Episode 7

Leadership Skills in College Students with Kristin Economos

Kristin Economos, the owner and founder of the Life Skills Launch, joins the podcast to discuss leadership development in college students. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, collaboration, and perspective-taking in building effective leaders. She also highlights the strengths of today's college students, such as their genuine inclusivity and desire to create a seat for everyone at the table. Kristin and Whitney Warne explore the concept of confident humility and the role of emotional intelligence in leadership. They discuss practical strategies for developing emotional intelligence such as separating daily tasks from long-term goals and providing opportunities for genuine connection and mentorship. Kristin also shares a list of affirmations that every young person should hear as they navigate their early twenties.

  • [0:38:54]: The importance of confident humility and avoiding arrogance

    [0:39:13]: The need to teach and practice confident humility

    [0:40:17]: The miracle of being able to function in relationships and work

    [0:40:59]: The goal of creating an emotionally intelligent workplace

    [0:41:18]: Supporting emotional intelligence through self-awareness and courageous action

    [0:42:11] Providing tools and resources for self-awareness and values clarification

    [0:43:13]: The importance of feedback from trusted sources

    [0:43:36]: The strategy of separating daily tasks from long-term goals

    [0:46:00]: The need for foundational changes in personal organization and habits

    [0:48:22]: Leadership is about how others experience you and being a good human being

Key Takeaways:

  • Effective leadership development in college students involves self-awareness, collaboration, and perspective-taking.

  • Today's college students excel in creating inclusive environments and valuing diverse perspectives.

  • Students can be underprepared in managing the overwhelming amount of information they are exposed to and in building impeccable dependability.

  • Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in leadership and can be developed through tools like the enneagram and genuine connection with mentors.

  • Separating daily tasks from long-term goals can help improve focus and productivity.

  • Providing affirmations and support to young people in their early twenties can have a significant impact on their confidence and well-being.

About The Guest:

Kristin Economos is the owner and founder of the Life Skills Launch, a consulting business that equips young adults with the skills needed for a successful launch into early adulthood. She has extensive experience in college admission, academic advising, curriculum design, and leadership development.