The Usery Forum on Leadership is a presentation series hosted by GCSU Leadership Programs, with the most recent forum taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and hosting speaker Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso Jr., the Founding Chairman and Director of Atlantic Capital Bank and Atlantic Capital Bancshares. 

In the forum, selected individuals who display expertise in leadership are invited to speak to GCSU students and foster a leadership-based conversation in pursuit of the GCSU Leadership mission: Leadership for the Public Good. 

The series is named after W.J. Usery Jr., a Milledgeville-born politician who served as the 15th US Secretary of Labor and served under five presidential administrations. The forum is funded by his son and daughter, who are passionate about ensuring their father’s legacy inspires the next generation of young leaders. 

Notably, Tuesday’s forum took place on Veterans Day, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I. Both the namesake W.J. Usery Jr and the speaker, Walter M. “Sonny” Deriso Jr., are veterans, with their service playing a significant role in their leadership development. 

At the beginning of the forum, Dr. Harold Mock, president of GCSU Leadership Programs, introduced Kassie Arps and Bridget Johnson, who are the recipients of the W.J. Usery, Jr. Fellowship, which recognizes exemplary student leaders. Arps then introduced Mr. Deriso to the stage, where he delved into a dialogue about his own leadership and how college-age students can become the best leaders possible.

Deriso’s primary philosophy is the concept of “principle leadership,” a personal code of conduct that he employs in all of his decision making. Principle leadership is allowing one’s morals to guide their leadership, and according to Deriso, the most important characteristics of a principle leader are “integrity, character and trust.” 

As the chairman of a bank, Deriso has extensive experience with challenging situations, and stated that one of the most difficult aspects of his job is firing employees. He continued, however, that good leaders develop good character by going through hard times and experiencing challenges. 

Building on that idea, he continued that many young people don’t develop moral qualities that come from overcoming adversity because they choose to avoid difficult situations. As an attempt to shield his own children from this, Deriso’s sons participate in baseball to ensure they experience the feeling of loss and hardship, thus building their perseverance and ability to stay true to their morals during difficult times. 

“Smooth skills don’t make skillful sailors,”  Deriso said. “And good judgment comes from experiences, which comes from bad judgment.”

In this, Deriso encourages young people to take risks, as it allows them to learn and grow, taking advantage of their youthful years to make meaningful mistakes that allow them to become better leaders in the future, when the environments have higher stakes. 

After his speech, Jimmy Childre, President of Childre Ford, Inc., and Usery Fellow Bridget Johnson sat with Deriso on stage and began a Q&A segment. Students scanned a QR code to submit questions for Deriso, further opening the conversation and encouraging an honest intergenerational dialogue.

First, Deriso responded to an anonymous question asking what advice he would give to his college-age self. In response, he stated that he would give himself leadership advice. 

“Good leaders provide people with self-worth,” Deriso said. “Achieve trust by constantly showing people you are worthy of their confidence.”

Next, Deriso answered a question asking what college students can do to improve their own leadership skills. He stated that students must always “raise their hands,” or volunteer for every opportunity that comes their way. This will build their ability to face a diverse array of situations. 

Finally, Deriso closed with the statement that as a leader, one must never lose their humility and must always live by their values. He concluded with a reading of “The Dash Poem” by Linda Ellis, which highlights the importance of taking advantage of every situation and living a fulfilling life. 

The Usery Forum is an important event to GCSU students, constantly striving to bring successful leaders close to aspiring leaders, bridging the gap between generations and allowing those with flourishing leadership experience to share their knowledge with the younger generation who are the future of leadership.