What would you do if you had access to 4,500 leaders in your community?
Elisa Berzins, brand manager at Match MG has found her connection to her Impact Denver (ID) 2017 fall class and other Leadership Foundation alumni on The Network, powered by Southwest, an online community just for alumni. Get to know Berzins and login to discover how you can engage with alumni.
Elizabeth Prutch: Why are you active on The Network, powered by Southwest?
Berzins: I’m active on The Network because I love knowing what is happening in our community, both personally and professionally. I feel as though if I can find five to 10 minutes to help someone in need, then they will find the time to do so in the future when I need it.
Prutch: You’ve shared your own resources; what have you learned from others on The Network, powered by Southwest?
Berzins: I have gained invaluable resources from leadership books to read, tips for better handling moments of conflict, new and interesting networking activities and cool opportunities to explore within our city to get me out of my nonprofit organization bubble.
Prutch: What is your leadership style?
Berzins: My leadership style is constantly evolving as I continue in my career. I prefer to be person-centric while also making sure we gain valuable feedback from counterparts and find opportunities of growth through teaching moments.
Prutch: What advice do you have for others regarding leadership?
Berzins: I would tell individuals to be self-reflective and write a list of characteristics you don’t like in managers or direct reports. Then, by taking that list, you can find ways to better yourself and not manager or lead in that way.
Prutch: What does civic engagement mean to you?
Berzins: While many people would define civic engagement as “doing,” my first step to civic engagement is learning. There are so many changes that are happening in our city right now that you first need to find ways to be plugged in and learn about what is going on. Then, you will be able to find the right avenue to help make change.
Prutch: Why should other alumni join The Network, powered by Southwest?
Berzins: Alumni should join and become ingrained in The Network because it’s a group of influential individuals in our city that can make you a better individual, personally and professionally.
Elizabeth Prutch is the manager of alumni engagement for the Leadership Foundation
