Dr. Monica Cox, a leader, engineer and author taught us a lot about leadership during her talk. She opened up by stating she would be keeping it real with us, while being vulnerable and open. Here are the lessons I took away regarding what it means to be a good leader:
- Be others-centric vs self-centric
A leader who is others centric are more likely to create spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued. Leadership is not just about personal achievement; it’s about fostering environments where everyone can thrive.
- Be someone who upholds people and not systems
In the highly politically tense times we are in right now, it can be difficult to protect the actual people who make the institutions what they are, vs the interests of the companies and systems. However, great leaders recognize that people are at the heart of every organization. They advocate for individuals, particularly those who are most marginalized, and ensure that human dignity remains the top priority.
- Embrace vulnerability as a strength
As stated before, Dr. Cox let us know that she would be keeping it real with us, which means being open, honest and authentic in her interactions with us. A true leader opens themselves up for deeper connections, so as to foster transformative growth within their communities.
- An ongoing commitment to making a difference
As Audre Lorde succinctly put it, “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house”, a quote that Dr. Cox rightly used to expound her point. As we live in a world that has systematized injustice in so many forms and in so many institutions, we can not expect to innovate and create change as leaders if we choose to ignore these unfair truths. A leader is someone who makes the brave choice to call out and speak up even when it is unpopular.
Growing up, the image of a leader I was shown was someone who was revered and feared, whose word was law and who others had to obey in almost all cases. As I grew up, I have realized that that is not the case, and a kind, approachable and open style of leadership is often a more effective one. A leader who keeps it real is an even better one, as we are currently bombarded with images of leaders who seem like they care only for them to uphold systems that treat the majority unfairly. Dr. Monica Cox pushes for a style of leadership that is honest, innovative and people-first, which is one I hope to embody in my own leadership journey.
– Mercy Ifiegbu ’26