What Inspires Me to Serve in Leadership Roles in People-Centered Organizations?

September, 2024 - So, you’re probably wondering what inspires me to serve in leadership roles in people-centered organizations? This question comes up a lot when I talk to other entrepreneurs. My answer is simple: my passion for "people helping people be their best" has been the driving force behind my entire career. From an early age, I have been drawn to roles that create meaningful change, empower individuals, and foster a culture of growth and opportunity. Whether through my background in music education or my experience leading complex organizations, my journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives.

The Foundation: A Passion for Empowerment and Growth

My journey into leadership began with my experience as a music educator, where I founded and expanded an orchestra program from just 18 students to nearly 400. In just nine years, the program became nationally recognized and award-winning, a testament to the power of fostering an inclusive and inspiring learning environment. This achievement was not just about numbers; it was about teaching every student, regardless of their natural talent, and engaging their desire to connect with music. By creating an environment where students felt valued and inspired, I helped them realize their potential and build confidence through artistic expression.

Transformational Leadership in Action

Throughout my career, I have embraced opportunities to lead organizations through significant change and growth; whether recognizing potential in entrepreneurial start-ups like the orchestra program and the charter school in Woodbury or addressing the need for substantial transformation in established institutions such as the rural Onamia school district. My leadership journey extended beyond music education into broader educational leadership roles, including serving as a district superintendent, where I implemented strategic initiatives that drove student success and organizational improvement. My experiences in education provided a solid foundation in leadership, systems thinking, and talent development, which I have carried into my roles in the nonprofit and human services sectors.

My work at organizations like Rudolph Community and Care (RCC), Cedar Riverside Community School, and Keys 4/4 Kids has allowed me to leverage my expertise in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and culture building. As Vice President of Human Resources at RCC, I exceeded hiring and retention goals in a high-turnover industry, directly impacting revenue growth and service quality. My leadership was instrumental in streamlining processes, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the organization remained true to its core values of person-centered care, positivity, and determination.

In my role as CEO at Keys 4/4 Kids, I spearheaded strategic initiatives that expanded the organization's reach and impact, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven leadership and operational excellence. My leadership philosophy centers around strategic integration, systems thinking, and creating environments that inspire autonomy and a strong sense of community.

Lessons from Challenges and Triumphs

My leadership journey has not been without challenges. Serving in high-profile public positions while living as my authentic self in conservative environments has come with scrutiny and resistance. However, these experiences have strengthened my resilience and reinforced my commitment to authenticity, ethical leadership, and inclusivity.

One of the most defining moments of my career was leading an inner-city charter school with a primarily Somali population through significant transitions. Despite facing external criticism and resistance, I remained focused on implementing culturally responsive, research-based best practices, as well as legal and financial compliance to serve the students' best interests. The experience highlighted the importance of navigating complex social dynamics while staying true to an organization's mission and values.

So, a Long Answer to a Short Question

In short, I love what I do. Whether it's transforming an orchestra program, leading a school, or driving growth in human services, it all comes down to helping people be their best. Executive leadership, to me, is much like being the conductor of an orchestra—the only person not making a sound, yet ensuring that all parts work together to create beautiful music. So yeah, a long answer to a short question—but if you’ve made it this far, you probably see why it’s hard to sum it all up in just a few words!

Reflection

1. What passions or experiences have influenced your leadership journey, and how do they shape your approach to empowering others?

2. How do you navigate challenges in leadership while staying true to your values and fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth?

3. In what ways can you incorporate reflection and strategic thinking into your leadership practice to ensure long-term impact and alignment with your organization’s mission?

All content on this blog belongs to the author, Bert Strassburg. If you'd like to share, modify, or distribute anything, please reach out for written permission. Feel free to contact me with any questions at:  bert.strassburg@gmail.com.