At Stratom, we believe in meaningful, consistent participation in activities that support and improve the communities with which we’re involved. From the local level to the global robotics and unmanned systems sector, prioritizing community involvement can bring positive, measurable change to both our communities and to our organization.
That’s why our president and CEO recently participated in the University of Colorado Boulder Center for Leadership’s Boulder-CU Leadership Program. This unique mentorship program provides opportunities for current CU undergraduate students to partner with professionals in the Boulder community for valuable and practical leadership experiences.
Capitalizing on the opportunity to connect with students focused on the areas about which he is passionate, Stratom President and CEO Mark Gordon worked with an aerospace major who wants to start their own business. Because this partnership was such a great match, there was a lot of relevant insight and value Mark was ultimately able to provide.
All About Relationships
One of Mark’s mentors once told him that “business and life is all about relationships,” a sentiment that has stuck with Mark throughout his career. This way of thinking also served as one of the critical points he communicated to his mentee throughout their time together.
Driven by the belief that anyone is a mere three people away from creating a win-win relationship for all parties involved, Mark championed the importance of networking. Whether through association membership or participation in local and industry events, networking is essential to any career path. Fostering connections that will help the next generation of business leaders expand their ideas and advance their careers will be vital to the overall success of their careers.
When done well, networking can empower young leaders with a competitive edge throughout every stage of their career. So much more than simply making a connection with a like-minded professional, networking is about establishing and encouraging mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet over the long term. By investing in these interactions, individuals can enhance their skill sets, remain up-to-date on the latest industry trends, better understand the job market and potential opportunities, and gain access to the necessary relationships and resources that will take their careers to the next level.
Networking is quite useful and its benefits go well beyond career development. From improving your communication skills to being exposed to new ideas and so much more, becoming an effective networker will undoubtedly set any professional on the path to success.
By increasing engagement between the community at large and the University of Colorado, the Boulder-CU Leadership Program is helping to inspire our business leaders of the future and equip them with the tools they need to make the world a better place. If you’re passionate about the importance of leadership and are interested in strengthening tomorrow’s leaders, get involved today.