At Chapman University, leadership is cultivated and encouraged at every level. Fortunately for all of us, our students, faculty and staff have been very generous and willing to share their leadership journeys.
Recently, Senior Vice President of University Advancement Amy Rogan-Mehta, Esq., who has also been announced as the new Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff effective September 2, took to the stage at the Excellence in Leadership event to impart her personal insights. The Excellence in Leadership event is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to foster leadership skills at all levels.
Rogan-Mehta shared valuable lessons from her own journey, emphasizing that while Chapman has long benefitted from strong executive leaders, leadership is not solely about those at the top but is a shared responsibility across the university community.
“Leadership is about making intentional choices that serve the greater good, particularly for our students and the university,” Rogan-Mehta said. “It’s a journey that requires self-awareness and a deep understanding of others’ perspectives.”
Throughout her speech, Rogan-Mehta shared personal anecdotes and insights that emphasized the importance of leadership as a process of learning and growth. She acknowledged that while leaders often face competing priorities and can’t always grant every request or validate every perspective, the most effective ones remain flexible and adaptive. Early in her career, she learned the value of seeking to understand differing viewpoints rather than clinging to rigid beliefs.
“Leadership isn’t just about saying ‘no’ more diplomatically,” Rogan-Mehta explained. “It’s about being curious and considering the bigger picture, especially when we think we have the easy answer.”
Mentorship also played a significant role in Rogan-Mehta’s development as a leader. She recounted how a mentor early in her legal career, a senior partner, taught her valuable lessons about feedback and growth. The senior partner took the time to provide detailed feedback on her work, teaching her not only about law but also about the value of constructive criticism.
“Mentorship is an essential part of leadership development,” Rogan-Mehta said. “It’s not just about finding someone with a similar background, but being open to learning from those who are willing to invest in your growth.”
Rogan-Mehta’s speech affirmed Chapman University’s commitment to nurturing leadership at all levels, encouraging attendees to embrace leadership opportunities, no matter how small, and to continue developing their skills in service of the university community.
“Leadership is something we can all learn from each other,” Rogan-Mehta said. “Embrace the opportunities you have to grow and lead, and always keep the greater good in mind.”
In addition to the keynote from Rogan-Mehta, the Excellence in Leadership event also featured a musical performance by Chapman’s Simply Vocale, a student a cappella group. The talented musical group showcased their vocal skills for those assembled in the beautiful Fish Interfaith Center.
