Jordan Garrick

How often do you get to engage with future leaders? I looked at the room around me and saw over 700 professionals, all of us here recognized as future leaders at Deloitte. Being a participant at the Black Leadership Summit at Deloitte University was an enriching experience. The summit confirmed that I was walking in my purpose and recognized the growth I had already seen in myself.

The nomination by my leadership team to attend the 2024 summit was a true investment in my future. The event was designed to foster and develop practitioners learning, growth, and connections across Deloitte, and to help cultivate the next generation of leaders. My time at the summit was filled with learning sessions aimed at refining my personal brand and discovering the leadership qualities I want to enhance as I progress in my career. Beyond the time spent in the classroom, I gained invaluable wisdom from my fellow practitioners who attended the summit, and instantly bonded with my cohort during activities around the Deloitte University campus.

The summit also included the opportunity to connect with executive leaders. Deloitte’s US CEO, US Chair of the Board, and US business CEOs among others generously dedicated their time to networking with us during sessions and evening events. Their presence and insights provided a sense of camaraderie and investment in future professional leaders. The opportunity to attend a summit like this was an intentional outpouring of support, guidance, and necessary knowledge into the professionals in the room.

The 2024 event indelibly ingrained in me the mantra “by design, not default,” serving as a catalyst of curiosity and fostering deliberate intent in my professional journey and that of my peers. I truly internalized the week’s messages of the necessity of transcending conventional boundaries, embracing potential failure as a stepping stone, and having the courage to take risks. Alongside this, the event underscored the importance of self care, with the message that making a positive impact begins with personal well-being.

My experience at the Black Leadership Summit reignited my commitment to excellence and encouraged me to continue expanding my expertise and leadership skills. These lessons will undoubtedly shape my personal and professional leadership journey, and positively influence my impact across project teams, volunteer groups, and the community.