Leadership Without Borders Starts With Perspective | Groundbreakers
A reflection on global leadership, cross-cultural connection, and what it means to lead with empathy.
This piece is part of CRG’s May Global Youth Leadership series, spotlighting young leaders shaping change today.
Authored by Cristian Rodriguez, CRG Youth Advisory Council member and Stevens Initiative Fellow.
When I first walked into my International Business class at the University of Michigan, I had no idea what to expect. So when I found out that we would be participating in the Business & Culture: A Virtual Practicum through the Stevens Initiative, I was curiously intrigued. Having the opportunity to engage with students in Libya and Egypt was an incredible experience as we collaborated throughout the semester. After the class concluded, I assumed this was the end of my virtual international experience. So when I received an email from the Stevens Initiative announcing that applications were open for their Alumni Fellowship program, I knew I had to apply.
It has now been almost two years since I was accepted into the program, and I can confidently say that it has been the most transformative experience of my life. When reflecting on my experience as a fellow, one of the first things that comes to mind is how the program facilitated leadership as something you grow into rather than something that happens overnight. From our leadership image activity in October to our networking/elevator pitch activity in November and, finally, our design thinking workshop in December, I learned that cultivating leadership is a multi-step process that takes time and active engagement.
Leadership does not always revolve around taking charge, but rather creating a space for everyone around you to feel supported and included.
What truly set this experience apart were the people I met along the way. As a 2024 Stevens Initiative Fellow, I had the opportunity to be a part of a cohort of 18 fellows, 12 from the Middle East and North Africa Region, and 6 from the United States. It’s hard to put into words how impactful it is to learn from people with such diverse backgrounds. While we were able to get to know each other over monthly Zoom calls, nothing compares to seeing the other fellows in person while getting lost in conversation as we explored historical sites across Rabat. During our workshop, I truly learned what it meant to work on a global team. From the quiet contemplation of ideas to passionate discussions about project execution, it was incredible to learn from fellows who brought so many unique perspectives to our group work. Beyond the workshop, I lost count of how many times we conversed about a variety of shared interests, from literature and music to all the places we wanted to travel to. While it is easy to get carried away with what makes us different from one another, we forget how much of the human experience is about simply connecting with someone over one or two things that excite us more than anything.
It’s hard to put into words how impactful it is to learn from people with such diverse backgrounds.
When I reflect on how these experiences influenced how I lead today, what comes to mind are all the small moments that go unappreciated. Through my fellowship, I learned that leadership is not about being at the center of a group, but rather about making the group feel connected. In every new environment where I find myself interacting with new people, I like to reflect on the lessons I learned from my time in Rabat and Washington D.C. Whether it’s meeting a person for the first time or facilitating a group discussion, after every interaction, I always ask myself: “Have I asked about their day?” “Have I respected and inquired about their culture?” “Have I set aside time to make sure every voice is not only heard but respected?” Leadership does not always revolve around taking charge, but rather creating a space for everyone around you to feel supported and included.
Today, cross-cultural connections and collaboration are more important than ever. No one person has all the answers to the issues that matter right now. But the solution should never be to find people who can reinforce your beliefs. My experience through the Stevens Initiative taught me the value of learning from people whose cultures, life experiences, and perspectives are entirely different from my own. If you were to ask me what my biggest takeaway from this experience was, it would be kindness. The kindness I felt in Morocco, from the fellows to the culture, and everything in between, was unlike anything I have ever experienced. While it is heartbreaking to look at all the division in today’s world, I feel hopeful knowing that what I experienced during my fellowship was not a conclusion, but a beginning.
Like leadership, kindness is about growth. It is about learning to give grace and sincerity to others, regardless of whether it is easy or convenient. I felt this kindness from the moment I arrived at our hotel in Rabat and every day since. For anyone reading this, I challenge you to learn from a new experience: read a book from another culture, watch a movie in another language (with subtitles, of course), or even watch an Instagram reel highlighting a different upbringing than your own. It is only by trying to connect with other people and their experiences that we can bring new perspectives that allow us to make the world a better place, one kind act at a time.