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Shannon Rasic

Interview with Mentor Chad Nugent

by Leadership Fellows Protégé Shannon Rasic

The College of Business and Public Policy's Leadership Fellows Program pairs high-performing CBPP students with a mentor in the Anchorage business community, giving students the opportunity to learn about real-world leadership from local business leaders. This year’s cohort includes 21 CBPP students, called protégés, and their mentors. To begin the program, each protégé interviewed their new mentor, and every week, we will feature one of these interviews with the mentors, who share their thoughts on leadership. This week’s featured protégé/mentor pairing is Shannon Rasic, and her mentor, Chad Nugent.

1 Where are you from? How did you decide to pursue a career in Alaska?  “I was born and raised in Wasilla, Alaska. I grew up in the construction industry and after college I came back home and decided to start my own construction company. From there my career and family settled in Alaska.”

2 Where did you go to college? What did you study in college?  “I attended Montana State University in Bozeman and studied Business Management.”

3 Did you have anyone you relied on for mentorship/solid career advice? If yes, what is the most important leadership advice they shared with you?  “My main mentor was my father who was an entrepreneur. Along the way I had several other long term business acquaintances that I relied on. The most important leadership advice they gave me was to learn how to listen and interact with others. Good listening skills can help leaders influence others, build relationships, and make smart decisions. Good interpersonal skills can help when working in teams, with colleagues, clients, and customers.”

4 It is important and beneficial for CBPP and Anchorage’s business community to collaborate and invest in the next generation of leaders. What do you think should be conveyed to our next generation of leaders?  “I think the next generation of business leaders could benefit from spending some time at the bottom and not rushing to the top. Learning what the people in positions below you do can help effectively manage teams and make sound decisions.”

Chad Nugent

5 CBPP will be highlighting each mentor and protégé pairing on the front of it’s website during the academic year. Do I have your permission to have this interview and our mentor/protégé pairing highlighted on the website? Is there anything else you would like to add? “Yes and No.”