Sean and Laura met to catch up over lunch at Fusion Bowl, downtown on Kennedy. They talked about everything from family, kids and parents to his involvement with Focus Academy -seeking an ExecDir, facials, Medicare and how downtown Tampa has come a long way since the initial surveys his firm conducted for the Downtown Tampa Partnership!
Name: Sean Coniglio
LT Class Year: 2006
Company Name: HCP Associates – Research | Strategy | Marketing. https://www.hcpassociates.com/about/
Interviewed by: Laura Frost
Tell us, why LTA? – Because I had heard the bus rides to Tally were legendary! Do those exist anymore? Kidding aside, it was early in my career, after three years into an internet marketing start-up, a film company and merging them into a consulting firm when my business partners encouraged me to participate.
For you, what separates LTA from other business leadership programs? – At the time, both public and private sector community leaders were tackling the recession and Tampa was going through a transformation. For my LT’06 class, we were all optimistic about the future of Tampa which allowed us to find ways to engage and make a difference in the community. What I believe separated LTA at that time was the openness to innovative ideas. New programming was sparked with building Emerge for young leaders which still exists today. The Tampa Bay Chamber has done a fantastic job keeping members engaged through the creation of new and relevant programming. The Chamber really has something for everyone!
Describe a time when the LTA experience impacted your life or career? – The experience has opened my eyes to the important work that goes on amongst the leaders in our community who collaborate and work together to make Tampa a great place to live, work, and play. The experience further fueled my drive and ambition to support many meaningful and important strategic initiatives in the community. Right after LT’06, I joined the board of directors of the Florida Aquarium under Thom Stork’s leadership. I learned a great deal about the importance of servant leadership and treating everyone with love and respect. I feel privileged to have known Thom so well; he was a mentor and great friend.
What is an LTA benefit you wish everyone knew about? – Learning more about yourself as a leader among leaders, cultivating a deeper interest in supporting community initiatives, meeting fantastic colleagues in various fields who become lifelong friends, and maintaining a positive personal and professional work/life balance.
Describe how the leadership journey will continue to shape you? –
I’ll continue advising clients, doing meaningful work in the community, and mentoring young professionals using what I have learned from the mentors in my life. My advice to young professionals is to seek out mentors and advisers. It is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Be a lifelong learner. The quote I have lived by since college, “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” - Abraham Lincoln