Leadership Greater Topeka: Kelm Lear

TK: Who is your hero(s)? Why?

Bobby Kennedy is my greatest hero. Although he could've gone about his luxurious life as a white, privileged  male with no regard for the struggles of other American populations, he decided to learn about and discuss the issues of America with steadfast optimism and hope. I wish to copy this behavior as I grow older, because like Bobby came to realize, "the purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better," regardless of where you may reside in the hierarchy of the world. 

TK: What is the best advice you have received? 

One of the best pieces of advice I have received is to K.I.S.S- Keep It Simple Stupid. I want to do big things in this world and already have several bold ideas that I have initiated with the Topeka High Interact Club, but as I've come to realize more often is that sometimes the simplest option, is the best option. Plus the "Stupid" part helps to keep me from getting too big-headed, even though I'm reluctantly told that I already am

TK: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

My superpower of choice would have to be the ability to speak any language in the world. I enjoy studying other cultures and one of the best ways of understanding another culture is through their language.

TK: How has the current situation impacted your thoughts on leadership?

This pandemic has certainly emphasized the importance of being an adaptive leader. Throughout the course of my experience in LGT, we've talked about adaptive solutions versus technical solutions and this pandemic has been a good example of what it means to initiate adaptive solutions to an ever-changing problem.

 TK: What will you do differently after the pandemic?

After the pandemic, I will continue with life as normal while being a little more sanitary- mostly just washing my hands more often than I already do.