Aristófanes Cedeño guides student on the path to healthy leadership

Frank Osborne • March 21, 2024
Dr. Aristófanes Cedeño speaking into a microphone.

This week, Union Commonwealth University had the privilege of hosting Aristófanes Cedeño, a distinguished scholar who has expertise in leadership development, for an enlightening discourse on the Healthy Leaders Model. With references to his academic background and extensive experience, Dr. Cedeño provided insights into the essence of effective leadership, while highlighting the importance of personal well-being.


[PHOTO: Cedeño speaks to students, courtesy of the Rev. David Miller] 


Originating from Panama, Dr. Cedeño graduated from the University of Panama with a law degree, while also getting a doctorate in literary studies at Michigan State University. For over two decades, he has served as a professor at the University of Louisville, delving into areas such as natural law, the 19th century, and the Romantic Movement. His contributions have extended beyond academics, however, as he has been an integral member of the Governors Scholars Program since 1992, even becoming Executive Director, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader within his field.


During his visit to Union, Dr. Cedeño spoke about the principles of his Healthy Leaders Model, an approach that he described to prioritize individual well-being. He was keen to emphasis that to be a true leader, you must have a solid foundation of balance and self-care, challenging the misconception that success necessitates sacrificing personal health.

He outlined the six dimensions of the Healthy Leaders Model, in which each were essential for cultivating leadership qualities.

  • Physical Health: ensuring physical well-being to maintain focus and awareness
  • Emotional Health: being able to manage emotions and maintain resilience in challenging situations
  • Intellectual Health: being able to break away from your comfort zone and continuously seek growth
  • Social Health: being able to form meaningful connections and maintain effective communication skills
  • Vocational Health: the ability to do things to help others
  • Spiritual Health: the way you establish a sense of purpose and connection within your community

 

“Do not take anything personally. You cannot please everyone all the time. If you take something personally, then you become the loser.” This was a standout point as he was keen to address that if you worry too much about impressing people you miss opportunities and waste time.

 

Throughout the lecture, he emphasized the importance of authenticity and empathy in leadership, urging individuals to define their purpose and forge meaningful relationships. He underscored the need for leaders to tap into a higher purpose, embrace failure as a learning opportunity and cultivate trust and patience in their endeavors. When reinforcing that “you must have a meaning in life,” Cedeño referred to Aristotle’s quote, “your character defines your destiny” and he also referred to Winston Churchill’s saying that “wisdom belongs to your character.”

 

As Union continues their commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, Dr. Cedeno’s Healthy Leaders Model serves a beacon, illuminating the path towards balanced and impactful leadership. His visit is the third in ULead’s monthly student leadership training series, which features speakers from around Kentucky.

 

A joint project of the Spiritual Life & Justice Initiatives program, Athletics, and Student Development, ULead 360 focuses on developing emerging leaders in the areas of student development, introspective spirituality, vocational exploration, social justice, and global citizenship. Each speaker shares practical leadership advice and aims to inspire Union’s next generation of leaders. Everyone on campus is welcome, and student leaders are especially encouraged to attend.

 

For more information about ULead 360 or the Spiritual Life & Justice Initiatives program, contact College Minister & Executive Director of Spiritual Life & Social Justice Initiatives, the Rev. David Miller at (606)546-1291 or dkmiller@unionky.edu


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