Recently, I embarked on a journey that’s been years in the making, one that’s focused on something I care deeply about: shaping the next generation of leaders.
Over the course of my career, I’ve been lucky to learn from some truly incredible people. Mentors who led with humility, who weren’t afraid to share their stories, the wins and the missteps. Those lessons stayed with me, and they’ve shaped how I lead today. At some point, I realized it was time to pass those stories on.
That’s what led me to create the Emerging Leaders program at Brokers International.
It started simply enough. I began putting pen to paper, capturing all the leadership insights I’ve picked up over the years. The result was my book, Lead, Don’t Manage, a personal blueprint for how I think about leadership. Writing it helped me reflect not just on what’s worked, but also on what I wish I had known earlier. That book became the foundation of a leadership course designed specifically for our employees.
But more importantly, the Emerging Leaders program is about more than a book or a class. It’s about creating a ripple effect. When you take the time to invest in someone’s growth, you’re not just helping them; you’re impacting every person they’ll go on to lead. That kind of impact multiplies.
I have to give a huge thank you to Pleasure Allen, whose vision and drive brought this idea to life in a real way. Her belief in leadership that lifts everyone is what sparked this program. She’s helped build a culture here that encourages growth, self-awareness, and collaboration, at every level.
Why does this matter?
Because leadership isn’t just about a title or a job function. It’s about influence. It’s about how you show up in a room, how you support others, how you handle setbacks and wins alike. And if we don’t intentionally build up those skills in our emerging leaders, we’re leaving their potential, and our company’s potential, on the table.
I believe that every organization should be thinking about how they’re preparing their people to lead. That doesn’t mean creating perfect leaders. It means creating real ones, leaders who are curious, empathetic, accountable and human.
If you’re looking to grow into the kind of leader people want to follow, I’d love for you to check out my book, Lead, Don’t Manage. You’ll find the lessons I’ve learned, the stories I’ve lived, and the tools that have helped me lead with more clarity, confidence and purpose.
Leadership isn’t a destination. It’s a decision, made every day. Let’s make it a good one, together.