Alumni Spotlights
Tommy Lippman
Why did you choose to pursue a LEAD certificate?
I pursued the LEAD certificate to understand how leaders think. I had assumed a few leadership roles in organizations on campus and it felt natural to explore a certificate aimed towards leadership psychology and building leadership skills. I had no idea I would be gaining invaluable course experience and a staff and peer network that would positively impact my post-graduate development.
How do you use your certificate in your current career?
I’ve found coursework covering emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, managerial psychology, and team building to be the most useful in my current career. I apply this material daily by collaborating with clients and colleagues to move projects forward and solve complex problems. The LEAD certificate laid a foundation for me to communicate effectively and meet the demands of a fast-paced work environment.
What advice would you give to someone considering a LEAD certificate?
The LEAD certificate weaves topics into lesson plans that are hard to find elsewhere at Boise State. Lessons in leadership psychology, decision making, and the application of leadership theories in team settings. I recommend the LEAD certificate to anyone interested in personal or team growth, you’ll build tangible skills that you can quickly apply from day one.
Summer Johnson
Why did you choose to pursue a LEAD certificate?
I can’t remember the time where my fascination for leadership and the skills needed for a successful and positive team first started. I have worked in healthcare the majority of my life and witnessing a multidisciplinary team come together in life threatening situations struck me as synergy I wanted to know more. I have seen the impact my industry has on the communities we serve when teams are innovative, and collaborate on safety outcomes. I pursed this program to refine my skills, increase the science on leadership knowledge and most importantly gain a deep perspective in the teams I lead. This program gave me so much more and has been a key factor in my success.
How do you use your certificate in your current career?
I use my certificate in my everyday life in and out of the workplace. This program prepared me with universal leadership skills needed for living my best leadership life.
Dr. Reeder’s focus on emotional intelligence training is the cornerstone of leadership. This program provided various in-class learnings that created a space of vulnerability so that we could understand what self-awareness feels like, what being in the moment represents and to how to use those emotions to communicate effectively. By understanding how your emotions build lasting relationships, and impact your reaction can be a powerful key driver to your decision making process as a leader. These specific skills help dissect the ambiguity in what may surface in workplace relationships and arrive intentionally to say what you mean and mean what you say. This is why after graduating four years ago, this program has become a brilliant addition to my leadership toolkit.
What advice would you give to someone considering a LEAD certificate?
I believe if you are considering this certificate you are already inquisitive of what sustainable leadership looks like and wanting more. Here is my recommendation for all of you up and coming leaders wanting to make a leadership impact. Take this program, invest in your future self and allow these skills to become the fabric of your personal style of leadership. You won’t regret it.