Keon Okoh
2023/24 Arkansas Student Leadership Forum Alum
Senior at Arkansas State University
What did you enjoy most about your ASLF experience?
I truly enjoyed my experience at the ASLF because it brought together students from different backgrounds who all shared a passion for growth and service to their generation. I appreciated the chance to hear from leaders who spoke not only about professional success but also about values, integrity, and character as foundations for leadership. The small group discussions gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own journey and learn from the perspectives of others, while the atmosphere encouraged open and honest conversations. What stood out most was the focus on servant leadership, I will never forget the quote mentioned at the session from the panel at the governors mansion saying "success is found when you one, remove yourself from the center and two, when you focused on the destination and not the start".
What long term impact on your leadership skills do you see from your time at ASLF?
The forum changed how I view leadership and purpose. It taught me that true leadership is less about influence or recognition and more about a willingness to serve, to listen, and to lead with integrity even when no one is watching. The conversations and reflections challenged me to align my ambitions with my values, to pursue excellence not for personal gain but to uplift others and create lasting impact. I carry forward the conviction that the measure of a leader is not in what they accomplish alone, but in the lives they touch and the legacy they leave behind.
What do you wish you had know before attending ASLF?
Before attending, I wish I had known just how vulnerable and authentic the conversations would be. I went in expecting traditional lessons on leadership skills, strategies, and career insights but what I encountered was much deeper. The forum challenged me to look inward, to reflect on my values, and to share openly with others in a way that built genuine connections. If I had known this beforehand, I would have prepared myself to lean into that vulnerability sooner, to ask harder questions of myself, and to be even more intentional about the relationships I built.
Now that you're in the marketplace, what does it mean to you to be a servant leader?
Now my focus has shifted from “What can I gain?” to “How can I add value and lift others up?” In practice, this means listening before speaking, prioritizing the growth of my teammates, and making decisions that are guided by long-term purpose rather than short-term recognition. Servant leadership in the workplace is about leading with character when it is inconvenient, creating space for others to thrive, and measuring success not only by results but by the positive impact left on people and communities. To me, it is a daily commitment to use whatever influence I have in service of something greater than myself.