This summer, we examine powerful leadership skills: empathy, humility and emotional intelligence. I鈥檇 like to add one to that list 鈥� kindness. A few years back I found my favorite T-shirt: it鈥檚 charcoal gray with simple white lettering that reads, 鈥渒indness is magic.鈥�
Kindness takes many forms: asking about someone鈥檚 day, giving the benefit of the doubt or offering help. In a bustling world, even a little can leave a lasting impact. I vividly remember a moment when a supervisor shared tough feedback with me. They communicated with kindness 鈥斅爀nabling me to soak up their gift. I鈥檝e never forgotten it.
This issue is packed with leaders who display kindness alongside strength and tenacity. Read about Philip P. DiStefano鈥檚 15-year tenure as chancellor and enjoy other inspiring alumni profiles, including Ally Chapel, founder of jazz group Brass Queens, cycling legend Sepp Kuss, and chef and entrepreneur Bruce Bromberg.聽
Photo courtesy Maria Kuntz