involved in the Atlanta Bar for the rest of my legal career, wherever the need for assistance arises.
Genie Iredale, Fellows LaBriola
ACYL President 2014-15
The ACYL provided me an opportunity to hone my leadership skills. During my time as a member of the ACYL and then on the Board, I watched other Bar leaders and learned from their example.
The ACYL( and the Atlanta Bar as a whole) is a group of vibrant and diverse young attorneys who are learning how to practice law. With such a diverse constituency, it was important to be mindful, creative, and proactive in addressing problems and concerns. This not only came in handy while serving the ACYL, but also in my practice as a business litigator.
Jonathan Smith, Assoc. general counsel for the Atlanta Braves
ACYL President 2015-16
When I was asked to write about how my leadership role with ACYL has helped with my professional career, my thoughts gravitated more toward personal growth than professional growth. Leadership roles can certainly help build resumes and may earn awards, but I think most importantly, they teach you about yourself and how to relate to others. This, in turn, helps build emotional intelligence, which is being more widely recognized in the business world as a critical skill and as an
indicator of professional success. Putting myself in front of people( especially in a leadership role) has never come naturally to me. I was the only 4 year old on the soccer field with their mother because I wouldn’ t go out on the field“ alone” with all of the other kids – love you mom. I think it’ s safe to say I tend to have a more introverted personality. I’ m no expert, but I suspect the majority of natural born leaders are extroverts. At some point I realized that I needed to put myself in positions that weren’ t naturally comfortable to me in order to grow and challenge myself. I have never regretted any of the leadership roles that I’ ve assumed because I’ ve always learned more about myself and gained skills, experiences, and most importantly, relationships, that I would not have otherwise gained had I sat on the sideline.
These lessons have most certainly positively impacted my personal life and professional life and I encourage anyone considering taking a leadership role to act on it( especially my introverted brothers and sisters). The ACYL is a great place to start or continue your leadership journey. More than likely you’ ll have fun doing it, as well – I did. At the risk of trademark violation, just do it, lean in and jump in.
P. S. I have been playing soccer for 33 years now without my mom( I will neither confirm nor deny that she still brings oranges and Capri Suns though). ▪
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