UF SASE Leadership Conference
Today I attended the first University of Florida Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (UF SASE) Leadership Conference, sponsored by Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs (APIA). Breakfast and lunch were provided and he event was extremely well run overall. From beginning to end I was impressed.
Following breakfast, we began the conference with a discussion of StrengthFinders 2.0, a valuable resource to determine where your strengths lie and how they work together to determine a likely career path. Presented by Leslie Pendleton, Director of the Florida Opportunity Scholars Program, attendees learned not only the theories behind their strengths but were also given examples of practical application. My strengths listed in order are:
I would highly suggest that any incoming exec board of an organization contact Ms. Pendleton to arrange a session to discuss StrengthsFinders 2.0 following completion of the online tests.
Continuing on with the event was a Leadership Panel of three members: Kim Pace, Hirofumi Leung, and Richelle Atienza. Coming from varied backgrounds, they provided stories and sound words of advice to attendees that could be acted on now. From breaking out of the image of an intern to the true definition of a Ph.D. (poor, hungry, and determined), all that was said had value. Of what was said, what I took away from the panel was the power of success to blind you from the realities that are faced in entering a new environment. Failures put your weaknesses right in front of you. Clarity is best defined as seeing things/people for what/who they are. Brilliance often comes at the sacrifice of one's personal life. I was also referred some books including The 5 Levels of Leadership by John Maxwell and Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson.
Joshua Funderburke's Personal Branding session followed lunch, provided by Rolls 'n Bowls. Though it was my second time completing the session, I took away more information the second time. As always, Mr. Funderburke addresses the audience with his personable and friendly manner to get his point across that each individual needs to separate themselves from the crowd by some means of distinction. For instance, business majors not stereotypically known for their fantastic writing abilities can tailor their coursework to include writing classes as electives.
To close, the Networking 101 session introduced attendees to the art of working the room. Associates and friends of the University of Florida served as networkers to practice the skill. Walking away from the networking session, I felt accomplished in my ability to meet new people quickly and speak with good eye contact.
I heartily enjoyed the conference and look forward to the APIA Awakening Leadership Conference on March 24.
Following breakfast, we began the conference with a discussion of StrengthFinders 2.0, a valuable resource to determine where your strengths lie and how they work together to determine a likely career path. Presented by Leslie Pendleton, Director of the Florida Opportunity Scholars Program, attendees learned not only the theories behind their strengths but were also given examples of practical application. My strengths listed in order are:
- Deliberative
- Discipline
- Intellection
- Input
- Learner
I would highly suggest that any incoming exec board of an organization contact Ms. Pendleton to arrange a session to discuss StrengthsFinders 2.0 following completion of the online tests.
Continuing on with the event was a Leadership Panel of three members: Kim Pace, Hirofumi Leung, and Richelle Atienza. Coming from varied backgrounds, they provided stories and sound words of advice to attendees that could be acted on now. From breaking out of the image of an intern to the true definition of a Ph.D. (poor, hungry, and determined), all that was said had value. Of what was said, what I took away from the panel was the power of success to blind you from the realities that are faced in entering a new environment. Failures put your weaknesses right in front of you. Clarity is best defined as seeing things/people for what/who they are. Brilliance often comes at the sacrifice of one's personal life. I was also referred some books including The 5 Levels of Leadership by John Maxwell and Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson.
Joshua Funderburke's Personal Branding session followed lunch, provided by Rolls 'n Bowls. Though it was my second time completing the session, I took away more information the second time. As always, Mr. Funderburke addresses the audience with his personable and friendly manner to get his point across that each individual needs to separate themselves from the crowd by some means of distinction. For instance, business majors not stereotypically known for their fantastic writing abilities can tailor their coursework to include writing classes as electives.
To close, the Networking 101 session introduced attendees to the art of working the room. Associates and friends of the University of Florida served as networkers to practice the skill. Walking away from the networking session, I felt accomplished in my ability to meet new people quickly and speak with good eye contact.
I heartily enjoyed the conference and look forward to the APIA Awakening Leadership Conference on March 24.