DEVELOPMENTS LEADERSHIP SARASOTA

Applications for Adult and Youth Leadership Opening Soon!

The Leadership Sarasota program is designed to enhance the participants awareness of the community and its needs by examining how leadership in the historical, geographical, educational, economic, governmental and cultural segments work together to perpetuate and advance the Sarasota County community. Youth Leadership Sarasota program for high school juniors and seniors is similar to the adult program. It’s designed to nurture and develop positive leadership qualities. It’s about Sarasota and how young people can make it a better place. The program provides applicants the knowledge, tools, and contacts to be successful leaders.

Applications Open Monday, April 10th. Visit Sarasotachamber.com to Apply!

Celebrating Outstanding Ledership Awards

To Register for the event, scan the QR Code

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Michael’s On East Restaurant & Catering

The Leadership awards recognize leadership alumni with a legacy in community participation and impact in three unique categories.

Lifetime of Leadership Award - Recognizing body of work in career, community and beyond

Impact in Action Award – Recognizing someone who is actively building our community and pushing it to the future

Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award – Recognizing commitment to the Leadership Sarasota program

For sponsorship opportunities please contact Sara Rachon, srachon@sarasotachamber.com

Annual Leadership Sponsors:

David Polimeni - CEO

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

Motivating team members is often relegated to methods that offer extrinsic stimulation, like bonuses. A transformational leadership truth is that motivational sustainability is better facilitated by aiding our team members in the development or discovery of a purpose that is greater than “self.” When this connection is formed, motivation comes from within and becomes sustainable allowing leaders to be more “Yoda” like and less of a “superhero”.

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

In a city that is often voted one of the best places to retire, it is important to remember that “work is noble.” Recognizing this truth and then helping our teams to discover where they find “joy” at work is one of the greatest gifts we as leaders have to give. I have found Patrick Lencioni’s latest book “The Working Genius” to be very helpful in this pursuit.

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

At RITE, we are discovering new and innovative ways to help our clients in this age of rapid digital transformation. In early 2022 we launched RITE Integrations which offers Professional Audio/Visual Integrations in offices, conference rooms, classrooms, training centers, hospitality and more. We are involved in many interesting projects that have elevated the level of emotion and engagement we experience with our clients, that’s fun!

Q: What do you love the most about Sarasota?

That is easy, it is the amazing people that make up the vibrant community that we have the privilege to live and work within. The generosity and genuineness of so many people within our community whom have positioned themselves to be a resource to others is amazing and contagious. This reality continues to inspire me to become my best self and I LOVE that.