Each week, The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute features program alumni and highlights their experiences and leadership.

Meet Brian Canaday

What programs & institutes have you particiapted in?

VCU Leadership 2017.

Where do you currently work?

I am the Director of Academic Technology in the School of Pharmacy at VCU.

What has been your favorite aspect of participating in our leadership programs?

The program shared a ton of great tools and resources to enable me to become a better leader. I also witnessed examples of what great leadership looked like. It challenged me in multiple domains but prepared me to deal with each challenge effectively and appropriately. Lastly, I felt the culture of the program allowed me to be vulnerable in a safe environment.

Who motivates you to be the best leader you can be?

My team members. I feel passionate that I have a responsibility and an obligation to inspire and understand each member of my team. I want to provide each one with the right tools and leadership so that they can experience their version of success. It is highly rewarding to watch each of them smile after a win and ”go back to the drawing board” after a not so successful project. I believe that each member of my team wants to be happy and fulfilled, and the more I understand their individuality, the better I can serve them.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

Ha, I am pretty boring. I used to be a pretty good collegiate athlete and I am now a quasi-wine connoisseur.