Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Guinn.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was hired by Clemson University in 1990 to assist in a community development program called Palmetto Leadership. Clemson had just received a grant to foster leadership development in rural counties in South Carolina. Most counties rely on volunteers to staff boards and commissions which helps local government be more effective. My job was to go to these rural counties, recruit individuals into a leadership program, and then encourage them to become involved and volunteer to be on these boards and commissions upon graduation from the leadership program. In 1993, I received a call from the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce seeking help to establish a leadership program for seniors and retirees. At that time, the Chamber had a committee called the Senior Living Committee. They were asking the question about how they could get the talented retirees moving to Beaufort to become more engaged in the local community and put their skills and knowledge to good use. In 1994, we had our first ever retiree leadership program called the Beaufort County Senior Leadership program. The goal of the program is to foster civic engagement. During the program we touch about 175 people including the volunteers, students, speakers, entertainers, and county officials We start mid-January and have graduation in mid-April. Class size is limited to 25 individuals. My role is to shepherd the program along and coordinate the volunteers. We are now planning the 2027 Senior Leadership Program.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our volunteers make the class special. We ask the graduating class to assist in supporting the program for one year. This means that several individuals are asked to volunteer to sponsor a program day such as Beaufort History Day, Government Day, Arts Day, and many others. For our program year, we are coordinating 110 speakers, 18 different locations, food, snacks, drinks, lunches, rental buses, boat tours, guides, and many other factors contributing to a well rounded leadership program. Sometimes, we do experience some problems. One year we had difficulty getting onto a military base because the bus driver did not have the appropriate insurance form to enter Paris Island. We were at the gate for over a hour before the issue was resolved. Sometimes speakers don’t show, rooms are too small for our group, food is not delivered on time, or the coffee is cold.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I worked for Clemson University for 25 years and retired. Now, I am doing much of the same job as a volunteer. Leadership programs are very special. The talented individuals I meet every year are so unique and have had incredible life experiences. FBI, CIA, nurses, doctors, educators, White House staff, marketing directors, cooperate presidents, healers, fund raisers, politicians, and many others make up our program every year. All these individuals are looking for value and many find value through civic engagement. I ask myself, how can I make the world a better place? How can I help people be their best? My personal response has been my involvement with leadership development and civic engagement. I have now been involved in over 70 leadership programs including youth leadership programs. You don’t always see the results from the seeds you plant, but the results sometimes show themselves many years later. I met one of my former graduates in town on a sidewalk. He looked at me and said ” I was happily retired before I met you.” I asked what he had been doing for the last five years. He indicated he had been working with troubled teenagers as a volunteer after graduating from my leadership program.
How do you think about luck?
The Senior Leadership program attracts very talented individuals who help perpetuate the program from year to year. The program does not depend on luck but on skilled individuals giving their time and effort to help support the program.
Pricing:
- 2027 Leadership Program $400.00
Contact Info:
