New Book Highlights the Impact of Future Leaders
New book highlights the importance of next generation leaders and the impact LTC has on helping develop these leaders.
By: Damon Markiewicz
For alumnus Matthew X. Joseph ’93, EdD, he has enjoyed a high level of professional success as an educational leader, professional speaker, and author, that can be directly rooted to the lessons he learned while experiencing the Springfield College Leadership Training Conference (LTC) as a student. LTC was a life-changing experience for Joseph, and he is now proud to work with current LTC student-leaders in providing a platform that highlights the positive impact LTC has on individuals and communities.
Joseph has co-authored a book with Associate Director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs Angela Veatch, G’07, and seven LTC board members. The book highlights the importance of next generation leaders and the impact LTC has on helping develop these leaders. The title of the book is Next-Gen Leaders: An interconnected approach to leadership in life, and the published works share firsthand accounts from emerging leaders who outline the traits they believe are essential for success in the 21st century.
“There is no question in my mind that I wouldn’t have the success and opportunities as a professional without having the LTC experience in my life,” explained Joseph, who is the assistant superintendent of technology and learning in New Bedford, Mass. “Not only is LTC a leadership development experience, but more importantly, it helps individuals identify who they want to become. The experience allowed me to improve my communication skills, and develop strong problem-solving skills to navigate through real-world situations. LTC not only made me a better leader, but I became a better person.”
Joseph has stayed connected with Veatch and LTC over the years, and he was able to serve as the guest speaker at LTC 2023. As a result of his experiences with LTC, Joseph was able to collaborate with Veatch and the LTC board members to brainstorm the idea of publishing a book that can be a resource for individuals in understanding young leaders. The book offers hiring professionals a unique perspective on identifying and cultivating next-generation talent. At the same time, Next-Gen Leaders serves as a guide for aspiring leaders, showing them how to navigate complexity and thrive amid constant transformation.
“Starting with my very first meeting with the LTC board back in 2010, I have gained so much insight in learning from our students,” explained Veatch, who has been the LTC staff advisor for the last 14 years. “From the beginning, the students showed an eagerness that they wanted to lead, and I have learned many lessons from them over the years as I grow as a leader myself.”
Both Veatch and Joseph believe that one aspect of the program that makes LTC special is the focus on allowing students to lead, and the ability for everyone to learn from these future leaders.
“In many professional settings, there are opportunities to learn from students, and in this case, LTC students,” explained Joseph. “That’s what LTC represents, learning from students, and to gain an understanding what is important to them when discussing leadership.”
When reflecting on his LTC days, Joseph references one quote in particular that exemplifies what LTC represents. The quote is, “Leadership is an action, not a position.” That quote can also represent how important it was to take this book idea, and move the publishing of this project into action. Committed to giving back to a program that means so much to him, Joseph used his resources with a platform he is leader with to assist in the publishing of the book. Joseph is CEO of X-Factor EDU Consulting and Publishing, a full-service professional development organization that assists with publishing the voice of all educators.
“The world is hiring young leaders all of the time, so it’s crucial to understand what is important to them in the world we live,” explained Joseph, who was recently selected as one of the top 100 K-12 educational influencers by District Administration, a print and digital media service promoting the top K-12 leaders at virtually every school district in the U.S. “What’s exciting about this book, is it shows students how much we believe in them. Each student wrote a section highlighting the LTC lessons that are important to them. They were able to pick character traits they view as essential for success in the 21st century.”
Joining Joseph and Veatch as co-authors are students Maggie Donohue ’24; Simon Hauser ’24; Kyle Johnson ’24; Keeley Joyal, Class of 2025; Dominique LaBranche, Class of 2025; Emma Rodjenski, Class of 2025; and Allison Toppa ’24. Next-Gen Leaders spotlights this new generation of student-leaders, who are shaping the future with resilience, innovation, and purpose.
“Being a part of LTC has given me confidence in understanding my place within a room,” described Joyal. “I have been able to find the leadership style that is most comfortable for me, and that is only going to continue to help me in the future. To be able to build trust with participants, it’s part of my student experience at Springfield College that continues to be so rewarding.”
The book officially went on sale during the month of November, and even the price has ties to Springfield College with a $18.85 price tag for the paperback version. Joseph has also agreed to donate all of the proceeds from the book sales, back to the current LTC program.
“I think it’s so impactful to connect our current LTC leaders with LTC alumni,” explained Veatch. “We are so appreciative with what Matt has been able to do to get this book published in such a quick time frame. We are grateful for his willingness to always want to give back to the LTC program, and the College.”
For Joseph, Veatch, and the student leaders, being a part of this project has been inspiring. The world needs strong leadership, and LTC is one of the great traditions at the College that stays committed to the Humanics philosophy.
“I bleed maroon, and LTC has provided me with some very important guiding principles,” explained Joseph. “LTC set me on a path that has allowed me to be a supportive leader to so many educators, which has led me to speak at national events. Those weekends as a sophomore and junior at SC taking part in LTC forever changed my trajectory, and I am forever grateful.”
