Leading with Heart Through Values-Based Leadership

More than 500 students from around the West are expected to attend the 10th annual San Diego State University Leadership Summit to meet other future leaders and further develop their skills. 
“Lead with Heart” is the theme for this year’s event, to be held Feb. 16 at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. 
Values-based leadership will be the focus of summit speakers, the summit’s creative workshops and its group activities. Students will learn how their compassion, emotional intelligence and authenticity can help them become better leaders in an era of constant change.
Randy Timm, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, has played a critical role in the development of the Leadership Summit since its creation. Over the last decade, he has seen how students have been shaped by their summit experiences and created a leadership community that extends far beyond the university. Students from nine states and most of the local community colleges participated in last year’s event.
“Being a heart-led leader sometimes means that you have to be vulnerable and willing to put your heart out there,” Timm said. “Leadership isn’t something that’s just an intellectual process. You have to be willing to step up where others may not. It’s not safe; it’s a vulnerable act. 
“[You have to be] able to understand empathy and compassion and acceptance,” Timm said. “I think this year you’ll get a great experience of not just leading from the heart, but also protecting it along the way.”
This year’s keynote speaker is SDSU alumnus Jordan Harrison, senior director of programs at Reality Changers and director of education at Rhymes with Reason. Other speakers include SDSU President Adela de la Torre and Associated Students President Chris Thomas. Inspired by lessons from the book “The Heart-Led Leader” by Tommy Spaulding, Thomas said he is excited to share what he has learned with his peers.
“The SDSU Leadership Summit this year is going to help students gain a new approach to leadership – one that focuses on vulnerability, humility and, most importantly, humanity," Thomas said. 
Summit organizers say the day will introduce undergraduate students from around the region to a wide range of practical skills that can be applied both in the classroom and in the boardroom. 
The SDSU Leadership Summit is hosted by the Division of Student Affairs through the Office of Student Life and Leadership. Northrop Grumman and Pepsi are this year’s sponsors.