Part of being a leader is understanding your role as a leader. Part of the process with the Fellowship has been to gain a deeper understanding of the type of leader I am. It is realizing that I am not a single type of leader, though the type that is most characteristic is the Visionary—who holds the vision. My mentor, J. Otis Powell?! called it being the advance grade. The one the points in the distance to a destination, sometimes only he or she can see—and says I am going in that direction. They enlist others they can convince to share in this dream. And step out ahead to lead, even when that means challenges and hurdles. Someone has to hold the vision and continue to drive it forward until it is accomplished.

Another type is the Producer. This type of leader is in many ways a curator. They bring together the best talent, and give them the freedom to create and collaborate. This is most reflective of my work as a filmmaker—whether for my own films or as a producer for other filmmakers.

The other type is a Director. This is more hands on. You provide direction, and guide—and sometimes shape the vision.

There is also the Coach. The goal is to teach, and push and challenge. You test and set expectations and standards. You hold everyone accountable, even yourself. You also praise and instill confidence. You develop and elevate.

Sometimes you’re a Mentor. You guide, sometimes from a far. You advice and suggest. You support. You have conversations. You share wisdom and stories. But you also let go, give them space to grow, to fall and fail, and rise back up.

I’ve practiced these without the language and the clarity that the understanding of leadership through the Fellowship process has given me. It also gives me the tools to approach each project or endeavor in the way that best serves the purpose.