Name: Steven Prevaux, J.D.
LT Class Year: 2006
Company Name: University of South Florida
Interviewed by: Laura Frost
This visit with Steve was on USF Main Campus at the spectacular new Judy Genshaft Honors College. We enjoyed a hot cup of Buddy Brew and chatted about a broad spectrum of topics. It was fun to catch up.
1. Tell us, why LTA?
Because leadership matters! People follow leaders,not just policies. LTA is an association based upon real leadership relationships. I was introduced to LTA through Dr. Judy Genshaft, USF President Emerita, so my introduction to LTA was inspiring from the beginning. I quickly learned that LTA is where local leaders go to become better leaders with a broader perspective.
- For you, what separates LTA from other business leadership programs?
For over 50 years, LTA has showcased what’s great about Tampa and it was empowering to learn those details. LTA strikes a healthy balance between providing impactful insights into our hopeful future along with real exposure to actual challenges that our city is facing today. One of the distinguishing hallmarks of LTA is that even after “graduation” a robust network remains to encourage you on the journey to help Tampa level-up.
- Describe a time when the LTA experience impacted your life or career?
One of my LTA takeaways was to look for potential points of intersection between two domains that foster collaboration. That awareness led me to compete for and attain a Fulbright International Educators Award. Basically, the U.S. Fulbright Commission sent me on two-week international research project in Northern France. It was a knowledge-based exchange to advance transnational research at the point where different legal and higher ed systems interact. It was a practical experience with transformative impact, much like LTA.
- What is an LTA benefit you wish everyone knew about?
Collegial connections are at the core of LTA and those connection points continue to mature over time. LTA serves as sort of “institutional memory” for Tampa comprised as a community of communities, each with distinct and unique identities. LTA casts a wide circle that bridges communication gaps and promotes conversations of consequence with a focus on cultivating positive relationships.
- Describe how the leadership journey will continue to shape you?
I view Tampa and USF as having similar trajectories each with a remarkable velocity. “Acceleration” is a word I hear frequently these days. LTA serves as a valuable catalyst accelerating development of the unique Tampa ecosystem that promotes sustainable innovations. The complexities and corresponding opportunities seem endless, so it’s reassuring to know that LTA colleagues work collaboratively by design.
Fun Facts About You/Local Knowledge:
- Latest movie, book, podcast or all three!?
o Movie: Gran Turismo
o Book: The Bible
o Podcast: “How to be Awesome at Your Job”
- Favorite spot to meet friends/colleagues for coffee, lunch or happy hour?
Buddy Brew recently opened a new location in the lobby of the Judy Genshaft Honors College at USF. It’s an excellent place for conversation fueled by good coffee.
- For staycation in Tampa Bay, you like to……
I grew up in Pinellas County, so we usually opt for sun and fun on one the Gulf beaches from Siesta Key to Clearwater Beach. We have 5 adult children and like to meet up near Beach Drive in south St. Pete or explore the eclectic Krate Shops in Wesley Chapel. We also enjoy sharing classic Tampa experiences with our grandchildren like the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens and ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
- When out of town guests are visiting, you plan….
Guests and family from up north love visiting the beach, Armature Works or taking in a Bulls, Bolts or Bucs game depending on the season. We have also found that a meal at least one of Richard Gonzmart’s signature restaurant’s is a must.
- Any hidden treasures/recent discoveries you’d like to share?!
My wife Holly recently discovered the “Project PUP” program through Moffitt Cancer Center. So, we just completed the certification process with Summer, our 3-year-old Golden Retriever. We are really looking forward to providing some comfort to those on the frontline of the battle against cancer.