Page 6 - Leadership 20-1

Voices of Leadership…

On The Gateway to Leadership

The Gateway to Leadership is a path infuenced by many factors, both personal and professional. We asked

leaders currently participating in an Academy about their ongoing leadership journey. Specifcally, we wanted
to know where they get the confdence to know they are prepared for the future, how the Academy experience is
preparing them personally and professionally, and, fnally, what one thing they would recommend to colleagues

to help equip them for the challenges they will face in post-secondary education. It is our hope that their
responses will encourage you to refect on your own Gateway to Leadership; the sources from which you draw
confdence and how you prepare for the future.

Roger J. Stanford, Ph.D. - Vice President of Instruction, Chippewa Valley Technical College, USA

Where do you get the confdence to know that you are ready for what tomorrow may bring?
As an academic leader, I believe deeply in our college mission: “CVTC delivers innovative and applied education
that supports the workforce needs of the region, improves the lives of students, and adds value to our communities.”
Knowing that what we do each and every day contributes to the success of students and our community is energizing.
Reviewing our mission regularly afrms my responsibility to look forward, plan, and align our programming to
the needs of our region. I’m confdent that our graduates are contributing to the economic strength of our region.
Employers keep hiring our graduates!
How is your Academy experience preparing you for the future - personally and professionally?
Te Chair Academy experience to me is much bigger than the curriculum, the connections, and the strong mentoring;
all of which are critical and invaluable. It reminded me again how important it is to invest in my own leadership development and myself. As senior
leaders, it is easy to get caught up in the here and now and stay static in our development. Te Academy reinvigorated my passion to learn and grow
with my leadership skills; I want to read, listen, and stay engaged so that I can learn more and more. Te Chair Academy was the right push at the
right time!
What is one thing you would recommend to colleagues to help better equip them individually and collectively for the challenges they will face in post-secondary education?
Leaders today in higher education are under enormous pressures from internal and external forces. Staying focused on our mission and holding
true to it with our integrity and values provides the strength to lead our teams through challenging times. My one tip would be to keep your
moral compass focused during the tough times and stand with strength supporting those that you represent. A leader must stand tall and true to
maintain calm with their teams during turbulent times.

Eugene Eng TQ, IP, ID – Acting Chief - BCIT Motive Power, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Canada
Where do you get the confdence to know that you are ready for what tomorrow may bring?
Te confdence comes from an ever-growing body of experiences. With each day’s new challenges and the refection
that follows, either my handling strategy is proven or refnements are deduced for the next time a similar situation
arises. Either case is still a progression. Added to that are the combined experiences of the entire leadership team and
the assurance I have in their support.
How is your Academy experience preparing you for the future - personally and professionally?
In addition to the instruction in varied situational techniques, the Academy has also encouraged the formation of
relationships with both peers and mentors from not only my own institution, but others as well. Being in or through
similar career paths, we are able to share experiences and ofer mutual support, including the precarious work-life
balance of which the Academy understands and stresses the importance.
What is one thing you would recommend to colleagues to help better equip them - individually and collectively - for the challenges they will face in post-secondary education?
Establish your mentors and coaches and add them to your network of support. In addition to your home/personal support, they will be best able to
guide you through the challenges you might face. More senior members of leadership have likely endured similar challenges before. Te best leaders will
encourage you to devise your own solutions afer objective deliberation and provide supportive, non-judgmental feedback or praise when needed.

4 LEADERSHIP Vol. 20.1 Spring/Summer 2014

Client: The Chair Academy Job: CHAIRAcademy_Journal_20.1
Final size: 8.5” x 11” Colors: CMYK Bleeds: Yes
Created by: Goldfsh Creative • 602.349.2220 • laura@goldfshcreative.net