MacAulay-Brown, Inc. President, Sid Fuchs, also the company’s chief executive officer, in February spoke to MBA and undergraduate students at the Universities of George Mason and Southern Virginia on the power of leadership and the importance of developing a strategic network.
Fuchs visited the universities as part of their respective guest lecture programs. More than 100 students arrived to hear Fuchs speak at Southern Virginia University, a private liberal arts college in Buena Vista.
“Trust is the currency of all relationships,” Fuchs told the audience. “To develop a true network that is effective, you must build valuable relationships. Get out of the mindset that you need to push your business card and your agenda, and instead, think in terms of how you can help the people you meet.”
SVU Provost Madison U. Sowell said he enjoyed the speech.
“Sid’s presentation on the value of strategic networking generated thoughtful conversation throughout the day and into the evening,” Sowell said. “His emphasis on relationship-building with a focus on service is directly in line with our mission to prepare leader-servants in the workplace and the world.”
To listen to the SVU keynote speech, click here.
Later that day, Fuchs spoke to a group of George Mason University MBA students participating in the college’s Capstone Leadership course. Speaking to a group of mostly mid-level professionals in government and industry, Fuchs focused on leadership, networking and career progression.
The MBA students were particularly interested in Fuchs’ thoughts about the steps it takes to advance one’s career, according to a press statement released by MacB earlier this week.
“First, you have to do the basics: be competent, be bold and make strategic decisions, for example,” Fuchs said. “However, successful executives understand that moving from an individual contributor to a leadership role means a shift in mindset. You must be willing to give up some of the skills you learned as an individual contributor and acquire the additional skills required to manage and lead effectively.”
