Leadership Reimagined: Purpose, Integrity, and Inclusivity

Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson, Dean of the Business School at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, draws inspiration from her grandmother's defiance against racial caricatures in the 1950s, which she recounts in her book 'Meant for Good: Fundamentals of Womanist Leadership.' Her leadership journey is shaped by spirituality and her experiences in various vocations, highlighting challenges faced by women in leadership roles. Meanwhile, 'The Original Leader: Mastering the Art of Purpose-Driven Leadership' by Maitreya emphasizes leadership as an internal alignment of actions and values, challenging the conventional view of leadership as purely positional. The book's focus on calm and integrity over urgency resonates with readers, inspiring both graduates and students to embrace leadership as a personal journey. Additionally, the role of project managers is redefined beyond task management to include cultural shaping and trust-building, highlighting the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology in effective project leadership.