Goolsby Leadership Academy
Throughout my life, I have had the pleasure of serving in a variety of leadership positions and organizations. While they were all incredibly beneficial to my growth and development, the Goolsby Leadership Academy stands out as the most impactful. It not only deepened my understanding of leadership principles but also challenged me to embrace my unique strengths and refine my skills in ways no other experience has. Here's How:
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Leadership Begins with Understanding Your Strengths
For as long as I can remember, I've been an introvert, and for the longest time, I believed it was my greatest weakness. However, after being selected into the Goolsby Leadership Academy, I quickly realized that my introversion was not a limitation but a powerful asset. The program’s emphasis on self-awareness and leveraging individual strengths challenged me to embrace my reflective nature, thoughtful approach, and ability to deeply connect with others. I discovered that my preference for listening over speaking, observing before acting, and carefully analyzing situations positioned me to lead with empathy, intentionality, and a focus on building trust. Through this journey, I came to understand that true leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about recognizing and amplifying what makes you unique.
Activities & Leadership
Marketing Director - Cohort Project
In the Goolsby Leadership Academy, each cohort is required to take part in a 2-year project, beginning in the first semester of our junior year and ending as the final project of our final Goolsby class. The only direction we are given is that we must find a way to raise money to support a cause of our choice. With such a large amount of freedom, it is up to us to organize ourselves in an efficient way so that we can come together and produce a positive outcome. As a member of Cohort 19, we decided to raise money in support of the Welman Project, a local non-profit that provides free supplies and materials to teachers.
Role/Lessons Learned:
As a marketing major when the project began, I felt it would be an extremely beneficial experience to serve as the marketing director for the project. I brought together a team and we led a number of successful marketing campaigns, with the primary campaign being for our 5k fundraiser event.
Although I switched my major to finance at the halfway point, there were still many valuable lessons I was able to take away from this project. The most important takeaway for me was discovering the importance of having a dynamic communication style. Initially, I approached tasks by casually asking for volunteers, assuming that the team would naturally step forward. However, I quickly learned that this approach often led to delays and misalignment. To address this, I adapted my style by creating a more structured environment, where I assigned specific tasks to individuals based on their strengths and availability. This shift not only improved accountability but also ensured that everyone clearly understood their responsibilities, resulting in greater efficiency and collaboration within the team. This was one of, if not the most impactful learning experience during my time with Goolsby.
Results:
After countless hours of organizing events, designing and distributing advertisements, and building community partnerships, our marketing efforts succeeded in raising nearly $5,000 overall. After covering expenses, we had the privilege of donating $3,752.92 to The Welman Project, leaving behind unforgettable memories and the satisfaction of knowing we made a meaningful difference in our local community.
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Study Abroad - Germany & Czech Republic
As a member of the Goolsby Leadership Academy, I had the privilege of participating in a study abroad program that took us to Germany and the Czech Republic. During this trip, we explored emerging industries and investment opportunities in the Czech Republic, including cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, which are supported by world-class research centers like those at the Czech Technical University in Prague. We also examined the country’s booming e-commerce sector, exemplified by Alza.cz, and its ambitious goals in renewable energy. One of the most striking takeaways from the experience was learning about the significantly stricter technology and AI regulations in the European Union compared to the United States. Beyond the professional insights, I was deeply impressed by the cultural differences, particularly the straightforwardness of communication and the emphasis on work-life balance, which stood out as a hallmark of the European approach to both work and life. This experience not only broadened my global perspective but also enhanced my understanding of innovation, regulation, and cultural dynamics in the modern business landscape.