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In leadership, great achievement begins with one person taking the lead and grows through empowering others to act. By persevering through challenges, it culminates in a movement that transforms individual effort into a collective achievement and milestones into lasting success.

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You don't have to have a certain personality or character to be a leader. Leadership is for everyone.

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Everyday Kindness - Small Moments, Big Impact

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Leadership often grows from the quiet, unseen choices we make to support others. Just like strong roots sustain a tree, simple acts of kindness can ground someone, help them feel valued, and create a lasting impact we may never fully see.

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Being patient helps people feel comfortable growing from their mistakes at their own pace.

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Leadership is often overglorified and seen as something much higher than ourselves, when in reality, the ability to influence even one person and acknowledging leadership moments in everyday life counts.

Another thing that stuck with me was about experiential learning; that something doesn't become experience until you learn from it either by applying it or reflecting on it. Simply reading the book or watching the videos won't magically turn me into a good leader, but it is in applying the characteristics and reflecting on the information I am receiving.

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Be the leader others can trust - Tanya Joginapally

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You can impact another person's life by changing through a 'lollipop moment' - Britanny Rodriguez

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You can impact another person's life by changing through a 'lollipop moment' - Britanny Rodriguez

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Stronger together as one team

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Make sure the people around you know just how important they are to you.

Brandon Campos

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Small actions, big impact

Everyday leadership

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In leadership, embrace others as an equal.

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Lead by Example

Empathy in Leadership

- Gopi Chandran

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Leadership is highly situational, and effective leaders must adapt their approach depending on the people, goals, and circumstances involved.

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Leadership can be shown through: Tenacity and Teamwork

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Sometimes being among the first followers is more important than being the leader.

I will try to think of ways I can be someone's "lollipop moment" by showing them support or encouragement in a small way.

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Be someone's lollipop moment! Leadership can be done by us every day in small increments; it doesn't always have to be huge movements :)

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•Quiet Strength- like a candle, leadership can be calm and powerful.

• Everyday Impact- one small act can spread and inspire others.

-Keylin Mateo

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Making a Difference, Impacting Someone's Life

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Empowerment and Inclusivity.

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There is power in everyday leadership. A simple check-in with a friend, offering help, or showing kindness can create a meaningful impact.

Never underestimate the importance of being a supporter rather than the starter. You don’t always have to be the first one to act to make a difference. The first follower is important.

-Alondra C.

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Encouragement

Empowerment

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Two words:

1. Empowering

2. Inclusive

- Ignatia Msomi

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It is intresting to realise the traits I have to work on. These are things I did not think I had, or I knew they were they but didn't realise their impact, if that makes sense, until I wrote them down. Doing these exercise has helped me have a better view of what areas need improvement and why certain things have not worked while I lead in ceratin aspects.

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What I learned: One of the most important lessons I should embrace is the power of accepting responsibility. Instead of getting stuck in blame or frustration over setbacks, I should take ownership of my journey. Believe I can learn anything I set my mind to. Real understanding doesn’t come from outside—it grows through honest reflection on my personal experiences. In that sense, I am my own best teacher.

My biggest takeaway from Module 2 is that leadership starts with self-awareness. It begins by understanding who I am—my values, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses—and recognizing where those qualities come from. With that awareness, I can intentionally choose to develop the leadership skills I need and let go of patterns or traits that no longer serve me.

A true leader must be able to guide themselves before they can guide others. I’ve come to see that my self-concept fuels my motivation and influences the kind of leader I become. Honoring my strengths while still acknowledging and working on areas for growth is what leads to authentic, grounded leadership.

Would you like this turned into a short reflection paragraph or included in a presentation slide format?

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Guidence and Influence

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Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but the one who listens, inspires, and leads by example. A true leader lights the path so others can find their way with confidence.

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Kofoworola Afolabi

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-One follower can make a lone nut a leader

-Leadership is over glorified

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Quiet leadership means making a difference through small, meaningful actions that uplift others. It’s about inspiring growth, confidence, and change.

-GIOVANA CORTEZ

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"Everyday Impact"

"Leading by Example"

Amenah Aluzri

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The concepts about leadership that resonated with me from the assignment was learning about the differences between a leader and a manager, and learning that anyone at any age can be a leader at some point without even realizing it.

-Nicole Walker

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Being a leader means helping to guide, inspire, and motivate others. Leaders also uplift and build connections with others.

-Maura Ayala

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1. Leadership is often glorified ("Lollipop" Moment): Drew Dudley explains that by only celebrating the big achievements, we tend to overlook the smaller ones. "Lollipop" moments are moments where someone's small words or actions have a large, positive influence on another's life.

2. The first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader: Leaders cannot lead if they do not have anyone to follow them. The first follower is the one to transform a "lone nut" into a leader; the first follower makes it easier for the second, third, fourth, and fifth followers to join.

- Caitlyn Clifton

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Leadership is the ability to inspire and empower others toward a shared vision, while remaining steadfast in values and purpose.

-Roman Ipanag

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Leadership is for anyone, and it is not something to be fearful of. Be confident! - Liliana Escalante

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Being a leader is so powerful and anyone can do it. Just be confident! - Liliana Escalante

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Leadership is not about the big gestures or titles but its about the small and everyday actions that can have a long lasting affect. The lollipop moment makes us realize that its about the simple moments that can deeply impact a person without us ever realizing it. Anyone can be a leader by being caring, making others happy in meaningful ways. Its about having empathy and not about being controlling and in charge.

- Batael Emeshwu

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y take always from module I

1. Being lone nut takes courage. You'll face loneliness, misunderstanding, and sometimes rejection, but don't take it personally. Not everyone will support your ideas initially. Stay confident and patient; the right first ally will come along.

2. Discern who is the right first follower. Not everyone can be a first follower. They enhance your vision, but don't try to replace or change it. Let them join naturally.

Danie.T

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True leadership means guiding others in a way that inspires them to follow willingly, without needing to impose control. - Mariana Ruiz

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Leadership is about inspiring and guiding a group of individuals to work together towards a shared objective. - Mariana Ruiz

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I had a "Lollipop Moment" that completely changed how I understand leadership. During a conversation with my sister, who was feeling extremely nervous about her upcoming exams, I shared some advice on how to manage her stress and stay calm. At the time, I didn’t think much of it—it was just a sisterly chat. But later, she told me how my words gave her the confidence to face her exams with a clearer mindset. This moment made me realize that leadership isn’t always about grand gestures or formal positions. It’s often found in small, meaningful interactions that have the power to uplift others. I learned that simply being present, empathetic, and supportive can make a lasting impact. Leadership can come from anyone, anywhere, and I’m excited to explore how these small actions can make a big difference through the USGLeads program!

RAHMA RAS

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True leadership isn’t just about having a vision; it’s about inspiring others to rise and make a difference, setting off a ripple effect that leads to lasting change.

- Ruth Beyene

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Drew Dudley's TED Talk 'Everyday Leadership' challenges the notion that leadership requires world-changing acts. He argues that by celebrating only extraordinary achievements, we overlook the small, impactful moments- "lollipop moments"-where we lead and make a change in everyday ways. Dudley emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing these moments as true leadership.

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-Courtney Cohen

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To lead is to communicate effectively, uplift, and build connections with people.

-Alexa Mae Laurden

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A leader vs a manager (Georgi Tsvetanski)

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A leader vs a manager (Georgi Tsvetanski)

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From Module I of the USGLeads Emerging Leadership Program, the concept that resonates with me the most is the distinction between being a leader and being a manager. I've come to understand that while managers focus on tasks and processes, leaders inspire and motivate others towards a shared vision. This distinction has reshaped my perspective on leadership, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, communication skills, and vision-setting in effective leadership. Additionally, learning about the various leadership styles and their impacts on organizational culture has provided valuable insights into my own leadership approach and how I can better support and empower those around me.

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Leadership is the art of mobilizing others toward shared aspirations - Cody Funderburk

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In a movement, the leader is praised for the start of the movement. But the "first follower" is who makes the "lone nut" into a leader in the first place. But the first follower does not get any credit for that. 

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Hadiza Moulaye

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Be someone else's "lollipop moment." You may never truly know how your natural skills and genuine personality can have an ever-lasting impact on someone else. You have the power to say something positive to someone that could change their life for the better.

Melany Angel

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Leadership is Different to Different People

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Leadership is Different to Different People

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Leadership is not a concrete trait, there are different approaches to being a great leader.

- Lakshmi Latchi

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Leading is not about being above others, it's about standing beside them. without the "followers" leaders would not have anyone to support them

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Britney Giron

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Leaders stand out and are ridculed, but see follwers as an equal

-Lesley Romero Osorio

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The followers are just as important as the leader as they support and reinforce them.

Karla Canas

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Leadership comes from failures, suffering, compassion, and willingness to be wrong.

- Manish Khadka

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A leader is one who has "profound and unusual effects on followers." Charismatic leaders have a keen ability to motivate others and set an example for others to follow.

-Shannon Injety

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Powerful

Meaningful

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A leader is someone who leads by example, who is on the frontlines

Benz Aponesto

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I think the concept of having one follower to believe in you as well as the fact that your followers help you become a better leader is so important.

Sierra Wynn-Lucas

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do not just call yourself a leader make sure you are a leader that contributes greatly to your cause. A leader works!!

Eniola Arowolo

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It is the teamwork of the leaders/followers who together will make change in this world.

Alisa Leung

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I love this lyric from Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" where she describes how one simple thing can lead to so much more. This resonates with me, along with many of the ideas in this module; one small idea or action can have a large(er) impact on someone than you can imagine. Similar to the lollipop story. Best, ilana Zlotchenko

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Everyone is a leader in their own ways. We shouldn't shy away from the title, and should acknowledge how we demonstrate it every day.

Keila Espana

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It is not the first person that starts a movement but the first follower that creates a "me into a we" and ignites the movement.

Jordan West

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One my favorite quotes about leadership by Sun Tzu.

-Henry Huang

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You may need to invest in yourself to develop your leadership qualities, as it is not innate. Possess self-assurance and moral integrity. 

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•Karen Chij

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Empowerment: Empower those whom you wish to lead and guide them toward success.

Connection: Without establishing a close connection, you cannot lead effectively unless you resonate with your followers.

-Ashley Morales

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Stand out and be the first to lead.

Jonathan Delcid

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Leadership can come from anywhere at anytime, we should "get over the fear of how extraordinary powerful we can be in each other's lives to move beyond it"

Jessica Cifuentes-Caravantes

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"Leadership should not be something bigger than us or beyond us but instead should be something we acknowledge every day"

- Drew Dudley

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Great Leaders are inspired! They are molded by their life experiences and circumstance to be resilient, kind, empathetic, and so much more. Leaders are not born resilient. Their life stories tells the story of them and how they were resilient, kind, and empathetic.

Ludivine Kom Liapoe

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A leader guides others and stands in the gap to improve lives.

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Leadership can do amazing things when used correctly.

Anyone can be a leader if they truly try to.

Julia Yen

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The concept of listening as leadership where instead of always pushing and advocating you ask people what they need or want resonates with me

Ian

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“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure“ - Marianne Williamson

This quote itself shows that by having an impact on one person, they can change the who world. And we should see leadership like that.

Joseph Alminagor

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Leadership comes in all different forms.

Leadership can reach you at any point in your life, it’s never “too late”.

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1. "Servant Leadership" emphasizes leaders serving and empowering their teams, prioritizing the well-being and development of their followers.

2. "Leading by Example" means that effective leaders demonstrate the behavior and values they expect from their team, setting a positive and inspiring standard for others to follow.

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Leadership is not about pulling people to follow your path. It's about shining enough light for them to find their own route.

Bosses aim to wield power. They issue commands to maintain control.

Leaders strive to empower. They delegate authority to unleash potential.

Paulo :)

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Always find the way to communicate as a leader. Find ways to celebrate your everyday achievement and if you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together!

-Temmy

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The "Lollipop concept of leadership really had me thinking and with that it entails exhibiting positive attributes whether in speech, body language , etc . in ensuring we  empower others.

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The "Lollipop concept of leadership really had me thinking and with that it entails exhibiting positive attributes whether in speech, body language , etc . in ensuring we  empower others.

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The lone nut is nothing without the follower

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The lone nut is nothing without the follower

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A leader isn't a leader until he has a follower. This means the people who hold the most importance are the followers not the leaders themselves.

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A concept for me that i learned about leadership from this activity is that leaders are not born but made.

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Two words/concepts about leadership that resonate with me from the assignment and/or activity are positivity and encouragement.
- Swechchha Shrestha

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1. Servant Leadership: This concept emphasizes a leader's primary focus on serving the needs of their team members and empowering them to reach their full potential. It involves selflessness, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

2. Transformational Leadership: This approach involves inspiring and motivating team members to go beyond their own self-interests and work towards a common vision. Transformational leaders encourage creativity, innovation, and personal growth, often leading to positive changes in both individuals and the organization as a whole.

-Roberto Mejia

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The first follower helps a lone nut become a leader.

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A good leader should be able to communicate and share his/her power/resources to make people around him/her succeed in their lives. Without sharing, leadership turns into a dictatorship.

- GeZhi Liu

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Wong, J. J. (n.d.). JJ Wong. Inspiration Boost. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.inspirationboost.com/leadership-quote/

II. THREE UNIVERSAL TRUTHS
1. Nothing is lost in the universe

2. Everything Changes
3. The Law of Cause and Effect

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2012.). The Buddhist Core Values and perspectives for protection challenges: Faith and protection. UNHCR. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.unhcr.org/protection/hcdialogue%20/50be10cb9/buddhist-core-values-perspectives-protection-challenges-faith-protection.html

(Rivka Oren)

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Two words I would use that resonate with me include 1. Communication 2. Responsibility.

- Daelen Cantillo

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"The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority."- Kenneth H. Blanchard

-Aleena Aulakh

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A boss will have a title, a position and power, but a true leader has the people ready to follow him, to learn from him, and to support him.

-Aleena Aulakh

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True leaders are the one who guide you to do better, who support you and who make you into great leaders.

-Aleena Aulakh

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-Jeffrey Cheng

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"The first follower is what transforms the lone nut into a leader"

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"The first follower is what transforms the lone nut into a leader"

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"if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together"

-Rorie Campbell :)

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Ambition and Perseverance

- Hilary Nguyen

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A true leader must have a strong and passionate voice. -Fabio Garay

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Leadership can be learned and is a lifetime activity. -Fabio Garay

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Empathy allows a leader to understand different perspectives and share feelings.

Integrity will cause a leader to give credit where it's due and acknowledge the efforts of others.

Communication, whether it be public speaking, negotiating, managing conflict, or between individuals, is vital to articulate the thoughts of a leader.

-Leslie Kim

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- Deborah Hwang

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"Leadership is an action, not a position" - Donald McGannon

- Deborah Hwang

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We can't afford to stand still, or stick with the status quo. We have to grow and evolve as we create a better world.

That's why leadership isn't just about being a boss and telling people what to do. It's also about being empathetic, understanding, respectful, and recognizing the need for change throughout the organization.

Leadership is a continual process of growth and evolution.

- Deborah Hwang

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Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time - RBG 

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courage is the ability to be vulnerable, and when we are vulnerable, we are unstoppable!

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courage is the ability to be vulnerable, and when we are vulnerable, we are unstoppable!

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I'm Elsy Estrada Murillo :)

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Communication- in order to be a great leader you must be able to communicate effectively.

Courage- it takes courage to step up and lead. To do something different, to see changes you would like to be made, among others.

Humility- being humble goes a long way in being a great leader.
-Dominique Duncan

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Impact, Passion, Purpose

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Speaking and living your truth is one way to lead without having to convince others to do the same. You can move others by simply living this way. This is the magic if inspiring others to be their true selves, by simply being yours. 

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Speaking and living your truth is one way to lead without having to convince others to do the same. You can move others by simply living this way. This is the magic if inspiring others to be their true selves, by simply being yours. 