By David Savoie, CEO, LaCorp
Throughout my career, which spans more than 30 years in the financial services industry—including corporate, regulatory and public accounting roles—as well as 24 years in military leadership, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the most outstanding supervisors, mentors, commanding officers and colleagues. Along the way, I picked up lessons that shaped my management and leadership approach. Some of these insights came from structured courses, but many emerged from the invaluable real-world experiences of working alongside great leaders and making my own mistakes.
Reflecting on these lessons, I realize that we all learn lessons that should be shared. Leadership and management are dynamic fields, evolving with new challenges, technologies and generational shifts. That’s why we’re launching this blog series—not as a definitive guide but as a conversation starter. I want to share the principles that have stuck with me in the hope that they will resonate with others, spark discussion and invite differing perspectives.
I certainly don’t claim to have all the answers, and we encourage feedback, disagreement and alternative viewpoints. If this series prompts others to reflect on their own experiences and lessons learned, then it will have served its purpose.
What This Leadership Series Will Cover
- Responsibility Should Equal Authority – Why effective managers ensure that those accountable for results also have the power to act.
- Always Bring a Solution – The importance of presenting problems and suggesting ways forward.
- Decision-Making Under Uncertainty – Recognizing when to stop gathering facts and trust your judgment.
- Understanding Costs in Decision-Making: Learning to differentiate between relevant, irrelevant and sunk costs—not just in finance but also in strategy and leadership.
- The Art of Prioritization – Knowing what to report to your supervisor when inspired by military-style decision frameworks.
- Presentation and Communication – Anticipating the right questions and delivering information effectively.
- Think Like a Professional Services Firm – Shifting from an employee mindset to a value-driven perspective.
- When to Engage and When to Walk Away – The wisdom of not wasting time on futile arguments.
- Taking a Stand – Why leadership requires conviction and decisiveness.
- Investing in Yourself – How continuous learning sets you apart in your career.
- What Ancient Texts Can Teach Us About Management – Exploring some scriptural principles that provide timeless wisdom for leadership today.
Join the Conversation
The purpose of this series is not just to share my experiences but also to learn from others. If you have a different perspective, a personal story or even a counterpoint to anything I share, I invite you to comment, message me or engage in discussion. The best management insights often emerge from the intersection of different viewpoints, and I look forward to hearing yours.
Stay tuned for the first lesson in the series, and let’s start a meaningful conversation about what it truly means to lead and manage effectively.