The Soft Sound of Legacy and Leadership Dr. Gari Browning By: Margaret Jackson |AM 1220 KDOW & iHeart Radio | www.kdow.biz Money 2.0 Team
D
r. Gari Browning has led the Ohlone Community College District for the past twelve years, as its first female president. As she graciously passes the torch of her legacy’s soft sound, the educational community salutes her and her accomplishments. I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Browning and talk with her about her career and leadership at Ohlone Community College in Silicon Valley. She is a splendid model of what we call a power-woman. Question SBCM:
Your modest leadership demeanor is noticeably powerful. Humility is said to be the chief characteristic of a Level V leader. How does it feel to be a Level V leader? Answer Dr. Browning:
My understanding of a Level V leader is that it believes in the purpose of the organization they’re trying to lead. For me, it’s easy to lead in education because the bottom-line for education is helping and improving people and society. It isn’t difficult. Believing in education as much as I do, it has been a pleasure. It hasn’t been a challenge to be totally and completely committed to that bottom-line. I think the humility comes from not out promoting yourself. But being out to promote what you believe in or your organization is the element that goes into being a leader for me. Question SBCM:
Your determination to lead and to achieve something higher than yourself appears evident throughout your career in education. What is that driving force?
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