For decades, I have heard there is a lack of true leaders. Yes, I call it a dearth of leadership. A recent Gartner survey discovered that 50% of organizational leaders say they do not feel well equipped to lead their organizations in the future.
I saw the problem and offered a solution. My goal was to create an undergraduate program that goes beyond teaching leadership skills. A program that ventures deep into the “why” and purpose of leadership.
This past week, I was thrilled to launch our new Texas Trailblazers program in grand style as guests of Interim University of Texas President, Jim Davis. At a reception in his iconic office, Davis greeted and applauded the 40 UT students that were selected out of a large pool of qualified candidates.
Dreams come true, but not without the right people in the right place at the right time to help shape the dream into reality. I am so grateful for the brave souls who have taken these steps with me to meet the true needs of developing lifelong leaders. My wingman for this program is Will Florer, a recent UT graduate who achieved almost every accolade imaginable as a student and will now help inspire this group to reach for the stars.
It was wonderful seeing the students assemble for the first time as a class. Some knew each other, but many did not. We chose students from across all programs at UT. They have different ambitions, different degree plans, and different views of the world. What they all have in common is their already evident roles as leaders. They walked in and felt like they had a common bond from the get-go.
We know they will help and encourage each other as we start the curriculum and program this fall. Congratulations to the inaugural class of Texas Trailblazers!
Onward and upward!
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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