Business Program hosts Leaders Building Leaders

The Business Program’s annual event, “Leaders Building Leaders,” marks its 10th year milestone this year on April 5, giving the opportunity to listen to a lineup of speakers and sessions aimed at empowering the next generation of leaders. Hosted on campus in the Everett Dick Administration Building, the event draws attention not only from eager student participants but also the business community surrounding us.

The conference, held on alumni weekend, hosts an impressive array of speakers, each offering unique insights gleaned from their experience in leadership, entrepreneurship and business. Attendees will be treated to three morning breakout sessions, followed by a keynote address over lunch, providing ample opportunity for engagement and learning.

Before starting your day, join us for a light breakfast. The morning sessions will kick off at 9 a.m. with Ruben Harris, CEO, and co-founder of Career Karma, sharing insights on navigating challenging environments in his talk, “Learning to Swim with Sharks.” Simultaneously, Ed Rusk, Director of Finance and CFO at Chattem Chemicals, Inc., will share valuable business lessons learned through his experience in Ironman racing. The momentum will continue into the second session at 10 a.m., where Dawn Koza Sevy, Client Partner at Korn Ferry, will delve into the characteristics that distinguish good leaders from bad in her presentation, “Good Vs. Bad Leaders: What Separates Them and Why it Matters.” Kendall Warnock, Owner at A1 Automotive, will deliver an inspiring talk, “You Can't Doubt You,” emphasizing the importance of self belief in achieving success.

The final session at 11 a.m. features Carl Dupper, Founder, and CEO of TidyTaskLLC, guiding participants in crafting their ideal life narrative with his presentation, “Writing Your Dream Life Story.” Concurrently, Ed Mejia, Art Director at Arbor Day Foundation, will explore the power of personal storytelling in branding with his session, “Using Personal Storytelling to Create a Successful Brand.”

The pinnacle of the conference came during the keynote address and lunch at 12:15 p.m. Lunch will consist of multiple options of Noodles and Company dishes, a gluten free and vegetarian option will be available as needed and all dishes will be customizable. This is where Andrew D. Jahn, President of Adventist Health Southern California, will urge attendees to start their journey with a clear sense of purpose in his talk, “Start with Why.” Their keynote will provide a fitting conclusion to a day filled with inspiration and actionable insights.

Union College’s “Leaders Building Leaders” Conference not only offers valuable knowledge and networking opportunities but also fear firms' commitment to nurturing the leadership potential within the student body. Secure your spot by registering using the QR codes posted around campus or using uGroups. Take this opportunity to better yourself as a leader and a student.

By Kira Kugler