2022 ILA Global Conference
WBLI Thornburgh Academic Director Donna Chrobot-Mason, PhD (second from right); WBLE co-founder Jack FitzGerald (far right) and Lindner Dean Marianne Lewis, PhD (center) pose with David Gergen (sitting). Gergen, an advisor to four U.S. presidents, recently wrote the book "Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made."
Members of the Warren Bennis Leadership Experience (WBLE) student team attended the 2022 International Leadership Association’s (ILA) Global Conference in Washington, D.C. The students were accompanied by WBLI Thornburgh Academic Director Donna Chrobot-Mason, PhD; then-WBLI Coordinator Jack FitzGerald; and Lindner dean Marianne Lewis, PhD.
The team listened to prominent leadership voices like Valerie Biden, David Gergen, Raj Sisodia, Isobel Coleman and more. The students also learned how to implement mindfulness, how to draw on wisdom during uncertain times and how to work with leaders on a global scale. Panels, presentations, plenaries and collaborative workshops with other ILA attendees allowed for discovery on different leadership styles, insight on the decision-making process of global leaders and realization of their personal leadership styles.
Lara Taylor, BS ’23, was inspired by many of the powerful women at the conference to “work on building my confidence and to always seek new opportunities to further equality and inclusion for women everywhere.”
Invigorated and prepared to be better leaders at Lindner and UC, the team was also moved by hearing from those who knew Warren Bennis. The team considered itself more prepared than ever to continue Bennis' legacy at UC as it prepared for the annual WBLE in spring 2023.
Andrew Martin, BBA ’24
“When I left Cincinnati, I left knowing the names of my team, with a basic understanding of their interests and school involvement. Upon my arrival back in Cincinnati, I felt as if I had known each of my team members and advisors for decades. I feel that knowing your team, advisors included, allows for a better performance and structure for any organization, and I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to grow closer to them all.”
Alex Mason, A&S ’23
“The unique experience for an undergraduate student to present at an international conference is one I will forever cherish. I gained such a unique perspective by hearing responses from individuals originating all across the world in this diverse setting. There was also a very positive response and encouragement that our team received from many at the conference who had a deep interest in hearing the perspective from a younger generation.”
Matthew Toigo, BBA ’23
“We are beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity that generous supporters of the Warren Bennis Leadership Initiative have given to us and cannot wait to apply all that we have learned.”