2022 Warren Bennis Leadership Experience focuses on emotional intelligence

The WBLE is part of the Warren Bennis Leadership Initiative (WBLI), which is dedicated to creating a leadership movement and an interdisciplinary institute for leadership development at UC while honoring Bennis, known as the “Father of Leadership.”

The evening’s keynote event was a recorded conversation between WBLE co-founder and WBLI coordinator Jack FitzGerald, A&S ‘17, ‘20, and acclaimed psychologist Daniel Goleman, PhD. Goleman is known for his bestselling book “Emotional Intelligence,” and also co-authored “Transparency: How Leaders Create a Culture of Candor” with Bennis.

Attendees viewed the discussion between FitzGerald and Goleman in “breakout rooms” throughout Lindner, stopping three times throughout the video to engage in discussion headed by a WBLE student facilitator and a UC alumnus.

FitzGerald opened the program by recalling his introduction to work of Bennis, who was president of UC from 1971-77 and spearheaded the university’s entry into the University System of Ohio. As punishment for breaking curfew in high school, FitzGerald read Bennis’ book, “On Becoming a Leader.” FitzGerald co-founded the WBLE as an undergraduate, recruiting former (and now interim) Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and former J.C. Penney CEO Myron E. Ullman III, Bus ’69, as speakers for the inaugural event in 2017.

“For the last five years, we’ve had the opportunity to tell what I think is one of the best stories at the university, and that is the story of Warren Bennis,” FitzGerald said.

Student leaders in the breakout room co-led by FitzGerald shared their life experiences and personal growth as it relates to emotional intelligence, while having in-depth conversations on family values and vulnerability, and how they correlate to leadership.

Overall, the evening was another step forward in the WBLI’s mission of building on Bennis’ legacy and fostering the leaders of tomorrow. WBLE Student President Nick Albers (Bus ’22, ’23) called the evening a “great step in the right direction for starting a leadership movement on-campus.”

“Each year, I am impressed by the passion that UC students have for developing their interpersonal skills,” Albers said. “I firmly believe that the WBLE enhances the experience of high-performing leaders on-campus and teaches them valuable skills for their years beyond college.” 

Featured image: WBLE student team member Matt Toigo (far left) and WBLE co-founder Jack FitzGerald (far right) pose with 2022 WBLE attendees. All photos by Suzane Buzek.