This past year has given us time to reflect and figure out how we can all virtually stay connected. Many of our alumni have shared their experiences and challenges on The Network, an online community just for Leadership Foundation alumni.
Our Networker of the Quarter Jonathan McMillan, Leadership Denver 2021 participant and youth violence prevention coordinator for the City and County of Denver, has used The Network to connect, congratulate alums and share his leadership journey.
Get to know McMillan and connect with him and more alums on The Network. Log in to The Network to get started!
Elizabeth Prutch: What have you gained from being active on The Network?
McMillan: I enjoy the time I spend on The Network. It’s a place to connect with people who can inspire, encourage, advise, assist you and hold you accountable in professional ways. I’ve met some really amazing people and had many deep conversations offline that began with casual conversation on the platform.
Additionally, I landed a fantastic job that I probably otherwise wouldn’t have known about by responding to a post on The Network. I have built a new, richer network of professional relationships by engaging on the platform.
Prutch: What animal represents your leadership style and why?
McMillan: If I had to choose an animal, I would say an octopus because they’re fascinating. They’re intelligent, adaptable and their ability to change shape and color is so complex that they’ve been described as almost alien. I admire their intelligence and adaptability, which are desirable leadership traits.
Prutch: What are your passions and interests in the community?
McMillan: Anyone who knows me knows I am passionate about dismantling the institutions and systems that disenfranchise communities of color and the factors that lead to youth violence.
Prutch: What Colorado’s Civic DNA attribute would you like to see in the community more and how?
McMillan: The attribute that most resonates with me is shared vision. It’s very important for us as individuals and collectively to begin to operate with the mindset of “we,” not “me.” Once we acknowledge the fact that we’re all in this together, then we can embrace rather than resist inclusivity, collaboration, responsibility and leadership.
Prutch: What has been the most interesting discussion you’ve had on The Network and why?
McMillan: Back in October a classmate of mine posted about the pain she was feeling in the wake of the news that the officers who killed Breonna Taylor were not going to be charged. I’m certain many people may have thought her post was a bit too personal and not appropriate for The Network. I appreciated the post, because it demonstrated that even as leaders in professional spaces, we are still vulnerable humans. I also hoped that even if others didn’t agree with her reasoning or understand why she was hurting, the post would provide an opportunity for them to see another perspective of the world, which we share with one another.
