Francis lauds women for their authentic leadership skills

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In his first public speaking engagement in over a decade Friday, former Windsor mayor and current WFCU Credit Union CEO/President Eddie Francis said putting more women in senior positions is one of the best ways to real leadership.

“I find leadership today optically doesn’t seem to be like the old days – we used to have substantive leadership,” Francis said of both private and public sectors at the 25th annual Athena Scholarship Luncheon, for high-achieving female scholars.

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“I feel that’s been diluted.

“We’re more into what I describe as retail leadership. What sounds good. What looks good. What’s short term. We’ll worry about the rest later.

“I prefer substantive leadership over what I describe as fake leadership or phoney leadership.”

Francis admitted he wasn’t sure where the change occurred, but he mentioned the appeal of social media repeatedly in his remarks as a factor in the leadership malaise spreading into daily life.

“That’s why it’s inspiring to be part of an event like this, especially when you have four women on the stage, who received their scholarships, that exemplify the true essence of leadership,” Francis said.

“I believe women have to step up and take their role and their space. Women are great leaders and, in most cases, better than men.

“They have a well-rounded experience and they offer an important perspective and their leadership qualities are second to none.”

Francis said we must continue to work at shattering the glass ceiling that limits women rising to positions of leadership. However, he added leadership comes in many different roles beyond executive suites or political office.

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“You’re a leader regardless of occupation, status or title, if you’re always looking to help others and put others first,” Francis said. “That’s how you recognize if you’re a leader.

“If you’re doing it right, you’re dealing with trying to elevate and help others reach their best potential and moving things forward.”

Francis added the opportunity to deliver that message to the Athena Scholarship winners, Aya Abu-Libdeh, Crystal Bryan, Claire Buxton and Nina Jabbari, along with his 17-year-old daughter Sienna in attendance, was a motivator for his return to public speaking. His late wife Michelle also had been honored with an Athena Leadership Award in 2013 for business and professional excellence.

“There’s a circle connection there,” said Francis, who admitted he’d forgotten how much he enjoyed public speaking.

“It’s emotional having my daughter here and watching her grow and develop into a leader. It’s a good opportunity for Sienna and others, like the recipients today, to be celebrated.”

Francis said the Windsor region’s growth in population and economic opportunity are examples of what leadership at every level of the community can achieve.

“What’s happening in our city today is something that doesn’t surprise me,” Francis said. “It goes to a lot of hard work and effort by people in the community and from leaders all the way down saying they’re prepared to play a role to make things happen.”

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