Florida State University Panama City’s Business Administration program is hosting a talk from 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, in the Holley Lecture Hall for students to learn about leadership strategies from local experts.

“Students will gain valuable insight and advice from Bay County professionals regarding leadership challenges and success,” Business Professor Eren Ozgen, Ph.D., said. “We hope these presentations will inspire our students, enhance their educational experience, and increase collaboration and engagement between academia and the industry.”

The TED Talk format features guest speakers Joel Booth, executive director the Anchorage Children’s Home; Suzan Gage, executive director at Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, Inc.; Dr. Jessica Graham, director of St. Andrew St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program; and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Donna Pilson, executive director of Rebuild Bay County Inc.

Marketing Professor Dr. Wendy Ritz says the stories of the guest speakers will help FSU PC students understand that leadership is a journey. Dr. Ritz also quotes Dr. Adam Grant, “The first rule of leadership: Put your mission above your ego. The second rule of leadership: If you don't care about your people, they won’t care about your mission. The third rule of leadership: If someone has to tell you the first two rules, you’re not ready to lead yet.”  

The event is geared toward FSU PC’s Business Administration students, but any interested students are welcome to connect with the Bay County professionals and gain insight from their real-life experiences with leadership strategies in various fields.