Dara Shareef is the managing partner of Benchmark International, where he oversees the transaction team in the firm’s U.S. headquarters in Tampa. Benchmark recently made a big splash in the region, in signing a naming rights deal for what’s now Benchmark International Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Dara talked about lessons in empathy and grit he learned from his mother and high school football coach, respectively, and how to grow into being a decisive leader. They also talked about his methods of conflict resolution and helping to get people on opposing sides to reach consensus.

3 Takeaways:

1. (10:00) Leadership is about accountability
2. (15:05) Don’t place artificial limits on yourself
3. (18:30) Deal with conflict head on and in the moment

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Dara Shareef, Managing Partner, Benchmark International

(04:20) What is Benchmark International?

(06:20) Winning naming rights for the Tampa Bay Lightning's arena

(07:45) How did Dara get into this field?

(10:00) What does leadership mean to you?

(11:10) Influences in leadership

(13:00) Growing up

(14:20) Lessons from playing football

(16:00) Tough decisions that shaped Dara’s career

(18:15) Handling conflict

(21:00) Leadership advice

(23:30) What legacy do you hope to leave?

(25:00) What is coming for Benchmark International?

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