How often do two young urban leaders get a private lunch with a high ranking corporate executive? It is rare. Today Shawn Collins and Tylore Mays two members of the 2010 Leadership Council the governing body of the Leadership Academy did. They traveled to St. Petersburg to meet with Mr. Michael A. Lewis, Senior Vice President of Progress Energy to glean wisdom to prepare for their purpose and futures careers.
They were initially introduced to Mr. Lewis at the American Association of Blacks in Energy’s 2009 Youth Summit in Orlando organized by Progress Energy’s Melvin Philpot, Mikle Gordon and Malcolm Barnes. This opened the door for these young men to connect further Mr. Lewis one of Florida’s key energy executives.
Sitting with the one-time youngest district manager at the age of 27 and the second in command for Progress Energy in Florida was a rare treat for Shawn 17 and Tylore 16. Both agreed that their experience was transformational and will mark the rest of their lives as men and leaders.
They were initially introduced to Mr. Lewis at the American Association of Blacks in Energy’s 2009 Youth Summit in Orlando organized by Progress Energy’s Melvin Philpot, Mikle Gordon and Malcolm Barnes. This opened the door for these young men to connect further Mr. Lewis one of Florida’s key energy executives.
Sitting with the one-time youngest district manager at the age of 27 and the second in command for Progress Energy in Florida was a rare treat for Shawn 17 and Tylore 16. Both agreed that their experience was transformational and will mark the rest of their lives as men and leaders.
Shawn: Wow, this experience was simply incredible! I had the opportunity to sit down and have a life changing conversation with Michael Lewis, Senior Vice- President of Progress Energy. Most people do not get an opportunity like this. Mr. Lewis spoke to my life in a way that helped confirm my future/purpose and my journey in achieving it. He shared the secrets and fundamentals behind integrity and leadership. I am looking forward to more experiences like this one and will use what I have learned to help better others in the future.
Tylore: Integrity and the self worth to challenge yourself to follow. Determination is the focus you put forth for your goal. Preparedness is the ability to be ready two steps beforehand. I learned these lessons in the meeting with Mr. Lewis. This experience was a blessing. It reiterated and taught me aspects of the importance of the process of becoming a successful leader.
The Executive Board and leadership at Frontline Outreach (See how kids become leaders at Frontline ) are extremely grateful to Mr. Lewis and Progress Energy for assisting in the developing of the next generation of urban leaders at Frontline Outreach. The Leadership Academy is a premier initiative in preparing young people in high school for leadership, service, and workplace readiness through job shadowing. See where the Academy’s student leaders job shadowed in the last year: Leadership Academy Job Shadowing .
To learn more, get involved, or give go http://www.fl-.o.org/ , email giving@fl-o.org or call (407) 293-3000 extension 122.
