ESPN SportsCenter Anchor Jay Harris shared how to achieve leadership with a purpose at the “An Evening with Jay Harris” event Feb. 24.
Presented by the Kent State Leadership Center, the American journalist spent the evening sharing the top 10 things he knows about leadership in the KIVA Auditorium with Kent State students and faculty.
Harris guided students through some of his best life experiences while tying them in with how one can guide their way to becoming a leader.
“As a leader, never forget how to listen, never forget how to follow,” Harris said.
His first five things he knew about leadership were that leaders are good team members, inspire, aren’t afraid to say what needs to be said, lead by example and never stop learning.
Quinn Farsane, a sophomore visual communication design major, shared the presentation taught her about “focusing on leadership as a vehicle of moving forward in a team and a project as a collaborative unit rather than just a single-headed operation.”
Nathan Greenland, a freshman exploratory major, explained how Harris’ presentation impacted his thoughts on leadership.
“I really liked how he explained how if you have an enterprise in this, I’m going to let you do that, not like just saying this is what I think you should do,” Greenland said. “I really enjoyed his whole presentation.”
Harris’ last tips for becoming a leader were that great leaders never stop learning, share the things they learn, want the people around them to one day surpass them and are bold when they have to be.
“Leaders have power … the best leaders want to empower others,” Harris said. “Leadership or leading a ship?”
The presentation wrapped up with Harris answering student questions while he gave feedback to guide them through leadership.
Harris’ final tip for being a leader was different than the rest.
“There is no singular thing that would put leadership in a box,” he said. “Leadership cannot operate in a box.”
Harris has been a part of three Emmy award-winning SportsCenter shows. He has earned a Silver World Medal from the New York Festivals, a Robert L. Vann Award from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation and an EXCEL Award from the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals.
Emma Campbell is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
