LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS CORPORATE CORNER

John LaCivita

“Remember to give back to your community. It takes more than just your skills and talents. You will need your community to support you to be successful.”

Position: President

Company: Willis Smith Construction

Q: What is the biggest leadership lesson you have learned?

In my 26 years at Willis Smith Construction, the biggest lesson I have learned is to listen first. Don’t be the first to speak up in a meeting. Take a moment to listen. Everyone has a different personality and delivers their messages in a unique way. Before responding, you must understand what the person is communicating or requesting.

Q: What is one business advice you would give to local entrepreneurs?

I have two pieces of business advice. First, remember to give back to your community. It takes more than just your skills and talents. You will need your community to support you to be successful. Second, take risks. Being an entrepreneur, I take risks all the time. I know it drives my team crazy, but if you do not take chances on new ideas, you will become old, boring, and stale. Always try to think outside the box.

Q: Are there any exciting developments happening in your company?

We just finished our yearlong celebration commemorating 50 years in business in Sarasota/Manatee County. We are thankful to our local community, friends, and clients for their continued support. The firm is consistently gaining new young talent in this challenging marketplace, and I could not be more proud of our new hires and what they bring to our company. I love everyone who works at Willis Smith.

Q: What do you love the most about Sarasota?

Being a native Sarasotan, I have a tremendous love for Sarasota. I love our natural resources, the beaches, the bays, and the parks. I love hot sunny weather, sitting on sandbars in a beach chair with a cooler beside me, listening to country or 80’s music, and watching boats and people enjoying our beautiful Sarasota Bay.