Baltimore Entrepreneur Uses Leadership To Impact His Community
Throughout Baltimore, intelligent entrepreneurs are found trekking a solid path to leadership by incorporating morals and values into professional management styles.
Eric Franklin, president and CEO of the award-winning project management and consulting firm ERIMAX, Inc. and co-owner of Jazzy's Restaurant in Bowie, credits his continuous educational and professional success to a keen sense of respect for social welfare and genuine disposition towards the common good. As Mr. Franklin notes, "True leadership is not complete until the leader has developed others to lead."
Where did you receive your higher education?
"I got my undergraduate degree from Hampton University, Hampton, VA and graduate degree from Webster University, St. Louis, MO."
What educational discipline(s) did you study?
"I majored in biology in undergrad and acquisition management in grad school."
In your opinion, how important is community service to leadership?
"Community service is extremely important to leadership. In my book, 'Peanut Butter Principles: 47 Leadership Lessons Every Parent Should Teach Their Kids,' I describe the process of becoming an effective and lifelong leader - learn to follow, to learn, to lead and to serve - in that order. Service is the final lesson because that's where a leader's credibility will be established.
A community's collective opinion of a leader will be largely shaped by the work that a person performs in service to the community. It is no longer acceptable to be accomplished in your chosen career or gift. Credible leaders help to build the community by using their talents to improve the quality of life for all in the community. Ultimately, a great leader desires to leave more than just money or monuments to his/her success. They strive to empower others to continue to impact the community."
As a professional leader, what advice do you have for others who would like to follow a similar life path?
"Your accomplishments should speak for themselves. Don't interrupt. Do something because it matters, not because it will get you noticed. Leaders need to dedicate time to allow themselves, in fact, to be led."
Keisha Oduor is a professional writer and entrepreneur who resides in Baltimore, Maryland. She has a degree in Communications and French from New York University with work experience in publishing, nonprofits, healthcare administration and program management. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
