J Jagriti

What did you enjoy most about your ASLF experience?

My favorite part of ASLF was definitely the mentors and my small group. I’m still in contact with Miss Jessica Brogdon and Miss Jan Corkern, who were both such inspiring and supportive leaders. One of my dear friends I met at ASLF recently got married — and it’s so beautiful to see how people you only met once can leave such a lasting impact and form deep bonds. ASLF helped me truly understand the meaning of servant leadership. I didn’t just learn concepts — I experienced them through the people I met and the connections we built. From just one ASLF Forum, I gained life-long lessons and friendships that I’ll always carry with me.

What long term impact on your leadership skills do you see from your time at ASLF?

Attending ASLF came at the perfect time for me. Through my MBA program, I was meeting and interacting with many different leaders, which allowed me to observe a wide range of leadership styles. ASLF helped me reflect on what it truly means to be a servant leader — someone who not only leads, but also empowers others to lead.

One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of giving others the opportunity to take initiative. I realized that being a servant leader means trusting your team, even if that means allowing space for mistakes. Delegating tasks became less about efficiency and more about growth — it's okay if someone needs more time or makes an error, because that’s how learning happens. Ultimately, what matters is that the team moves forward and succeeds together.

What do you wish you had know before attending ASLF?

As someone who is Hindu and from India, I had very limited exposure to Christianity growing up. Where I’m from, there are very few Christians, so most of what I knew about the religion came from documentaries or movies.
At ASLF — especially during small group discussions — Jesus was often used as an example of a servant leader. It was fascinating to hear the stories and personal testimonies shared by my peers. I found myself wishing I had known more about the Christian faith and culture beforehand, so I could have engaged more deeply and confidently in those conversations.

That said, my mentors and fellow students did a wonderful job of making me feel welcome. They beautifully represented both their faith and American culture in a respectful and inclusive way. Their openness helped me not only learn more but also truly appreciate the values behind servant leadership from a new perspective.

Now that you're in the marketplace, what does it mean to you to be a servant leader?

Servant leadership in the real world means recognizing that success is a team effort. It’s about trusting your colleagues, supporting their development, and sometimes stepping back so others can step forward. It also means leading by example — being willing to do the hard work, owning mistakes, and staying grounded in your values.

Ultimately, servant leadership is about impact — not just on results, but on people. It’s how I strive to build relationships, foster trust, and create a positive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.