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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Sophia Shaw has had many interesting roles, from leading the Chicago Botanical Garden, to being an Adjunct Professor at the Kellogg School of Management. After all that, her work is just getting started. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Sophia talk about Sophia's start up, PlanPerfect, her 'why' to get into nonprofit work, the importance of planning to plan and why initiative is a crucial leadership characteristic. They also talked about the times she’s struggled with Impostor Syndrome, and how she’s gotten over it.

3 Takeaways:

1. (07:45) Leaders need to understand what it takes to execute strategy
2. (12:15) When conflict arises, go back to the strategic plan
3. (14:00) Most people want to go to work knowing what they have to do

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Sophia Shaw, co-founder, PlanPerfect

(03:30) What is PlanPerfect?

(04:30) Why did you start PlanPerfect?

(07:45) What are must-have leadership characteristics

(09:20) Knowing your “why”

(10:20) Learning from mistakes

(12:00) Working through conflict

(15:30) Sophia’s leadership influences

(17:10) Handling imposter syndrome

(19:50) What does Sophia look for in good leaders?

(21:10) Plan Perfect in 2025

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Doug is the executive director of the Child Protection Center of Sarasota, a nonprofit dedicated to prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse. Doug has been with the organization for 30 years, and it has led it since 2011. On this episode Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Doug talked about his career transition in going from the U.S. Army to social work; what he looks for in young leaders; and how he builds resilience into his leadership approach when working in an emotionally-challenging field. They also talked about one of their favorite non-work topics: baseball, and their favorite teams.

3 Takeaways:

1. (14:00) You have to adapt to overcome challenges
2. (16:00) Honesty, integrity, and servant leadership are Doug’s must-have leadership characteristics
3. (17:50) Be a willing to make decisions and follow through

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Doug Staley, Executive Director, Child Protection Center

(07:50) 30th anniversary at Child Protection Center

(10:10) What is the Child Protection Center?

(13:30) Handling leadership challenges

(16:00) Leadership characteristics

(17:30) Leadership advice

(21:30) Overcoming setbacks

(23:35) Child Protection Center in 2025

Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more.

Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.