So many good leaders didn’t start with their eye on XYZ target. They start as purely passionate individuals.

How can we be guaranteed success? In this episode, Dr. Genevra Walters and Dr. Jeff Williamson delve into one of the major themes for success: passionately pursuing what you love. 

Dr. Genevra Walters had no interest in such a leadership position as she finds herself in now. In fact, early in her career she told her mentors that she was opposed to it. As Dr. Walters continued chasing down her passion for education and working alongside leaders in her career, the responsibility of being district superintendent began to match perfectly with her experience and drive. Currently, Dr. Walters has served as the Kankakee School District 111 Superintendent for nearly a decade. 

Tune in to hear more about Dr. Walter’s leadership journey. She discusses the pivotal moments of her life that shaped her towards the role she is in now, the value of pursuing what you love, and the constant growth that leaders pursue. 

SHOW NOTES

“The Courage to Teach” by Parker Palmer
“Servant Leadership” by Robert Greenleaf

Meet Your Guest

Dr. Genevra Walters

Dr. Genevra Walters currently serves as the Kankakee School District 111 Superintendent. She has been leading 11 local school buildings, with a total of 5300 students and 900 staff members, for eight years. Dr. Walters graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work, additionally pursuing her Doctorate in Education at Illinois State University. 

Early on in her career, Dr. Walters was in the same position that many young adults can relate to. She felt a calling towards her career path in Social Work and Education, but she struggled with knowing what success and stability looked like. Dr. Walters knew one thing: she wanted to help students equally access quality education. This personal mission remained at the forefront of her career pursuit, becoming the foundation for her success and continued mission statement in her current role. 

About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast

Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.

Meet Your Hosts

Jeff Williamson

Brian Prairie

Show Sponsor

Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.