Leadership, to me, is about serving with purpose, leading with vision, and empowering others to rise. It is more than holding a title, it's about building relationships, fostering growth, and guiding people toward shared success. As someone grounded in education and community, my philosophy blends transformational, servant, and authentic leadership approaches to create change that is both people-centered and purpose-driven.
I believe transformational leadership is key to inspiring others and building a shared vision. A transformational leader doesn't just manage tasks, they ignite motivation, help others see their potential, and model the change they wish to see. I aim to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and challenged to grow, not just academically or professionally, but personally.
Rooted in servant leadership, I prioritize the needs of my students, colleagues, and community. I lead by listening first, valuing collaboration, and supporting the development of others. I’ve learned that when you invest in people, you build trust and trust is the foundation of all strong leadership.
I also draw from authentic leadership, recognizing the importance of self-awareness, integrity, and transparency. I believe that showing up as my true self especially as a young Black man can be powerful in spaces where representation is lacking. Authenticity allows me to lead with empathy while holding firm to my values of justice, equity, and community empowerment.
I strive to be a leader who empowers, not controls. I believe in shared leadership, where every voice matters and every person brings something valuable to the table. I want those around me to feel ownership in the mission we’re working toward whether that’s in a classroom, a school, or an organization.
In practice, effective leadership looks like:
Creating safe and inclusive environments,
Centering culturally relevant practices,
Making data-informed decisions while still honoring lived experiences,
And leading with empathy, especially when times are tough.
Ultimately, my leadership is about legacy. I want to help build systems where young Black and Brown students are not only supported, but expected to succeed. I want to develop future leaders who will one day take my place and continue the work of equity, education, and liberation.
Leadership is influence and I choose to influence through love, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Eyan Smith
LEADing with Mr. Smith is a leadership development group I designed and facilitate for a select group of 3rd–5th grade Black boys. The program focused on helping students develop self-confidence, cultural identity, communication skills, and early leadership habits. Each week, we explored a different theme through storytelling, group discussion, affirmations, and practical activities tied to their everyday school experience.
As a young Black male educator, I created this space to give students a positive example of leadership that looks like them one rooted in love, responsibility, and vision.