During LGBTQ+ History Month, the David Eccles School of Business hosted A Conversation on Leading Authentically in the Workplace, organized by U of U Out for Business in collaboration with Business Student Government (BSG).

The fireside chat, featuring speaker Kris Liacopoulos and moderated by Austin Hendrickson, Director of Student Engagement and Belonging at the Eccles School, sparked an engaging discussion on embracing authenticity to strengthen relationships, enhance team performance, and foster a culture built on trust and transparency. Liacopoulos also shared her personal background and leadership journey, offering insightful strategies on how to lead authentically.

Liacopoulos worked a fulfilling career as the General Manager and Senior Vice President for Fidelity Investments’ Regional Center in Salt Lake City. She attended the David Eccles School of Business for her undergraduate and graduate degrees and returned to serve as the master’s degree program director. Currently, she continues to support the Eccles community through her involvement on the Eccles Advisory Board.

Key Takeaways from a “Conversation on Leading Authentically in the Workplace”

• Leadership is a two-way conversation
  • It should not just be about directing; it’s also about understanding. Leaders should prioritize understanding the needs, strengths, and challenges of their team to understand the best ways to support each member.
• Observe the leadership around you
  • Observe the leaders in your community. Are their methods of leadership effective in achieving positive outcomes? Do individuals respond well to their leadership? Reflecting on different styles of leadership can help you identify practices you admire or would like to avoid in order to develop your own approach to leadership.
• Empower your team
  • Supporting your team as a leader builds a strong foundation for trust and respect, providing greater motivation to accomplish shared goals. By actively listening and providing resources and opportunities for growth, this foundation will foster a positive collaborative environment in the workplace.
• Connect on a personal level
  • Recognize that everyone is human, leaders and colleagues alike. Everyone has their own experiences, hardships, and aspirations. Prioritizing connection on a personal level will build a strong sense of trust and create an environment where individuals feel supported and understood.

“Authentic leaders do lead with this idea that we’re all humans. We’re all in this to support our families, to do the best job we can to develop our own potential and become better every day. I’m in it along with every single employee that is part of my responsibility.” – Kris Liacopoulos, speaker at “A Conversation on Leading Authentically in the Workplace”

Reflecting on the discussions and key takeaways shared at this event, we can learn how to lead with authenticity to create a workplace that embraces the collaboration of different perspectives. As we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, we can commit to empowering all individuals to bring their authentic selves to every space, creating a sense of belonging in the workplace and community.