JOHN LIU

Talk about a lesson that you’ve learned or experience that you’ve had so far in this program that’s been especially beneficial.

JOHN LIU: One experience that has really kind of shaped my time here as part of the Luther Hodges program is I’d probably say my internship. It was a very unique experience. I got to bond with two of the members of my cohort, and I got to really apply the things that I learned and also just see how these cross-sector collaborations actually worked and the workforce and how it works in real life. Because we can read a lot about these things or read case studies and examples, but actually seeing how it’s being done and being a part of that process was really great to be a part of and it really taught me a lot of things about what it’s like to work with different groups. It can be pretty tough sometimes when you’re working with from businesses to nonprofits to the government. Different people have different priorities, but it was really, really fun, and I was glad to be a part of that experience.

How would you say your understanding of leadership has evolved as a result of being a part of Luther Hodges Scholars?

JOHN LIU: Before I joined the Luther Hodges Scholars program and even maybe my first year as part of the program, I always thought leadership was someone that was very confident, really loud, but as I’ve taken the time to be a part of the program and learn from my peers and learn from my mentors and learn from the staff, I’ve also realized that that’s not the only part about being a good leader. Through my experiences as a competitive rower and being a part of the program, what I’ve learned is that leadership is also about listening, about understanding people and making sure that every voice is being heard and that you can always be someone that someone else can depend upon, you don’t make empty promises. And throughout my time here, I’ve learned that good leadership is not just about having the answer yourself. Sometimes it can also be about just bringing people together, making sure different voices are being heard and helping turn good ideas and good intentions into something real and being able to create some sort of impact.

How would you say the program has shaped how you approach opportunities in your professional life?

JOHN LIU: It’s easy as a student in business to think mainly about growth or about making money or what titles you have, but Luther Hodges Scholars has really pushed me to look at things from a bigger point of view and to ask deeper questions or broader questions such as who is affected by the decisions that I make, what type of impact do I want to make or what type of impact do I want to leave and who needs to be a part of the conversation. So as I’ve continued with my life and gone to work, especially with the job I have now on this internship, it really connects sustainability with new technology and innovation. And with the technology that the company that I’m working for has invented, it can reduce, I think, 1% of total carbon emissions by 2030, which may not seem like a big number, but it’s really meaningful especially in this world. If I wasn’t part of the Luther Hodges program I probably wouldn’t have thought about that. I probably would have just joined the internship wanting just money or connections.

If you could share one message with current and future scholars, what would that be?

JOHN LIU: Always show up fully and be present and active in every opportunity that you get, if it’s the Luther Hodges Scholars or beyond, like any internships or any events that you’re invited to or your future career. Because even though it might seem like a small thing, especially within the Luther Hodges program, it’s more than just a title or a line on a resume. The real value comes from being present. For myself, some of the most meaningful parts of the program have come from growing with my cohort, from learning from older scholars, connecting with the younger students, working with the Luther Hodges team and being around people who just really care about business for an impact.

The more I have engaged with the program and the more I have showed up to all the events, all the events hosted by the Leadership Council and all the speakers that have been invited, the more fulfilling it has become. Take advantage of that environment, of any environment that you’re invited to or you’re a part of and build real relationships and especially for the program. Let the Luther Hodges program shape not just what you want to do but also the kind of person and the kind of leader that you want to become one day.

Complete this statement: “Because of this program, I …”

JOHN LIU: Because of this program I have found a community that makes me feel more connected at Carolina and has inspired me to use business to give back and to create impact beyond myself that would last for generations.

Interviewed by Phil Hardy. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.