Widely known for her career successes, Frances Hesselbein came to Lafayette to give a lecture entitled “My Life In Leadership,” in which she shared the motivation and influence behind her accomplishments. Hesselbein is probably associated most with her occupation as CEO of the Girls Scouts of the USA, but also held many other leadership positions in her life, such as president and CEO of The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute. She made it clear that leadership is an important attribute for successful employment and can carry you far in life.
She asked the audience to determine the moment in each person’s life that defines who he or she has become. Hesselbein shared her own personal moment, which happened when she was only eight years old. At that age, she would frequently visit her grandmother, who owned a beautiful vase. Hesselbein repeatedly asked if she could touch it, and each time her grandmother refused to let her do so. On one particular day, Hesselbein’s grandmother sat her down and told her the story behind the vase. There had been a man in the town that worked at the local laundromat. He had emigrated from China and everyone in the town taunted him and called him demeaning names; but not Hesselbein’s grandmother. She addressed him by his true name. One day, he came to her door and informed her that he was returning to China because his wife and children were still there and unable to join him in America. He handed her a box, and inside was the only thing the man had brought with him to America: the Chinese vase. He told her the reason behind this act of kindness; it was because she was the only one that addressed him by his real name. Hesselbein said that it was that moment, that story her grandmother shared with her, which made her realize the importance of diversity and the inclusion of everyone—no matter their gender, race, age, or background. This moment stayed with Hesselbein as a reminder of what is important in life. I reflected on this idea, and realized that I could not specify a moment in my life because I am not yet sure who I am, or who I will become. I believe part of the college experience includes finding yourself and determining who you are. It may take a bit more time, but I know that by the end of my years at Lafayette, I will be able to share a similar influential moment that defines me as a person.
“Leadership is not a destination, it is a journey,” is one of the many inspirational phases Hesselbein stated at the lecture. As a woman in the field of engineering, her speech was very influential to me. I believe it is important for me to be able to assert my leadership abilities in such a male dominated sphere. She said that she never found her gender to be a barrier in her leadership opportunities because everyone can bring something special to the table, regardless of gender. This gave me a great sense of hope for the future. I have enhanced my leadership skills through multiple programs, such as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and a program called LINK, which stands for Leaders Involved in Networking Kids. I consider strong leadership skills to be a vital in the work place, and Hesselbein reinforced this idea. She was a very inspirational speaker and I truly took her words to heart.