Photo: McBoat Photography
to resources. Early on, I realized that working in government allowed me to align my personal values with initiatives that create meaningful change, especially for underserved communities.. Cole: What do you believe to be the most important piece of advice for a leader to follow? Gardner: Be authentic, be authentic, be authentic. People follow leaders who are genuine and consistent. Embracing vulnerability and staying true to yourself not only builds trust but also sets the tone for an inclusive and transparent culture. Authentic leadership fosters collaboration and encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to their work. Lastly, be approachable and understand that every member of the team is important. Remember that everyone deserves
a “good morning” from you every day which is important not only for what it communicates to the team member, but also because it psychologically and emotionally reinforces this habit. Cole: What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career, and how have they influenced your leadership style? Gardner: One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is that leadership is a journey, not a title. Starting my career as a hands-on IT contributor taught me the value of understanding the foundational work that supports organizational success. As I progressed into senior leadership, I carried those lessons with me—emphasizing empathy, respect for expertise, and the
28 The Acumen
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