Favorite Takeaways from Chris Leahy’s Commencement Speech at Stuart Country Day School
Recently, CDW's President & Chief Executive Officer, Chris Leahy, delivered an inspiring commencement speech to the 2021 graduating class of her high school alma mater, Stuart Country Day School. Chris shared timeless guidance that holds universal relevance in the video, and you'll find our five favorite takeaways below!
1. The exponential power of the single letter “I.”
“I" as in me. “I” as in personal contributions. “I” as in individual accountability – to oneself, to others, to the earth, to the future. “I” as in how can I make a difference?
As Maya Angelou said, “I do my best because I’m counting on you counting on me.”
2. Never be “through with learning,” so get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Learning is essential to everything . . . innovation, improvement, understanding, empathy . . . everything. Uncertainty, newness, changes and challenges all enhance your brain’s ability to absorb more information. Don’t idle in your comfort zone.
3. Goals and aspirations are important . . .
But how you turn them into reality is where the rubber really hits the road. Being inclusive and being around people different than us make us more creative, diligent and hard-working.
4. All innovation is a confluence of things large and small – what you can think of as big “I” innovation and little “i” innovation.
Big I innovations are the disruptive breakthroughs. The meaningful step-changes that we tend to point to when we think of miraculous discoveries and major areas of progress. The little i innovations – the innovation welcome to everyone – are the hard work it takes to drive progress.
5. Find your “how” – your morning anthem.
Your morning anthem will provide anchors of stability and confidence that give you courage and strength to be outside your comfort zone so that you can learn and grow . . . and learn and grow.
– CDW Team
Recently, CDW's President & Chief Executive Officer, Chris Leahy, delivered an inspiring commencement speech to the 2021 graduating class of her high school alma mater, Stuart Country Day School. Chris shared timeless guidance that holds universal relevance in the video, and you'll find our five favorite takeaways below!
1. The exponential power of the single letter “I.”
“I" as in me. “I” as in personal contributions. “I” as in individual accountability – to oneself, to others, to the earth, to the future. “I” as in how can I make a difference?
As Maya Angelou said, “I do my best because I’m counting on you counting on me.”
2. Never be “through with learning,” so get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Learning is essential to everything . . . innovation, improvement, understanding, empathy . . . everything. Uncertainty, newness, changes and challenges all enhance your brain’s ability to absorb more information. Don’t idle in your comfort zone.
3. Goals and aspirations are important . . .
But how you turn them into reality is where the rubber really hits the road. Being inclusive and being around people different than us make us more creative, diligent and hard-working.
4. All innovation is a confluence of things large and small – what you can think of as big “I” innovation and little “i” innovation.
Big I innovations are the disruptive breakthroughs. The meaningful step-changes that we tend to point to when we think of miraculous discoveries and major areas of progress. The little i innovations – the innovation welcome to everyone – are the hard work it takes to drive progress.
5. Find your “how” – your morning anthem.
Your morning anthem will provide anchors of stability and confidence that give you courage and strength to be outside your comfort zone so that you can learn and grow . . . and learn and grow.
– CDW Team
