Thirty students enrolled in Career & Technical Education courses in Henderson County Public Schools’ high schools were among the hundred students specially selected to attend the annual Student Leadership Academy event at the Biltmore Estate.
Organized by the Regional Career and Technical Education Consortium in conjunction with Biltmore, the Student Leadership Academy invited students from 20 local high schools in Western North Carolina to learn about business etiquette, first impressions, leadership and other “soft skills” from the pros at Biltmore, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and Blue Ridge Community College.
Before heading off on tours of the expansive estate’s various departments, Biltmore’s President and CEO, Bill Cecil, Jr., told students, “Take note of how we organize … and work together.”
With more than 2,000 employees in 38 departments, Biltmore has “every single career cluster that the (U.S.) Department of Labor recognizes,” said Biltmore’s Talent Acquisition Manager Scott McLean.
So what does it take to lead such a vast group of people in upholding the Biltmore legacy?
Instructors from Blue Ridge Community College said leaders generally have good communication and critical thinking skills, and are courageous – since it’s no small act to make major changes to an existing institution.
Dennis King, president of A-B Tech, said, “A good leader knows leadership is an art and not a science.”
He said there’s no scientific formula to leading a group of people, since there are diversities that exist in any given group. King added that a person doesn’t have to be a genius to lead, but he or she has to be effective in motivating others.
Keynote speaker and Transylvania County Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Jeff McDaris said good leaders are those who are honest and genuine, even when they think no one is looking.
“Everyone makes mistakes,” McDaris added. “It’s what you do after you make mistakes that defines you.”
Students were encouraged to interact with Biltmore employees during their tours, and find out what leadership qualities they exhibit – partially as an educational exercise and in part for the creation of student videos to be submitted to Biltmore Company representatives in October.
“Working at the Biltmore, initiative is one of the best things you can have,” said Jared Palmer, housekeeping manager for the Biltmore House.
Wanda Gasperson, on the Biltmore House housekeeping team, said it’s important to be trustworthy and dependable – and it helps to have a passion for what you do.
“I’m proud to be what I’m a part of,” Gasperson said.
Students were allowed to film the tours and interviews with Biltmore staff, for their one- to two-minute videos on the Biltmore employees. Of the videos submitted to the Biltmore Company representatives in October, four will be selected to appear on the company’s website and featured on the Biltmore Insider YouTube Channel.
(Written by Molly McGowan Gorsuch, Public Information Officer.)