micromanagement can quickly discourage talented employees and limit their ability to grow. When people feel trusted and supported, they are far more likely to take initiative and develop their strengths.

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One of the more challenging parts of leadership is providing honest feedback. Evaluations and difficult conversations are rarely comfortable, but they are necessary. I believe supervisors give feedback because they care about the long-term success of their team members. Avoiding those conversations may feel easier in the moment, but thoughtful and direct feedback helps people improve and move forward in their careers.

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I also value leaders who are willing to acknowledge their own mistakes. Leadership does not mean having every answer or getting everything right. When leaders take responsibility for their decisions rather than shifting blame, it builds trust and strengthens the culture of an organization. People learn through mistakes, but when a workplace is driven by fear of failure, employees often stop taking risks and creativity disappears.

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What I enjoy most about leadership is helping others grow. I see leadership as an opportunity to mentor and guide others so they can build on my experiences, both the successes and the mistakes. If the people I work with ultimately surpass me, that means I have helped create an environment where they were able to develop their talents.

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Leadership is a responsibility I take seriously because the workplace affects more than just the work being done. It also shapes how people experience their daily lives and how they carry that experience home to their families. I strive to create a work environment where people feel respected, supported, and able to do their best work. When people can leave work with a clear mind and a sense that their contributions matter, that is when a team—and an organization—truly thrives.