STI 220: Dr. Sarah Combs – CEO of University Area Community Development Corporation
Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO of University Area Community Development Corporation, shares her insights on the importance of active listening and recounts a personal experience where she failed to fully listen to a direct report, leading to a strained relationship. Dr. Combs also discusses the significance of engaging the community and seeking their input before making decisions. She shares a story about a project where she had to pivot from building housing to creating a park based on community feedback. She highlights the importance of humility and being willing to admit mistakes as a leader.
In this episode, you will learn:
â—Ź How important active listening is
â—Ź Engaging the community and seeking their input before making decisions is essential for effective leadership.
â—Ź Humility is important for leaders to admit mistakes and be willing to change course when necessary.
â—Ź Learning from personal experiences and mistakes can lead to valuable lessons that can be shared with others to help them become better leaders.
â—Ź Focus on solutions and progress rather than dwelling on problems.
â—Ź Complimenting others can have a positive impact and increase influence.
â—Ź Speaking up as the lone voice of dissent or disagreement is important, especially in planning efforts.
About Dr. Sarah:
As the Executive Director and CEO of University Area CDC, Dr. Sarah Combs leads a community development corporation that empowers and supports residents in one of Tampa, Florida’s most underserved areas. With a doctorate in business administration, she applies strategic thinking and innovative solutions to address the complex challenges of poverty, crime, health, housing, and Education within the community.
With 14 years of experience in this role, Dr. Sarah is also a published author and a courtesy assistant professor at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. She has developed and implemented multiple programs and services that have significantly improved the quality of life, well-being, and self-sufficiency of thousands of families and individuals. Additionally, she has forged strong partnerships with local and national stakeholders, secured substantial funding and grants, and enhanced the visibility and reputation of the organization. Her mission is to create a vibrant and sustainable community where everyone can thrive and belong.
You can connect with Dr. Sarah Combs in the following ways:
Website: https://www.uacdc.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahkcombs/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UnivAreaCDC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/univareacdc/
You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc
Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @drlaurasicola
Website: https://laurasicola.com
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For more books, online programs and other materials produced by Dr. Laura Sicola and Vocal Impact Productions, go to:
https://vocalimpactproductions.com/vipshop/
For more information go to https://vocalimpactproductions.com or https://speakingtoinfluence.com
#management #podcast #communication #Leadership #executivepresence #publicspeaking #persuasion #influence #confidence
