Mark Mendenhall, J. Burton Frierson Chair of Excellence in Business Leadership at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at UTC, recently shared insights from his research and offered valuable guidance for students preparing to become future leaders.
He began by reflecting on his personal journey. Mark grew up in New Zealand, where his parents served as missionaries, and later moved to Japan after high school, exposing him to cultures which would shape his academic interests. After earning his Ph.D., he developed a strong interest in cross-cultural management, an area that was largely underexplored at the time. He became one of the first to teach international management as an elective, examining how leadership and management practices differ across countries. By the 1990s, his research expanded to include globalization and the growing influence of information technology on business and management.
“Leadership development is a continuous process,” said Mark. “By investing in your own growth, supporting others, and building strong networks, you create a foundation for long-term success.”
Three tips to be a great leader:
1. Avoid applying generational stereotypes in the workplace.
Relying on generational assumptions especially at the senior leadership level can create harmful biases and limit effective collaboration. Instead, the workplace should be a space for learning from one another, not dividing people by perceived generational differences.
2. In the workplace, socialized power > personal power.
Personal power focuses on influencing others in ways that benefit the leader, while socialized power prioritizes the growth and success of the team. Mark emphasized that the most effective leaders invest in others, creating environments where teams can succeed collectively.
3. Focus on areas within your control.
This could look like improving time management, managing stress, overcoming procrastination, developing delegation skills or building confidence in public speaking foundational skills. He also highlighted the importance of utilizing available resources, such as the Decosimo Success Center, to support both personal and professional development.
“Leadership can feel overwhelming at first,” he said. “It becomes more natural over time as you actively practice and refine these skills.”
Whether you’re looking to lead a student organization or planning for your next move in corporate America, we have resources that can support your goals. Visit our website to learn more.
Reading this made me think about how leadership isn’t really about a title—it’s more about the everyday choices I make in how I show up and treat others. I like how it emphasizes that leveling up as a leader is a continuous process, especially when it comes to communication, self-awareness, and supporting the people around me. It’s a reminder for me that leadership starts in small moments, not just big roles or positions.