March 10, 2025

Dear LEAD San Diego Community,

2025 is flying by and we’re already rounding out the first quarter of the year.  

As I reflect on the recent Influence program, it provided me unique opportunity to witness the power of different perspectives coming together, breaking silos, and fostering connection. Being part of the conversations, hearing from the leaders who are navigating both the challenges and opportunities and connecting with others who can help be part of the solution is what LEAD is about. Our collective potential is limitless when we connect and learn from one another.  

I’ve been reading Good Power by Ginny Rometty, and many of her insights have deeply resonated with me. She writes about how leaders can use their power for good, driving meaningful change not just for themselves or their organizations, but for the many. A key takeaway for me is the emphasis on learning, how a willingness to develop new skills at every stage of life is invaluable. This growth mindset is essential for leaders who aim to make a lasting impact. 

Another idea Ginny shares, that I believe, is the understanding that positive change is rarely achieved alone. Trying to effect meaningful progress requires collaboration. We need others, diverse voices, experiences, and talents, to bring about the positive outcomes we seek. This belief is at the heart of what LEAD San Diego offers. Our programs provide opportunities to connect, learn, and gain a competitive advantage by stepping outside of the silos we can so easily find ourselves in. 

Community leadership programs like LEAD help individuals harness their own “good power” by connecting with others who share a drive for continuous learning and positive change. Together, we create networks that not only advance careers but also strengthen our region through shared knowledge, collaboration, and understanding. 

With that in mind, I’m excited to share that nominations for the 2025 Visionary Awards are now open! The Visionary Awards recognize individuals whose leadership helps others see the world in broader and more creative ways. To me, being a visionary leader means supporting others to envision possibilities they may not have seen on their own. It’s about encouraging innovative thinking, embracing diverse ideas, and connecting people and resources to create real, positive change. 

I encourage you to think about the visionary leaders in your own networks. Who inspires you to see the world differently? Who is driving change that benefits many? Let’s celebrate those who are using their leadership and power for good, those who remind us that leadership is ultimately about lifting others and creating a community where everyone can thrive. 

Warm regards, 

Veronica Perondi 

Executive Director, LEAD San Diego