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"Finding the Superhero Within": A CUI Symposium Recap

September 27, 2019 - 2 minute read


Tamerin-Capellino

 

On Saturday, August 24th, MAED Administrative students and their instructors assembled in the CU Center for a Symposium on leadership. The speaker for the event was Dr. Tamerin Capellini, an assistant professor from Brandman University and a nationally known keynote speaker.  Dr. Capellini shared her background story and before anyone realized had drawn the audience into her expanding web of interconnectivity with her astute storytelling prowess.  


Focusing on personal anecdotes and life experiences, Dr. Capellini captivated those in attendance with a genuine and introspective look at her life and how her jagged and unorthodox journey helped her learn many poignant and life altering lessons.  

Speaking with humor, openness, and sincerity, Capellini revealed her vulnerabilities, shared authentic insights, stressed the importance of connections, and divulged the need for critical self-reflection.

She was unabashed about opening up and uncovering some difficult private moments in an effort to relate how addressing one's vulnerabilities makes you more credible and convincing.    


As she wove her story throughout the presentation, time was given to those present to share in pairs or triads their individual narrative and reflections about what joys and tribulations they have experienced and/or witnessed.  Though many lessons learned were personal and confidential, they all were heart-felt and compassionate recollections that gave pause to the listeners, highlighting the importance of being real and genuine in one’s interactions, regardless of one’s position in an organization.


Without trying to summarize Dr. Capellino’s 2.5-hour presentation permit me to close with five telling pearls of wisdom and takeaways I gleaned. 

  1. Leadership is authentic and based on trust. 
  2. Leaders build relationships and connections by admitting mistakes.  
  3. Leaders reflect a lot and ponder new opportunities.
  4. Leaders share, are candid, and accept their vulnerabilities.
  5. Leaders learn from others, but have a true compass on their beliefs – they know their ‘Why.”

Dr. Tamerin Capellino, an Associate Professor of Education at Brandman University, was instrumental in the design and successful launch of a doctoral program in Organizational Leadership and recently designed a new Master's program in Educational Leadership and Administration.  Prior to going into higher education, Dr. Capellino served as a teacher, student advisor, high school assistant principal and middle school principal for over a decade.

Capellino’s lively and engaging presentations have been well received by small and large groups across the state on various leadership topics including capacity building, organizational communication, program evaluation, technology, and intergenerational collaboration.

Dr. Capellino recently co-authored 92 Tips from the Trenches: How to Stay in the Game as an Educational Leader and Knowing the Questions, Not the Answers: A Principal's Guide to Transition. 


Concordia’s next Symposium will be held on February 1, 2020, with the featured presenter being Julie Adams.  Adams specializes in neuroscience, mental health, and wellness systems.  She is also well-versed in digital and instructional leadership, culture building, and critical thinking.   More information will be posted at a later date.

 

 

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