Leadership Greater Topeka: Johnnie Sanders

TK: What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Why?

The most important characteristic that every leader should possess would be integrity. A leader who has integrity is fair, honest, and will not simply tell people what they want to hear, but what they need to hear for the greater good. A leader with integrity will not lie or deceive others to get what they want. A leader with integrity earns the respect of others and is trustworthy.

TK: Best advice you received?

The best advice I received came from my mother. She told me to never let your children be broke. If they are broke, it leaves them in a situation where they can become desperate. Desperate people do desperate things and it leaves them vulnerable.

TK: What motivates or inspires me? 

I am motivated by the desire to help young children receive the best education possible. Education equals the playing field between those that have and those that have not. You can be born in poverty, and you don’t have to stay there.