HCBA Lawyer Magazine Vol. 29, No. 4 | Page 22

To inFiniTY and BeYond: eXploring leadersHip THrougHouT TaMpa BaY Bar leadership Institute Chairs: Nicole Gehringer – Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A.; Donald C. Greiwe – de la Parte & Gilbert, P.A.; and Sara R. Lui – Hill Ward Henderson despite forming the foundation of our local economy and communities, many of Tampa’s most established and thriving enterprises are hiding in plain sight for A those who are unfamiliar with their impressive histories and inner workings. s members of the HCBA Bar Leadership Institute (BLI), my fellow classmates and I are enjoying a year of learning and exploring all facets of leadership and progress in the Tampa Bay area. In particular, the BLI program’s on-site modules throughout Hillsborough County offer incredible insight into the internal (and legal) operations of some of our area’s most prominent businesses and partnerships — both in the public and private sectors. A core component of the BLI program, these modules help us explore leadership both within and beyond the legal profession. Despite forming the foundation of our local economy and communities, many of Tampa’s most established and thriving enterprises are essentially hiding in plain sight for those who are unfamiliar with their impressive histories and inner workings. For example, the BLI’s December tour of Port Tampa Bay provided eye-opening insight into the Port’s multi-billion-dollar commerce operations — including the Port’s diverse and comprehensive services for cruise lines, ship building and repairs, and massive cargo handling. The BLI’s November trip to Moffitt Cancer Center highlighted Tampa’s position as a national beacon of cutting-edge, critical healthcare. As the only Florida- based comprehen sive cancer center (as designated by the National Cancer Institute), Moffitt Cancer Center is a recognized leader in scientific excellence, as well as community outreach. These entities, given their size and the scope of their operations, are not only significant employers of attorneys and providers of legal services, but they are also pillars of our region’s economy. Of course, no such operation can exist, let alone thrive, without superb leadership and commitment to the communities served. As we have already learned, leadership in its most successful form requires collaboration, self-reflection, and constant affirmation of goals and strategies. Fortunately, Tampa Bay is teeming with excellent examples of these principles. As we embrace these learning opportunities, the 2018-2019 BLI class is reminded that leadership is a continuing and fulfilling journey. We will undoubtedly continue to reflect upon the BLI program as we develop our professional skills, identify our unique priorities and aspirations, and strive to emulate the accomplished leaders we follow. The possibilities are truly endless. Author: Kendra McCan Lyman – Hill Ward Henderson BLI’s December tour of Port Tampa Bay 20 MAR - APR 2019 | HCBA LAWYER