Taras "Terry" Szmagala
Eaton
Education: Doctoral degree and bachelor’s degree, University of Virginia
Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: St. Ignatius Loyola, co-founder of the Jesuits
Favorite Quote: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”
Most Important Leadership Quality: Servant leadership. My job is to help my team do theirs more effectively.
If I Could Have Any Other Job: Teacher — my parents were both teachers and made a difference in the lives of others.
The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Focus on adding value more than getting credit. If you add value, the credit will come.
What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Avoid drama and people who like it. Don’t take yourself so seriously, and maintain perspective.