Leadership one-on-oneJudy Rogers

JR: When I think of a leader I want to follow, the word that captures all the qualities I admire is authenticity. A true leader lives by their values and aspires to make the world a better place. They lead by example—modeling the behaviours they want to see in others—and guide people towards opportunities and potential paths, without dictating the way forward. Leaders set the tone for their organization, and the values they live by are mirrored in the people they lead.

JR: I laugh about everything! I can find humour in almost any situation, and more often than not, I'm laughing at myself for something I've done. I genuinely love people, and I believe in the power of play to spark joy and laughter. I want to enjoy our time together, and laughter brings out the best in all of us.

JR: Most recently, I’ve been inspired by UBC graduates. Watching them cross the stage, I could see that they were getting ready to do incredible things, driven by their passion to build a brighter future. One of the reasons I was so excited to take on the role of Chancellor was the opportunity to be around people who have the courage to face adversity head-on. UBC is full of people who, despite all the obstacles, persevere to create positive change. That spirit inspires me, and it's clear that the university is a place where this kind of transformation happens. When people are striving to be their best selves, it motivates me to do the same.

JR: The relationships I've built and the opportunities I've encountered at UBC have been extraordinary. I have a long-standing history with UBC, and I’m proud that four generations of my family have attended this institution. When I was studying my third year of Recreation Education, my son was born, and many people were there for me. I’m still in touch with many of them decades later! When you find good souls, cherish them. That's where you need to spend your time—and there are a lot of good souls at UBC.

JR: Lead from behind. The most important lesson I've learned is that leadership is about empowering those around you. I focus on creating opportunities for others, meeting them where they are and supporting their growth, so that they take ownership of their ideas and their work. A great leader is only as strong as the people around them.

JR: For me, recharging is all about finding balance between body, mind, and spirit. I draw energy from my family, my friends, and my love of sport. My interests have evolved over time, but one thing has stayed the same: I always stay active. I keep fit with friends who come from all facets of life, and each group enriches me in a different way. I also make a point to stay connected with nature—every year, I do one or two hikes, and most recently, I explored Croatia and New Zealand! I want to be my healthiest self at every age, so I can stay in balance.

JR: Be true to who you are. I’ve learned to embrace what I like to do and what I’m good at. When you follow what you’re naturally drawn to, people who resonate with who you are and what you do will often join you on your journey. 

JR: I value colleagues who lead with care for others—those who work with compassion, humility, and thoughtfulness. We are all part of intersecting communities, and we’re only going to get stronger if people believe in and respectfully engage with each other.

JR: I'm a big community builder. Throughout my career, I’ve learned the value of embracing diverse perspectives to collectively reach the best possible decisions. My goal is to foster stronger connections between UBC and the broader community, so that the city, province, and country engages with the university in a meaningful way.

JR: I want the power to transform every conversation into an opportunity to bring out the best in each other. In every interaction, I want the ability to recognize and celebrate the other's brilliance, so that each conversation leaves us feeling inspired and more aligned with our best selves.

JR: I have a deep love for learning, so it was important for me to contribute to an educational institution like UBC—the drive for positive change excites me. I’m inspired by the energy of academia and the potential of our students, faculty, and staff—people who are not only pursuing their passions but are also dedicated to making a difference in the world. These are my people!

JR: With my diverse background, I want to help the university forge stronger and more meaningful relationships. UBC is doing phenomenal things, and I want to help share our story with the broader community and encourage them to engage with our research, so that the university continues to be a critical part of the conversations that create change. I want to integrate the brilliant work happening at UBC into the fabric of our society and ensure that the university continues to be a powerful force for positive change, locally and nationally.