A dynamic lineup of speakers spotlighted purpose-led, people-first leadership at the Greater Irvine Chamber’sExemplars in Leadership, in front of a sold-out crowd at the Hyatt Regency Irvine on Sept. 4.
Scott Sherman, Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Ingram Micro, opened with a simple challenge: lead so well that people would choose you as the person they’d most want to have lunch with. His message centered on purpose—for individuals and organizations—and how aligning values with action drives performance. Purpose and profit aren’t competitors, he noted; when values lead and cultures are authentic, results follow.
Moderated by Greater Irvine Chamber President & CEO Dave Coffaro, a panel of CEOs—Wing Lam (Wahoo’s), John Keisler (Sunstone Management), and Tammy Cooper (Technologent)—built on the events theme— What sets exceptional leaders apart—when they’re working in the same environment, playing by the same rules, and with the same resources as everyone else? — with real-world practices.
Kristine Collins, dean of the Division of Continuing Education at the University of California, Irvine, distilled the panel discussion into key themes & takeaways:
- Lead with purpose, live it daily. Purpose statements should be short, memorable, and actionable—used to engage employees and customers, not just framed on a wall.
- Psychological safety fuels performance. Teams thrive when they can bring their full selves to work; authenticity from leaders invites authenticity from staff.
- Hire great, not “good enough.” “Higher grade” talent elevates the brand, the work, and the outcomes; don’t penny-pinch on the people who represent you.
- Turn uncertainty into advantage. Exemplary leaders act—they adapt quickly, experiment, and look for service opportunities in crisis.
- Build community before you need it. Networks of partners, mentors, and even competitors become lifelines when conditions shift.
- Model the work. Leaders who “walk the walk” (yes, even washing dishes when needed) set tone, build trust, and strengthen culture.
- Grow visionaries at every level. Tie daily work to the big picture; use mentoring, clarity, and recognition to help employees see themselves as part of that vision.
- Make progress a habit. Discipline and persistence turn vision into sustained performance.
- Send the elevator back down. Mentorship is a leadership must-have.
Through candid insights and actionable takeaways, the program reinforced the Greater Irvine Chamber’s commitment to convening leaders, championing innovation, and equipping professionals at every stage of their careers with the tools to succeed.
