College Experiences That Helped An Executive Leadership Coach At HED Space Coaching Succeed
Cheddy's undergraduate success stemmed from cultivating strong relationships with impactful individuals, stating "some of the relationships I've had in school... I still have relationships to this day," creating a valuable lifelong network. This, coupled with engaging with professors and extracurricular activities beyond the classroom, broadened their understanding of self and the world, proving invaluable in their career as an Executive Leadership Coach.
Networking, Relationship Building, Leadership, Communication, Personal Growth
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Cheddy Matthews
Executive Leadership Coach
HED Space Coaching
NC State University 2000
UCLA EMBA 2024
Political Science, American Studies
Coaching, Speaking & Writing
Strategic Management and Executive
Disabled, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Built a strong network of relationships with peers and professors that have lasted throughout her career.
2. Emphasized the importance of learning outside the classroom through joining organizations and engaging with societal issues.
3. Highlighted the value of connecting with people, building rapport, and understanding diverse perspectives to enhance leadership and career success.
Transcript
Cherry, taking you back to your time at NC State. What did you do during undergrad that set you up for success in your career?
One of the things that sets you up for success in your career is connecting with phenomenal people who will impact the world. Some people you meet, you may never see again.
However, there are others with whom you'll always be in each other's lives. I still have relationships from school, and I went to college in the late 90s. These friends, I met then, have established rapport, trust, and friendship.
You grow together, sharing successes and failures, and helping each other out. This creates a network of people growing through life just like you. When you need to make a phone call and ask for help, there are friends who are there for you, friends for life.
I urge people not to overlook their professors, but education is only part of the story. About 40 to 50 percent of learning happens outside the classroom. It’s about the people you meet, the organizations you join, and what you learn about yourself and how you fit into society.
It's also about understanding issues you want to learn more about and exploring your heritage and how others experience the world. This makes you more competitive and a better leader. You'll understand not just your own life and history, but others' as well.
Learn to connect with people and master the fine art of connection. Sometimes you connect because you want something, but other times you connect simply because it's a beautiful thing. People will help you just because of the connection you have with them.
It’s priceless, and should be measured in currency, but it's not. A good connection can be worth its weight in gold, so start making them in college.