Report on Attendance - Breakfast with champions – A leadership series

On Thursday, 5 November 2026, I had the privilege of attending the Breakfast with Champions: A Leadership Series virtually via Zoom. The event, which took place at the Leadership Theater, Centre for Global Leadership, Oral Roberts University, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, focused on the theme Public Service & Government Policy. The session ran from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Tulsa time, which was 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM South African time. It brought together industry leaders, students, and faculty members to share their experiences and insights on leadership, public service, and effective policy implementation.

The event featured Mark Tedford and Suzanne Schreiber, Oklahoma State Representatives; Mark Wells, Director of Global Trade & Investment; and Heather Turner, Executive Director of the Centre for Global Leadership. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Curtis Ellis, Dean of the College of Arts & Cultural Studies. Each speaker brought valuable perspectives from their respective professional backgrounds, making the discussion informative, engaging, and relevant.

One of the major lessons I gained from attending this event was a deeper understanding of what it means to be an effective leader and, more importantly, how to lead people responsibly. I learned that leadership is not simply about having authority or holding a position of influence. Rather, it involves understanding people, communicating effectively, making responsible decisions, and ensuring that policies are implemented correctly. I also gained an appreciation for the importance of considering the people who are affected by policies and ensuring that implementation is fair, effective, and beneficial to the community.

Another important lesson was the need for leaders to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, integrity, and respect when dealing with others. A leader's attitude and behaviour have a significant impact on the people they lead. Therefore, effective leadership requires self-awareness, discipline, patience, and the ability to set a positive example.

As an Oral Roberts University student, this event played a huge role in expanding my understanding of leadership and its practical application in society. It helped me realise that becoming a leader involves more than acquiring knowledge or being placed in a position of authority. It also requires knowing how to conduct oneself, interact with different people, and make decisions that positively influence others. In particular, the discussion helped me understand the importance of knowing how to behave when leading people, as a leader's attitude, communication, and approach to responsibilities can either build trust or create challenges within a team or community.

I was particularly interested in the discussion surrounding public service and government policy because it helped me appreciate that policies should not simply be implemented for the sake of having rules. Leaders must understand the purpose behind policies, consider the people they affect, and ensure that implementation is done correctly and responsibly. I was impressed by all the speakers because every speaker was on point, and their contributions made the session meaningful and worthwhile. Although I attended virtually from South Africa, I found the experience enriching and gained valuable lessons from the discussion.

Overall, attending the Breakfast with Champions Leadership Series was an insightful and worthwhile experience. It strengthened my understanding of effective leadership, responsible policy implementation, and the importance of maintaining the right attitude and behaviour when leading others. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, as the knowledge I gained will be valuable throughout my academic journey and future career. Ultimately, this event taught me that leadership is not just about leading people but about knowing how to lead them well, treating them with respect, and making decisions that positively impact their lives.