Leadership isn’t about titles, but about showing up and giving back.

It’s something people often think comes with time or a title. But in many communities, it actually grows through showing up, getting involved, building relationships, and finding ways to give back.

In this episode, Andy Schwindler sits down with Kitty Campbell, Executive Director of Leadership Lafayette, to talk about how leadership takes shape through real-world experience. They share what it looks like to grow into leadership through community, how the program develops people over time, and how the Volunteer Expo creates simple ways for anyone to step in and make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership grows through showing up and contributing
• Experience matters more than theory
• Community is built through connection and collaboration
• Everyone has the potential to lead at the right time

Highlights:
(00:00) Rethinking leadership through service
(00:14) Meet Kitty Campbell and Leadership Lafayette
(01:05) Why leadership isn’t learned in textbooks
(03:05) Overcoming self-doubt and stepping into leadership
(05:10) Understanding the depth of community impact
(06:10) How leadership programs build confidence
(09:30) Looking at root causes, not just solutions
(11:54) The story and purpose of Leadership Lafayette
(18:31) Inside the 9-month leadership journey
(20:46) How the Volunteer Expo connects people to purpose
(29:28) Creating momentum through community collaboration
(54:42) Reflections on leadership, service, and giving back

Resources:
Kitty’s LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kitty-campbell/
Leadership Lafayette Website: https://leadershiplafayette.org/
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/
Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/
Sandy Beach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design/
Sandy Beach’s Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/