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2023 Leadership Excellence Awards Winner Spotlight: Amanda LeBlanc

Winner of the 2023 Young Lab Manager Excellence Award, Amanda LeBlanc discusses what makes a good leader and the best piece of management advice she's received

by Lab Manager
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Amanda LeBlanc is a laboratory manager at Arizona State University in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. LeBlanc was nominated by her peers for the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards and received recognition as the recipient of the Young Lab Manager Excellence Award. This award honors an individual who exemplifies exceptional leadership and is under 40 years of age.

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Amanda LeBlanc
Credit: Amanda LeBlanc

Q: Can you briefly discuss your background and what you do in your current role?

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A: With nine years of laboratory experience, I currently serve as the laboratory manager at Arizona State University within the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. In this role, I manage, oversee and coordinate the daily operations within the academic laboratory enterprise.

Q: What was your reaction to winning this award, and what does it mean to you to win?

A: My initial reaction to winning this award was excitement! I am grateful and honored to have been chosen. Winning this award gives me the confidence to continue to strive for success!

Q: What do you value the most about Lab Manager’s offerings/content?

A: What I value the most about Lab Manager’s offerings are the relevant content and deliverables. There are so many topics and formats available to choose from that fit any need and/ or desire.

Q: What resources or individuals did you learn your leadership and management skills from?

A: One profound resource that I learned leadership and management skills from was the ASU Supervisor Development Training Program. It has proven to be very advantageous in my current role. 

Q: In your opinion and experience, what is the most important quality or trait a good leader needs to have?

A: In my opinion, a good leader should be honest and always do the right thing, for yourself and for others, no matter what the outcome is.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

A: Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and my daughter, baking, exercising, and listening to spiritual podcasts.

Q: What do you think are some common misconceptions about good leadership and management?

A: I think that one of the common misconceptions about good leadership and management is that a good leader must be an extrovert. Oftentimes, favorable leadership can take on many different shapes and forms.

Q: What’s the best piece of management and/or leadership advice you can share with our readers?

A: The best piece of management advice I can share is to be resilient.  

Q: What do you hope to accomplish in the next few years in your role?

A: In the next few years, I hope to gain more experience and search for more opportunities to bolster my responsibilities.