BYU Connect January 2025 Webinar Blog Post Skip to main content

January Webinar Recap

Click here for link to webinar recording!

In January, BYU Connect hosted Samantha Thee, a leadership expert with a strong connection to BYU, for a discussion on how leadership skills can drive both personal and professional success.

1. Key Leadership Traits for Career Growth


Samantha emphasized that leadership is more than just a characteristic—it’s about influence, adaptability, and continuous learning. She highlighted qualities like initiative, resilience, and strong communication as key traits that help individuals stand out in their careers. Whether leading a team or contributing to a project, developing these traits early can set the foundation for long-term success.

2. Translating Student Leadership Experience into Professional Success


Having once been a BYU student herself, Samantha underscored the value of extracurricular involvement. She encouraged students to engage in campus organizations, clubs, and leadership roles, as these experiences build essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making. She shared how her own involvement at BYU helped shape her career and advised students to highlight these leadership experiences when applying for jobs or internships.

3. Balancing Strategic and Emotional Aspects of Leadership


Great leaders don’t just make strategic decisions—they also connect with people. Samantha discussed the importance of balancing logical problem-solving with emotional intelligence. Leaders who can navigate both the analytical and human aspects of leadership create stronger teams, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful results.

Samantha’s insights reinforced that leadership development starts now, whether in the classroom, student organizations, or internships. Watch the full webinar recording to learn how to leverage leadership skills for your own career growth!

Samantha Thee

Samantha Thee is a seasoned event strategist and fundraising leader, managing global initiatives for Nature’s Sunshine's Impact Foundation. With expertise in event management, luxury travel experiences, and donor engagement, she is dedicated to creating impactful experiences that foster connection and inspire meaningful contributions. Samantha holds a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Intercultural Peacebuilding from Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi. Samantha is originally from Hawai’i and her superpower is finishing an entire lip balm without losing it.