Bucknell University Athletics
Abigail and Anthony?s Adventures at the Academy -- Part 2
1/29/2015 12:56:00 PM | General
Bison student-athletes Abby Watson and Anthony Marcozzi attended the U.S. Naval Academy Leadership Conference this week in Annapolis, Maryland. Here is their report on day two of the conference.
Tuesday January 27, 2015
Today's first session began with an introduction from the Dean of Students Captain William D. Byrne Junior, who shared his command philosophy of “be excellent to yourself, to others, and to your place of work.” The introduction was followed second panel discussion, titled “The Referent Leader: Building Relationships in the Age of Technology,” which was led by Colonel Arthur J. Athens. The panelists included the Head of Operations for Pinterest, Pentagon Press Secretary, Vice President of Infrastructure Data Center for Facebook, Vice President of Marketing and Product Experience at Global Analysis, and an Associate Professor of Management at Frostburg State University. The panel discussed how technology has fundamentally changed the way we communicate. It emphasized that personal connection is irreplaceable for authentic leadership, but technology should be used to complement these face-to-face interactions.
The second panel was followed by our second breakout session, where we talked about the speed of technological growth in today's society. We talked about the importance of having a leader who has experience in the organization, but it is also important to have young employees in the company who fully grasp the technology of the current world. A common vision for the organization can help unite people with different skill sets to reach a common goal.
After lunch in King Hall with a few other midshipmen, we went back to Mahan Hall to listen to another keynote speaker, Mike Spanos. Mr. Spanos is the president and CEO of PepsiCo in the Greater China Region. He talked about how to use technology in a positive manner within a corporation. He warned us about the dangers of having too much access to technology. For example, sending a heated e-mail can be very tempting. He also stressed to us that leadership is a privilege and we always need to influence and inspire others around us.
The third panel was titled “The Transformational Leader: Influencing Culture in an Interconnected World.” The moderator was Brad Johnson, Professor of Psychology. The panel included Senior Vice President at root96, President and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce, Global Head Digital and Social Media at Nestle Corporation, Leadership Advisor and author of “Hacking Leadership,” and Campaign Manager for President Obama. We both found the quote “find your voice and use your voice” very relevant and impactful. The panelists also reminded us that masters have failed more times than beginners have tried. These pieces of advice seem small, but if we take them to heart they can have a big impact on us and our organizations back at Bucknell.
After taking a group picture in front of the main chapel, the two of us went on a run through Annapolis. It was great to see the town while getting in a good workout. Following our run we went to dinner with everyone from the conference at Buddy's Crabs and Ribs in downtown Annapolis. We had the honor of listening to a speech from former Navy Seal and NFL football player, Clint Bruce. He gave a very inspiring and motivating speech that really resonated with us. He let us know that we need to be elite, because excellence is average. He also reminded us to be curious and balanced. His motto is, “Hold fast. Stay true.” Bruce told us to ask ourselves why we do what we do with our time. He left us with the message that we are not unbeatable or unbreakable, and it is only once we have been broken when we can become useful. Overall, we have had an amazing experience at the conference so far. We have gained some great insight from high-profile professionals as well as learned about life at a military academy. We cannot believe that tomorrow is our last day, but we are looking forward to what it holds!
Watson and Marcozzi Out
