Leadership and Ethics

Whenever someone asks me about my views on leadership, I often sense an expectation to echo a popular definition or reference the latest trend. It’s easy to default to buzzwords like servant leadership simply because they’re well-received. However, leadership and ethics aren’t just concepts to be name-dropped; they are the foundations of decision-making, culture, and successful business.

Throughout my EMBA journey at the University of Utah, I’ve had the opportunity to critically examine what it truly means to lead with purpose and integrity. To formalize my philosophy, I have developed my own definitions and pledges, living commitments that I will uphold, refine, and apply throughout my professional and personal life.

I share them as a foundation for accountability, dialogue, and continuous growth. Leadership is a journey, and ethical responsibility is an ongoing pursuit. I welcome perspectives that challenge and strengthen these commitments.

My Definition of Leadership:

Leadership is the process of influencing and guiding individuals toward a shared vision by fostering trust through integrity, modeling ethical behavior, and empowering others to achieve excellence through strategic development and support.

My Leadership Pledge:

I pledge to lead with integrity, continuous learning, and genuine engagement. I will seek and apply feedback, challenge limiting assumptions, and invest in strategic professional growth. I commit to fostering a culture of open communication, trust, and innovation, where every team member is empowered to contribute meaningfully. Through accountability and ethical leadership, I will cultivate an environment where excellence is not just expected but systematically enabled.

My Definition of Ethics:

Ethics is the framework of principles and standards that govern human interactions. It ensures that decisions and actions align with moral values and societal norms, promoting fairness, accountability, and respect for individual needs while addressing the collective good.

My Ethical Pledge:

I pledge to integrate ethical decision-making into every facet of my professional and personal conduct. I will ensure that my actions align with clear moral and professional standards through structured reflection, advisory consultation, and continuous learning. I will establish measurable benchmarks for transparency, fairness, and accountability within my organization, actively identifying and mitigating biases. I will build trust and contribute to a just, responsible, high-integrity business environment by fostering an inclusive and ethically principled culture.