SUMMARY 

Bryan  Bennett is the Chief Leadership Innovation Officer for the Elite Leadership Academy Company and an adjunct professor at Northwestern University. He is the author of the Path to Elite Level Leadership, a philosophy of leadership based on the way athletes train. 

 Lawrence Brown and Bryan discussed the similarities between leadership and team sports, and Bryan shared his own origin story as a nerd before Nerds were cool. He believes that leadership should be approached in the same way that athletes approach their craft, with a continual focus on self-improvement.


Bryan grew up with three brothers and had two parents who provided a great family environment. His mother was very educated and had graduated high school after two double promotions and was still valedictorian of the class. His father was more hands-on and they both worked hard to keep the family in private school. 

As a child, Bryan didn't participate in many extracurricular activities. However, this experience helped him to find himself and be brave enough to step out in front when he had to. Bryan was involved in nerdy activities like the science club, chess club, and National Honor Society.


His father had an inspiring work ethic that he was exposed to from a young age. His mother also had a strong work ethic, and the family would often welcome any guests to join them for breakfast on Saturdays. Bennett went to Butler University for accounting and then worked for three years at Coopers and Lybrand in Cincinnati. He then moved back to Chicago to attend Northwestern's Kellogg Graduate School, majoring in marketing, finance, information systems, and management policy. Afterwards, he began working for Amoco in their financial analysis department. Bennett's journey demonstrates his strong work ethic and his drive to achieve success.

Bryan  is a leadership expert who found his footing in his career when he became a database marketing executive. His job involved using his quantitative skills to analyze data and his strategic skills to consult clients on the strategies they should employ. 
His role required him to lead teams and this experience helped him transition into a leadership expert. Bryan attributes his leadership skills to his upbringing and his parents who led in different ways.

TIMESTAMPS 

00:01:58  Exploring Family Dynamics and Extracurricular Activities and Influence on Future Leadership 

00:04:27   From Database Marketing Executive to Leadership Expert

00:07:50  Leadership Development and Career Advancement

00:12:00   Leadership Fundamentals: Vision, Living, Reflection, and Coaching

00:14:21   Conversation on Leadership and Followership

00:17:53   Leadership Assessment, Data Analysis, and Decision-making 

00:20:31  Leadership Coaching and Managing Across and Upwards

00:23:45  Generational Leadership Perspectives with Bryan Bennett

00:25:10  Benefits of Having a Mentor and Sustained Relationships

00:28:27  Message to Millennials and Gen Z on  Career Advancement and Finding an Advocate or Sponsor

Music Credit: Music Credit: Music Credit: Maarten Schellekens - Riviera

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