Good leaders are trailblazers, making a path for others to follow. Great leaders, however, inspire their people to reach higher, dream bigger, and achieve greater. Perhaps the most important leadership skill one can develop is the ability to provide inspiration to their team. If you inspire others to reach for the stars, they just might bring you back the moon!

Had such a great time and was honored to be joined by this episode’s special guest — a walking community treasure chest filled with knowledge, insight, and experience — Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan.

Commissioner Jordan has enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career with Miami-Dade County, serving in numerous capacities including as a Public Administrator, Assistant County Manager, and Vice Chairwoman of the Miami-Dade County Commission. She has a very unique perspective of County government because of her decades of working knowledge and intimate familiarity with the system. Commissioner Jordan has been the people’s voice of reason over the years and demonstrated the political will to take on the known challenges of her community.

Tune in as we discuss industry diversification for an improved economy, funding for infrastructure investment, updates on transportation and the SMART Plan, improvements with crime, addressing socio-economic inequality, the brain drain, and accountability and transparency in the budget process. She also drops gems on leadership qualities necessary for long-term success, what she’d tell her younger self, and her dream plan if she had a 100% chance of success!

Commissioner Jordan is gearing up for retirement later this year, currently serving in her 16th and final year as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner. Her leadership and tenacity will sorely be missed, but I look forward to what’s on the horizon.

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail”