Photo: Dr. Radhika Dirks leads an address about the human concerns of generative AI
Leadership Florida is a statewide community of leaders working for a better Florida. Being a member affords an opportunity to get to know people who dedicate their lives to a better state from within their communities.
At the Leadership Florida Annual Meeting over the weekend, some the most poignant takeaways are aligned with the 5 Selby Foundation values of humanity, humility, social responsibility, innovation, and stewardship–and serve as powerful reminders for what can be possible.
- Humanity
The incoming board chair for Leadership Florida Ron Christaldi shared a story from the podium about his days at New College working for a local photo lab. In the story, he described how his daily interactions with another co-worker changed the course of her life. He had not set out to do so as a college student and was unaware he was having a profound effect. The lesson is that everything we do or say impacts someone else, whether we realize it or not. In our daily work focused on business success or societal change, let’s not forget that the personal, one-on-one relationships can be life changing. Let’s use that opportunity carefully. - Humility
Retired 4-star General Stan McChrystal spoke about character and paired it with commentary about humility. Using the first United States President as an example, McChrystal highlighted George Washington’s intentional decision to wear modest attire, setting the standard that an elected person would look like an “everyday person.” He insisted on being addressed with a more humble title than “Your Majesty.” Personal power was limited. McChrystal also commented on the humility required to speak and respond effectively today. “Before you say ‘I think,’ make sure you really did.” Humility requires that we take the time to gather complete information. - Social Responsibility
Local consultant Robyn Faucy of Results 1st discussed the imperative to share our social capital. The connections we have to people who are influential or have the ability to make things happen are connections others may not have. As part of our individual social responsibility, we were challenged to consider how we can immediately connect 1-2 people to a resource or to a person who could boost their success. Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, spoke about moral clarity as an essential characteristic for leaders today. This means doing the right thing even when it’s hard–another aspect of social responsibility. - Innovation
It is likely that all gatherings of leaders today will have at least one conversation about AI and its role in shaping a newly emerging world. The Leadership Florida Annual Meeting concluded with a focus on Generative AI and the implications to human beings. Led by Dr. Radhika Dirks, founder of XLabs, the session was a reminder of the power of women in STEM fields–we have many aspiring Selby Scholars that fit in this space! It was also an invitation to dive in and determine the value each of us offers outside of what AI can and will do. Whether or not we are ready, it’s here and it’s going to do our work better, faster, more accurately. Embracing innovation means anticipating the challenges and harm it can do as much as inviting the changes that can increase positive outcomes. In the field of philanthropy, there will be plenty of both to consider. - Stewardship
A Q & A session with Brian Moynihan, President and CEO of Bank of America, was a meaningful discussion about the profit/purpose dynamic inherent in strong organizations. No purpose is possible without profit, while profits help drive purpose in the work. The company thoughtfully grows its financial standing as the core of its success but also leads with an emphasis on taking care of employees, encouraging employees to be actively engaged in the community, and investing in strong diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for greater opportunity for all.
The guiding values of the Selby Foundation were developed with great attention to who Bill and Marie Selby were and how they lived. Yet the values are also universal. Today more than ever, they can be centerpieces in the way leaders choose to lead. It was exciting to see them shine through in discussions among the state’s leaders.
Thanks to Leadership Florida members, board members of the Selby Foundation, and nonprofit and foundation colleagues for their fine examples.
-Susie Bowie
President/CEO
William G. and Marie Selby Foundation