My Unexpected Path to Leadership
Damian Blumenkranc
Joining EO: A New Beginning
When I first joined EO in 2016, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was excited, of course—eager to meet new people, learn from them, and exchange ideas. But leadership? That wasn’t on my radar at the time.
Early Setbacks and Surprising Opportunities
I applied for a board position early on, and to be honest, I got rejected. It stung a little, but that’s how these things go, right? You move on. But, as fate would have it, a few years later, I found myself being “voluntold” for the very same role by our Chapter Manager. The opportunity came knocking when I least expected it, and I thought, why not? So, I stepped up.
Finding My Voice in Leadership
That was the start of my journey down the Path of Leadership. My first role as Communications Chair helped me find my voice within EO—communicating our vision and sharing our story. But it didn’t stop there. I moved on to roles like Communications Expert, Accelerator Coach, Forum Chair, and eventually, Chapter President. Each one brought its own set of challenges, but also, it brought immense personal growth.
The Challenge and Reward of Being President
Being President was by far the most challenging role I’ve taken on. It tested me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. But it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I learned how to delegate, how to truly lead, and most importantly, how to trust and rely on others. The connections I made along the way were incredible. But if you ask me what my favorite role was, I’d have to say being an Accelerator Coach. There was something so fulfilling about helping other entrepreneurs and watching them grow, often in such a short period. It was fun, and it felt like I was making a direct impact, which is something I hold close to my heart.
Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Growth
Of course, my leadership journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were bumps along the way, moments of doubt, and times when I questioned whether I was cut out for the role. But through it all, the support I received from EO was unwavering. And the memories—whether it was attending GLC or chairing our chapter retreat in Bali—will stick with me forever.
Reflecting on the Lessons Learned
If there’s one thing that stands out to me now, looking back, it’s how much I’ve grown as a person. Leadership within EO has taught me invaluable lessons in delegation, acceptance, influence, and trust. These aren’t just skills I use in my professional life—they’ve shaped who I am as a person, a father, a husband, and a business owner.
My Advice: Take the Leap
So, if you’re thinking about taking on a leadership role within EO, my advice is simple: just go for it. It’s never the perfect time, and you’ll never feel 100% ready. But start with a role you feel comfortable in, talk to those who’ve been there before you, and then just dive in. Trust me, the journey will be worth it.
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Curious about which role suits you best? Take this quick questionnaire to find your match: Path of Leadership Questionnaire and discover where your EO leadership journey could begin.