For Ryder Damen, it\u2019s the small things that generate the biggest impact.<\/p>\n
Inspired by the work of motivational speaker Drew Dudley, the third-year Biological Sciences student is redefining what it takes to be a leader.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe often think of it as making a grand gesture or that it takes a certain kind of person to accomplish these big things,\u201d Damen says, who will be a speaker at the Canadian Conference on Student Leadership (CCSL) from Thursday until Saturday.<\/p>\n
Brock University and Niagara College will be co-hosting the 10-year anniversary conference at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, attracting leaders from across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs long as you\u2019re encouraging others around you to be the best person they can be, you are a leader. All it takes is a simple act of kindness,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
These simple acts are what Damen refers to as passive leadership, something that is often discouraged and avoided. He sees it differently, however.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all about perfectly average people doing perfectly average things. If you\u2019re influencing someone, if you\u2019re making those small contributions to inspire others and if you\u2019re completely genuine in the things you do, you are a passive leader,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe put leadership on such a pedestal that people might be apprehensive to call themselves one, but by just being yourself, you\u2019re making an impact on someone\u2019s life,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
As Damen looks forward to spending time with likeminded leaders, as well as students who aspire to be leaders, he stresses that leadership isn\u2019t something to live up to, it\u2019s all about doing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all of the small things that make an impact. Don\u2019t underestimate its power in changing you and others,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
CCSL keynote speakers include Faculty of Education professor Dolana Mogadime and Brock alumnus Adam Shoalts (BA \u201909).<\/p>\n