I was honored to recently have the opportunity to speak with a group of business students at Pace University. It was an interesting interactive conversation that explored the intricacies of leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Prior to the engagement, they expressed some interest in exploring my journey from the neighborhood coordinator of snow shoveling (as an elementary school student) to my current role as Vitech’s CEO.
To be honest, because I have two daughters about the same age as those who attend Pace who are not interested in hearing “work stuff”, I was a bit surprised that they wanted to hear anything from me. But there I was, facing an audience of the next generation of business leaders and aspiring CEOs who had done their research on benefits administration, SaaS and the verticals that we serve at Vitech.
My conversation started with the basics—the fundamental principles that have guided my career including the importance of integrity, adaptability, and purpose. I talked about how growing up in a military family taught me how to navigate changing environments—a skill that has been instrumental in my professional trajectory, especially in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. I shared how understanding different perspectives and maintaining emotional intelligence are far more important than raw intellect in effective leadership.
We pivoted the conversation to today, discussing the challenges of my current role. In addressing the challenges of transforming a four-decade-old company rooted in traditional practices to an agile, vital company that embraced the power of leading-edge technology, we explored significant organizational changes. Most interesting was their response when I stressed the importance of being a “pain absorber” rather than a “pain amplifier”—focusing on solutions instead of dwelling on obstacles. To my surprise, it was clear they were already experienced enough to nod in agreement when I said helping team members see their unique role in organizational transformation was the key to success.
When we talked about the critical importance of cybersecurity in our tech-driven environment, it was evident that a few of the audience members had already experienced the devastation of a security breach in their personal lives. I emphasized Vitech’s commitment to robust security, highlighting our significant investments in multi-layer security measures and praising our Chief Information Officer (CIO) and team for their proactive approach to monitoring and mitigating threats. The InfoSec team members in attendance appreciated the acknowledgment of how applying the keystones of their education is critical to success in today’s business environment.
Leaning in on my academic background, (majoring in economics, minoring in religion), I encouraged the students to embrace interdisciplinary learning, explaining how my broad educational approach allowed me to think critically and connect ideas across different fields. This versatility has been crucial in collaborating with professionals from diverse backgrounds and navigating complex business challenges, which for them will only become more complex as technology continues to change the landscape of every business.
In closing, way past my allotted time, I shared advice drawn from my professional journey. I urged the students to utilize their university’s resources—a strategy that directly impacted my own career trajectory. Reflecting on my first role as a Tier One consultant, I emphasized how strategic networking and persistent engagement with college career services can open professional doors. Beyond practical career guidance, I also challenged their perception of leadership. True leadership, I explained, transcends corporate titles and financial compensation. It’s about cultivating a profound sense of purpose that inspires teams, transforming routine work into meaningful, impactful achievements. I encouraged them to develop a leadership philosophy anchored in four core principles that have guided my career: unwavering adaptability, steadfast integrity, a commitment to empowering others through purpose and understanding others through empathy. By embracing these principles, young professionals can become catalysts for change.
A huge thank you to Pace University faculty and students for having me.
