PUBLISHER'S PEACE

What is Leadership?

I was recently reading an article in Bloomberg Businessweek magazine and a wonderful description of leadership was described by Robert Ruyak, a prominent CEO of one of America's top 50 law firms stated, "Leaders have to provide a structure and a vision that will adapt quickly to change. You have to develop very specific business plans for how to achieve goals, and you have to execute."

Ruyak even composed his own personal philosophy of leadership: "A leader is not a concept, but the defining characteristic of - a person or organization. One...compelled to explore the unexplored, grasp for the untouched, and keep the unthinkable firmly in mind."

I completely agree with the concept of leadership from Ruyak, a Harvard grad who has failed in business multiple times, to even being kicked out of a bank he once made one of the most profitable during the 1980's. But his philosophy should be followed. While many in my generation are attempting to carve their own niche in Chicago and across this country, there needs to be road maps we all follow to help not only become successful, but become great, impressible leaders.

This is why Next Generation Leadership Council (NGLC) was founded; to explore, to be a road map, to identify and present the next generation of leaders in crucial areas like Politics, Business, Community Service and Education. And as one of the co-founders of NGLC, I've worked very hard behind the scenes with the other co-founders over the last year on how to position NGLC to be that power group or road map for thousands of emerging leaders to follow and contribute. We hope to attract progressive leaders who also want to see 'change happen,' not only in their immediate lives, but within the communities where they live, work and play.

NGLC wants to help leaders create new businesses and grow existing (businesses) to become profitable, so they can invest in other start-ups and support emerging (political) leaders, who also in return, can support the issues and causes of (community service) or social service agencies that needs resources and man power to build capacity. And (education) will also play a major role in our progress, as many, but not all of our members will and have aspired for higher education. Plus, most of my generation have kids in public schools and we had better be concerned with how each of our children will be educated in the near future.

Next Generation Leadership Council (NGLC) will present NGLC Leadership Luncheon, hosting two emerging leaders on Friday, May 17, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. NGLC will feature NBC 5's Deborah O. Brown and CBS 2's Ryan Baker. Two incredible and emerging leaders within their respective networks. And ABC 7's Charles Thomas will be NGLC's special guest speaker. The 'Leadership Luncheon' will be sponsored by ComEd/Exelon, AT&T, Bacardi, South Side Healthcare Collaborative, Governmental Strategic Solutions, Compass Public Affairs, MG Media and TBTNews.

Change Can Happen! and a new era of leadership starts now. And we must join in to be a part of Chicago's political, educational, community service and business industry if we really want to see change. Peace and One Love.

NOTE: To get tickets for NGLC Leadership Luncheon, call 312.980.2681 or midwestgap@gmail.com. Only 50 luncheon seats available.

State Farm Agent of the Month

Correspondent: MG Media

State Farm Insurance has partnered with TBTNews to present State Farm Agent of the Month. The agent selected is someone who has excelled in his or her professional endeavor as a long standing authorized representative of State Farm Insurance, and whose talents has exceeded expectations, which has given reason why many have researched the possibilities of being a State Farm agent.

Michael Pattrick has been selected to kick-off the year long program and his credentials are impeccable. May is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor Degree in Corporate Communications. He also received his Master's in Adult Education from Northern Illinois University.

Pattrick has garnered legions of honors and represents many organizations, like being on the Board of Director of Mombasa Relief Initiative; President of Northern Illinois University Black Alumni Association; Board Member of Northern Illinois University Alumni Association; Past Board Member of Valentine Boys & Girls Club and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Become a State Farm Agent

State Farm Insurance is looking for people who want to make a difference. People who are committed to community. People who have a desire to understand their customers and to help them meet their insurance and financial needs. State Farm provides excellent training for committed people who can drive results, take charge, influence others, and lead a sales team. Learn how you can become a State Farm Agent business owner and start making a difference. Career Changers welcome, log on to learn more about opportunities in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs: http://Joyce.SFAgentCareers.com/j/HWs