Leadership Fellows Spotlight: Protégé Adam Ward and mentor Linda Leary
CBPP’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 22 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 Adam Ward, who is pursuing his BBA in Logistics and Management, and his mentor, Linda Leary, who is a prolific entrepreneur here in Alaska.
Where are you from? How did you decide to purse a career in Alaska?
I grew up in Stockholm, Maine and decided to move up to Alaska to look for a job after college. I liked the adventure that Alaska had to offer.
Where did you go to college? What did you study in college?
I studied at the University of Maine and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics and Business Studies.
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?
The team that I worked with was a key part in my success as a leader. I emphasize that knowing the operations of the business is important for success in a management role.
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?
Good work ethic and a will to work your way to the top should be instilled in future generations.
The College of Business and Public Policy is excited to host this unique mentorship program and is grateful for our excellent protégés and for the outstanding business leaders who have chosen to participate as mentors.