Words of Wisdom: Lonnie Walker, Jr.
What leadership skill has served you best?
Emotional Intelligence (EQ), has served me the best. It’s hard to be a leader without people to follow you. For me, maintaining healthy relationships with people by being aware of both your and their emotions and adjusting accordingly is an imperative leadership skill to possess.
Since your time as a 20 Under 40 honoree, what is the most impactful experience and what did you learn from it?
Being in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion space, I learn more about myself and others every day. For me, I continue to learn that if you want the most from people, it’s important to meet them where they are; not where you want them to be.
What advice do you have for future leaders?
For me, a leader is more than someone who delegates to those that follow. But rather, one who leads through servant leadership—willing to get in the trenches with those whom they have charge over. Teamwork makes the dream work.
