With back-to-school season in full swing, we caught up with RIW attorney Adam Gutbezahl to hear how his first six months with Boston’s Future Leaders Program have been going. A partnership between Harvard Business School and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program stands out as an initiative uniquely designed to develop and empower the next generation of leaders in the Greater Boston area. The BFL provides emerging and promising candidates with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit blending academic content, practical application, and networking. Participants graduate with the skills, experiences, and connections needed to lead Boston and the region into an equitable, innovative future.
What interested you in pursuing this program? My colleague, Adam Barnosky, participated in the program in 2023 and spoke very highly of his experience. His mention of learning from diverse perspectives intrigued me, and I continue to be honored and flattered by being selected to participate in the program.
How has the program influenced your approach to leadership opportunities? The sessions have underscored the significance of active listening. Leadership is not just about giving orders. True leadership involves recognizing the strengths and achievements of your team, taking the time to understand any issues or challenges, and collaborating with your team to overcome any obstacles.
What takeaways from the program have you already put into practice in your professional and/or personal life? The program has been instrumental in helping me understand that there is no “one size fits all” leadership method. It has aided me in developing my personal style. Through this, I truly believe I have become a better listener and, therefore, a better advisor to my clients (not to mention, a better partner to my spouse and parent to my children).
We wish Adam the best of luck as he completes the remainder of this program, culminating with an individual project presentation and graduation in December.
