Last night, I had the privilege of attending Benedictine University’s Mesa campus for their Journeys in Leadership series, an event that brought together community leaders, educators, and small business owners for an inspiring evening featuring Mayor John Giles. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint.
The Journeys in Leadership series, hosted by Benedictine University, is designed to showcase the stories and wisdom of influential leaders who inspire positive change. These events foster conversations that emphasize collaboration, community building, and leadership development—values that align deeply with the university's mission.
The Mayor, the Hospital, and Full Circle Moments
Benedictine University’s Mesa campus opened in 2013, but its building has a history that stretches even further back. Once the South Side Hospital, the facility was a cornerstone of the community long before it became a university. Mayor John Giles shared a fun tidbit during the event—he was actually born in that hospital. Talk about a full-circle moment! For more on this fascinating transformation, check out this article from The Mesa Tribune.
I attended the event thanks to Al Nuñez, Benedictine’s Advancement Officer, who I met at a Mesa Chamber of Commerce “Coffee Time” event. (Shout-out to Al for the invite!) It’s amazing how a casual coffee chat can turn into an opportunity to engage with impactful community events like this.
Big Questions and Bigger Conversations
Dr. Phil Hardy facilitated the evening with finesse, balancing Mayor Giles’s impressive accomplishments with thought-provoking, weighty questions. He wasted no time, starting the conversation with a bold one: “What’s wrong with America’s politics today?”
Mayor Giles didn’t hold back. He spoke about the rise of political extremism, lamenting how opposing sides seem further apart than ever. Still, his optimism was clear. He expressed hope for the “gravitational force of the majority” to pull us back toward the center—a perspective that resonated deeply with the audience.
The discussion took a personal turn as Mayor Giles shared his experiences dealing with threats as a public official. It was sobering but also inspiring, as he used the moment to emphasize the importance of civil discourse and rebuilding trust. His message? Let’s strive for the reasonable middle ground.
A Night of Connection and Community
The atmosphere was another highlight of the evening. Benedictine’s Mesa campus offered a welcoming and intimate space that encouraged meaningful connections. Thoughtful touches like a Visit Mesa-themed goody bag, a peppermint-scented ornament (hello, holiday vibes), and Spectrum Ops apple soda—a collaboration with Cider Corps. The soda, which celebrates Mesa’s fifth anniversary as the nation’s first autism-certified city, is a refreshing innovation. Check out this Instagram Reel for a closer look at this meaningful project.
Ideas for the Future
While the evening was a resounding success, there’s always room for improvement. A shorter introduction and conclusion could allow more time for audience Q&A—it was clear people were eager to engage. Another idea? Adding a student to the panel. It would be a fantastic way to spotlight young leaders and provide a fresh perspective on leadership in Mesa.
Want to Join the Conversation?
Events like Journeys in Leadership aren’t just inspiring—they’re essential. They connect us to our community, spark vital dialogue, and remind us of the power of collaboration. If you’re kicking yourself for missing this one, don’t worry—there’s more to come. Visit ben.edu/journeys-in-leadership for details on upcoming events. Trust me, you don’t want to miss the next one.
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