Leaders As Hosts Q&A Series: Paul Oliveira (LRI ’07)

Rhode Island leaders are asked about "Leaders as Hosts," LRI's 2018 theme.

Paul OliveiraLeadership Rhode Island recently asked Paul Oliveira (LRI ’07), LRI Board Chair and Shareholder, Director of Tax Services with Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co, about his perspective on LRI’s 2018 theme, “Leader As Host.”

What does it mean to you to be an effective Leader As Host?  

To me it means to receive and entertain guests, establishing a healthy environment for an event and allowing everyone to be comfortable.

What has been your proudest professional or personal moment as a Leader As Host?

I don’t think I have ever used the term host. I view myself as a facilitator, an arranger, and one who works to build consensus. From that perspective, I’ve mentored many people over the years to as far as partnership. I’ve built teams to achieve goals in my professional life, and I think I’m doing it here at LRI.

When does the Leader As Host style not work well?

When the debate is over, it’s time to execute. You need to provide enough time for discussion; then you need to run the play.

In an era of blockbuster superhero movies and a U.S. President who stated during his recent campaign, “I alone can fix it. I will restore law and order,” is Leader As Host an outdated concept or one not applicable to current times?

The current divisiveness in public discourse just emphasizes how important LRI’s mission still is. The work of the organization has never been more important.

Who in Rhode Island in addition to our luncheon honorees would you have share the stage as an effective Leader As Host? Who do you most admire?

Bob DiMuccio (LRI ’01), Chairman, President & CEO of Amica Mutual Insurance Company

What Rhode Island problem or challenge do you think could be better resolved with an effective Leader(s) As Host to convene?

A number of issues. Healthcare; environment (particularly with rising sea level), education.

* Learn more about “Leaders As Hosts” through the online essay, “Leadership In the Age of Complexity: From Leader to Host,” by Margaret Wheatley and Debbie Frieze.