Inspiration profile on Carolyn Hawthorn

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How Carolyn Finds Inspiration

In accordance with the Laurier motto "Inspiring Lives of Leadership and Purpose," who is someone that you aspire (either someone current or in the future) to inspire? 

I aspire to inspire anyone who may be thinking they haven’t quite figured out what ‘they want to be when the grow up’. Career and growth are not linear, it is ok to veer off your preconceived path or ladder, and there is no such thing as a squandered experience. I’ve always had a hard time with societal and personal expectations associated with career growth and have taken the last couple years to try to redefine what success truly means for me.

Working at Laurier, what inspires you?

Openness to new: new ways of thinking, doing, working, exploring. Nothing is static and that really motivates and inspires me.

How Carolyn Inspires Others

In what ways do you see yourself as a leader within the Laurier community?

I’ve been able to develop leadership skills at Laurier thanks to the openness of my own leadership team. Reflecting, I’ve seen myself leaning into Servant, Transformational, Democratic, and even Laissez-Faire leadership styles as they are appropriate. I’ve always been afforded the space to make mistakes or try new things at Laurier, and I work hard to ensure I share that mentality with anyone I work with.

What is unique about your Laurier community?

Overall, I don’t think we’re that unique! I think we’re a team of kind, motivated, collaborative individuals working to serve the Laurier community which is wonderfully common here.

How Carolyn's Career is Inspiring

How does your career at Laurier exemplify your commitment to inspiring lives of leadership and purpose?

Every time I work in collaboration with our host communities, every time I open myself up to learning something new, every time I share insight, knowledge, or support gained at Laurier, I demonstrate my commitment to Laurier’s mission, vision, and values.