Alumni Spotlight: Stephen King
What was your favorite class day?
Quick introduction first. I’ve had the pleasure of serving this program in many capacities: Class member, Class Co-Chair, Class Chair, Board Vice Chair, Board Chair, Board Immediate Past Chair, and, of course, Santa Claus. So, given the extent of time I’ve spent with LA, I’m going to take the liberty to pull from a variety of those experiences to shed some light on the program through these questions. Basically, I’m giving a preemptive excuse for not answering these questions exactly as written. That being said, favorite “Class Day” for me was when I was chairing the Class of ’24, specifically Arts and Culture Day. I’ll spare the full details, but it involved a class play they ultimately performed live at Hornsby Elementary (there were tears), and a mockumentary of the class day that was screened at Le Chat Noir at the close of the day (tears, again). Undoubtedly would’ve killed it on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer!
How did LA impact your professional life, career trajectory, and community involvement?
So, this is one of those things that isn’t necessarily linear. People shouldn’t expect that going through this program will result in them getting a promotion at work the week after they graduate. But it also doesn’t negate the fact that people apply to this program for work/business reasons. And that’s perfectly acceptable – being a better leader likely results in better business outcomes; better business outcomes are better for Augusta at the end of the day. Not to mention the network of people you will come out with on the other side. At the end of the day you have people who will answer the phone without any hesitation to help, whether it be for business or personal, and there is real value in that. The community involvement piece comes naturally. As this program roots you deeper in the community, it’s inevitable that you will feel a calling to re-invest based on what you’ve seen and come to understand. That was a long way of saying that it has had a positive impact.
Are you more involved in the community since graduation? How? Where?
I think the most tangible thing is the time I’ve spent in this program. I didn’t have it on my bingo card to spend six years directly with LA, but here we are! It has this multiplier type effect – the more people I can encourage to filter through the class, and the more I can do to shape the program, the more resources the Augusta community has at its disposal. Whether those individuals seek public office (which we will always need), start new businesses, sit on boards, volunteer their time at nonprofits, or become thought leaders in their circles, it all plays a role in moving the community in the right direction.
Favorite memory from your class year?
Easy. James Allen’s talent at the class retreat talent show. Basically, he had class members do a live reenactment/role play of Dungeons and Dragons. Don’t know why that’s always stuck with me. Likely because I was so far out of my depth. I still laugh thinking about it.
What advice do you have for people interested in participating in LA?
Do it. But make sure it’s in a season of your life that you can commit the time to it. The program has evolved and it really offers a lot. Go into it with your guard down. Some days are going to mean more to you than others. You’ll agree with some content/opinions and have different views about others. It really is a good representation of Augusta and the personalities and backgrounds of the people that make it up. But I’d say the most common theme I hear is how much class members underestimated the value of getting outside their comfort zone and their “bubble.” And my use of “bubble” isn’t necessarily meant to be critical of people, but we are all a product of our routines. And those routines – family, worship, work, sports, etc. – often put us in discrete circles, which isn’t a bad thing – a tight community has value in a lot of ways. But there is also the flip side of the coin that people at least need to be aware of and understand what makes the larger community what it is; that makes it where we have chosen to raise our families. And once you see the bigger picture and connect with those people that you otherwise may not have, it really helps shape perspective and the ability to lead.
Why should others apply to be a part of LA?
This is one of the thoughts I offer students going through the class: Leadership comes in all shapes, sizes, styles, and personalities. But in my opinion, the best leaders have the unique ability to view a problem, a task, a group, a need, etc., through multiple lenses. They understand and lead based on a broader vantage point. Each day of this class is almost like a separate lens – think of those old-school eye doctor machines that you can click down different lenses into place. The days and topics and people all build on each other and give you a richer view of things in the end.
Plus, the Christmas party is fun.