“I’m looking for Seneca.” Half searching and half hoping someone would just point, the young college student asked, “Have you seen him?”

I motioned toward the mass of people on the other side of the auditorium. “If you want to find Seneca, just work your way to the center of that big ol’ crowd. He’ll most likely be laying down some knowledge, and others will be scooping it up by the bucketful.” That was my creative way of saying, “He’s over yonder.”

Throughout the nearly two decades I’ve known Seneca, I’ve seen students and professionals routinely seek him out for wisdom, advice, or just to be loved and encouraged by a Sharper Leader who truly cares. And he really does!

“If you want to find Seneca, just look for the crowd.” When trying to locate Seneca, I’ve always felt comfortable using that as my answer while attending numerous conferences throughout my career. Seneca isn’t one who follows the crowd, he’s one the crowd seems to love following.

Seneca is constantly striving to serve and develop others in a meaningful and lasting way. As a devoted husband and father, he speaks highly of his family every time we catch up. As the top dog at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he is constantly bragging about his staff. He is also an accomplished poet, author, and speaker!

If you spend five minutes talking to Seneca and don’t walk away feeling inspired, encouraged, or challenged to be better at something, you obviously weren’t paying attention. Seneca leads and loves well. I appreciate his leadership and have always enjoyed watching the crowds form around him as he pours into those willing to Pause with him.