Name: Lucas Bonner

Title: CEO

Organisation: SynCore EDU LLC

Lucas Bonner is founder and CEO of SynCore EDU LLC a surgical sterile processing consultiing firm www.syncoreedu.org. He also founded the Sole Foundation to help under served youth enter into medical programs. www.solefoundationsyncore.org

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Lucas's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The most challenging part of leadership is obtaining staff by in. Leaders have to change past bad behaviors, processes and build morale all at once. There are tons of meetings, deadlines, and metrics to meet. Leaders have to be flexible, creative, and innovative to be successful.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I became a leader by constantly asking my bosses for training and growth opportunities. I was asked to head promotional projects which lead to more work and that further cemented my reputation. I was asked to lead several consulting projects which afforded me the opportunity to be a corporate trainer. I began to understand that in order to really make a difference I would need to be an entrepreneur.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My mornings are Pacific time but the business world is on Eastern time. I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to seize the day and most of my admin work is done before I have to deal with the staff directly. This gives me an advantage to be both responsible for my given duties but also allows me to be present for staff if needed. After work which sometimes can be half of any given day I relax by reading or just doing nothing. I like good food and sweets are my vice. As a leader you must enjoy the quiet times youre blessed with.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A leadership lesson that I have been reminded of is that some staff members want to do a good job but either dont truly know how, have been a product of poor management and training, or have been allowed to do things wrong. As a leader we must teach, confront issues head on, and give staff real information they can study for themselves.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The self aware leader by John C. Maxwell. Any leader has to know their strenghts and weaknesses. You have to know how to motivate your team and learn from each other. This book allowed me to look at myself and understand that leadership isnt about being always right or knowing everything. True leadership is building upon everyones strenghts on your team and building the weakest points. This book taught me to be a part of the team so that staff would better trust my leadership.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Collaboration is key to strong work relationships. Learn who your key players are and reach out to them for advice, guidance, and mentorship. Be firm but fair and approachable this will get you respect and trust.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Integrity will get you further than popularity. I have been hired many places where my beliefs were compromised and I chose to do the un-popular thing but right thing and sometimes it doesn't feel good but ultimately is good for you. When things feel uncomfortable that's a growth moment. I have had to make decisions that are about what will ultimately be best and not just band-aid a situation to appease someone. Integrity builds trust and that will further your career.