Reflections from the Colin Stevens Better Leadership Conference

Our team attended the Colin Stevens Better Leadership Conference, an event dedicated to exploring the qualities of effective leadership. The conference featured inspiring speakers who shared practical insights on personal and professional growth. Colin Stevens, the host, did an amazing job guiding discussions and reiterating these key leadership principles throughout the event.

Eileen Soisson, Wall Fellows Program Director: Pillars of Leadership

Pillars of Leadership

• Leading Self – Leadership starts from within. Self-awareness, accountability, and a commitment to personal growth lay the foundation.

• Leading Others – True leaders don’t just manage; they inspire, empower, and build trust within their teams.

• Leading Change – The best leaders embrace innovation and adaptability, driving progress through forward-thinking strategies.

Mike Schonberg, CEO of vCare Hospice: The Power of Adaptability

Mike Schonberg challenged us to rethink our approach to leadership by emphasizing adaptability and mindfulness. His biggest takeaways:

• Feedback is a gift—great leaders embrace it, learn from it, and use it to improve.

• Incompetence is temporary—no one starts as an expert; continuous learning is key to growth.

• Curiosity over judgment—approaching challenges with a learning mindset fosters resilience and innovation.

Bruce Stankavage, Commercial Real Estate Professional: The TFA Model

Bruce Stankavage introduced the TFA Model (Thoughts, Feelings, Actions), a framework that underscores the mental and emotional aspects of leadership:

• Mindset shapes everything— Effective leaders develop self-awareness, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and focus on rational, constructive perspectives that drive success.

• Emotions drive decisions— Leaders who recognize their emotions can respond intentionally rather than react impulsively, leading to better choices and stronger relationships.

• Patterns define us— The thoughts and feelings we consistently engage in create habits that define our leadership style.

• Growth requires discomfort— True leaders don’t just talk about change; they embrace challenges, step outside their comfort zones, and take action. Growth comes from doing the hard things—especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Tanisha Wright, WNBA Coach: Leadership is About Connection

Tanisha Wright’s transition from team captain to coach provided invaluable lessons on leadership as a responsibility, not just a title. Her biggest insights:

• Meet people where they are—effective leaders adapt their approach based on individual team members’ needs.

• Compassion builds trust—understanding what motivates and challenges your team fosters a stronger, more cohesive unit.

• Actions speak louder than authority—leadership is about setting an example, not just giving orders.

Key Takeaways: The Leadership Mindset

Throughout the event, Colin Stevens reinforced the idea that great leadership is a balance of self-awareness, adaptability, and action. Leaders must be willing to:

• Embrace discomfort—growth happens outside of our comfort zones.

• Challenge our own thinking—mindset is everything.

• Lead by example—actions define leadership, not titles.

We left the conference motivated and inspired, ready to integrate these lessons into our daily leadership journey.

A huge thank you to Colin Stevens and all the speakers for an unforgettable experience!