Giovanni Riad: Random Post 1

About a year ago, I had the opportunity to meet Mayor London Breed of San Francisco. I had read about her political career and knew of her reputation as a formidable leader, but nothing prepared me for the insights she would share that day.

As we spoke, she recounted a pivotal time as a district supervisor. In just months, she had successfully persuaded multiple city offices to spearhead initiatives redeveloping three streets in her district. She had a vision, but more importantly, she knew how to unite people to execute it. Her ability to navigate the intricate web of city government, leaning on a diverse political network that spanned various offices, set her apart. Within two years, her influence had grown so strong that she was elected President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

I was eager to ask her about the most important lesson she had learned in her political career. She could have spoken about policy-making, legislative battles, or the technicalities of governance. Instead, she told me this: relationships are everything.

She explained how the bonds she had carefully built with fellow board members, city officials, and community leaders had paved the way for her ascent. These relationships enabled her to move legislation forward, gain allies in the city's power structure, and eventually step into the role of acting mayor when Mayor Ed Lee tragically passed away. Even then, her journey was far from guaranteed. The odds were against her in the 2018 special election, but she leaned on the network she had cultivated over the years. Those relationships—rooted in mutual respect, trust, and collaboration—became the foundation of her victory. She went on to make history, becoming the first black woman to serve as San Francisco’s mayor.

As she spoke, I realized that her words carried a lesson far beyond politics. It was a revelation: Success isn’t just about talent, intelligence, or even hard work. It’s about people. It’s about building connections, fostering trust, and creating coalitions that make meaningful change possible.

That conversation shifted my perspective on my own professional aspirations. Mayor Breed’s success wasn’t solely built on her legislative expertise—though she was undoubtedly skilled. Instead, she could form and maintain strong relationships that allowed her to navigate the political landscape and rise through the ranks of City Hall. Her story is one of perseverance, strategic alliance-building, and an unwavering commitment to bringing people together to enact change.

As I walked away from our conversation, I carried with me a new lesson. Whether in politics, business, or any professional field, the ability to forge genuine connections is not just an advantage—it is essential. Mayor Breed’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about having a vision; it’s about bringing people along with you to turn that vision into reality.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 2, 2025 at 6:56 PM

    This was a really engaging read. You did a great job capturing Mayor Breed’s story in a way that felt both personal and inspiring. I especially liked how you connected her experiences to a broader lesson about leadership and relationships—it made the takeaway feel relevant beyond politics. Your writing flows really well, and the way you built up to that final realization made it even more impactful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Riley PeaseMarch 3, 2025 at 11:22 AM

    Hi Giovanni, this was a wonderful read. I think it's great how much detail you can recall from this moment in your life. It's clear this was a really formative and inspiring experience for you, and I appreciate you sharing this with us.

    ReplyDelete
  3. johnwrit340@gmail.comMarch 3, 2025 at 1:12 PM

    Hi Giovanni, thank you for sharing such an experience! I appreciate how you summarise the insights of Mayor Breed and also added your personal view on her points. Human connection is indeed a critical aspect in a business or political career and I will certainly heed Mayer Breed's advice!

    ReplyDelete

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