FSC’s Inaugural Leadership Roundtable
Esteemed Panel of Local Leaders Share Insight and Inspiration with Campus Community
The 51Թ (FSC) campus community recently celebrated the inauguration of President Robert S. Prezant, PhD, with a week-long series of special events commemorating leadership and community. As part of the week’s highlights, President Prezant hosted and moderated an inspiring leadership roundtable featuring a “powerhouse” panel of Long Island leaders:
- Dr. Chris Rosa, president and CEO of The Viscardi Center
- Kara Cannon, CEO of Enzo Biochem, Inc.
- Hon. Laura Curran, journalist, political analyst, and former Nassau County executive
- Dr. Patrick O'Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health
- Vanessa Baird-Streeter, president and CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island
The fascinating conversation, held in the Campus Center Ballroom, offered valuable perspectives on management styles and leading through uncertain times, and covered a range of topics from each panelists’ unique background to how they define successful leadership.
“I went into medicine for one simple reason--I love people, all people, and I wanted to make a difference,” O'Shaughnessy shared of the impetus behind his rise into what he called “servant leadership” from his start in emergency trauma medicine. “I believe in serving your teams and serving your communities. I think we have tremendous opportunity in this country to do better, to keep our citizens healthier, to protect our programs and make sure people have access to the care that they need. And I feel so privileged to play even a small piece in that role, to try to make a difference.”
“For me, integrity, adaptability, and empathy are paramount as a leader,” said Baird-Streeter. “And I do think that when you embrace those characteristics, you will try to be the best leader you possibly can, and at the same time ensure that you are empowering and uplifting the people that are working for you and the people that are working for our community.
“And when you get into positions of authority or influence--ensure that you're not the only one,” Baird-Streeter added. “That you helped to open doors for others so that it's not just one person at the table, but there are many people that look like me or have my varied experiences at the table to help influence policy.”
“Integrity is a very strong word for me as well,” agreed Curran, who noted the impact of personal growth and self-awareness. “When you're a leader, I think it's really important to recognize human nature and those little petty things that you may feel. Because when you're in a leadership position, it's not really about you. It's about the people that you're serving. Look yourself in the mirror and really assess yourself.
“The stakes are high,” she added. “If you're the leader of a family, or a county, or a country, or an organization--your leadership really matters because it has a ripple effect for the people that you're serving, and beyond.”
“Leadership is positional,” said Rosa. “And because of that, it is as important to pay attention to good followership as it is to good leadership. We all report to someone, and understanding what it takes to be an engaged and dynamic and productive follower is critical because it helps you to be in close connection with the people whom you lead… That's a sign of great leadership and a good, best practice.”
“A great leader is someone who is supportive from the front lines,” said Cannon. “You have to support your team. Your team is constantly looking for some guidance and understanding of where you want them to go. And then quickly running behind them to say, ‘Now, I believe in you, go ahead and let's try to get there.’ So, I think, a good leader really understands how to balance between those two seemingly different concepts, setting that vision but leave that openness to create a supportive environment. Put that trust in your team. It's important for them to feel comfortable making a decision…and always keep moving forward.”
The morning event continued with a “lightening round,” where President Prezant asked each panelist to “name a single individual in history who is at the top of your list in terms of leadership,” and “the most important quality that defines leadership.”
- Curran: Winston Churchill/ Collaboration
- Rosa: Franklin D. Roosevelt/ Being present
- Cannon: Marcus Aurelius and his philosophies
- O'Shaughnessy: Abraham Lincoln/ Being an open, respectful listener
- Baird-Streeter: William H. McRaven/ The butterfly effect—remembering every human being's voice matters and all you do makes a difference
“And for those of you who are considering further advancement in leadership, take the opportunities that come your way,” O'Shaughnessy said to the FSC students, faculty and staff in attendance. “Many times, you may think it may be too difficult, or you don't have the skills. It's okay to get a little bit out in front of your skis. Surround yourself with great people and work together to solve the challenges. One thing leads to another, and before you know it, great things happen.”
View more photos from FSC’s Inauguration Week Leadership Roundtable on our . &Բ;
