GIS Managers Summit session recap: Leading Without a Title
GIS Managers Summit session recap: Leading Without a Title
from @AndrewSandifer
I was honored to host an inspirational panel of GIS professionals at the 2025 GIS Manager Summit in July, on a discussion about leading without a title.
On stage with me were Véronique Couttee-Jenkins of Geospatial Equity Tech and AfriTech Fellowship, Louis Hill from Kenton County, and @ScottWeisman from Tallahassee-Leon County, Florida
We addressed specific questions we have heard from our peers and customers, and here are some of the highlights:
Leadership is broad and at times complex spectrum, how do you lead in an organization without a formal title?
Scott –
I want to answer this from the manager perspective and from the non-manager perspective.
As managers we should be creating opportunities for our team members to lead from wherever they are. What does that look like? Create an environment that supports and acknowledges team members that exhibit leadership qualities through their actions. Provide professional development opportunities…. Making sure everyone has a voice and giving them the space to share. Assign them tasks such as leading teams, increasing their responsibilities and asking to share their work back to the team…
From a non-manager perspective, you lead by exhibiting the qualities mentioned earlier. Seek opportunities. As uncomfortable as it may be, go outside your comfort zone. Listen for opportunities to take on higher responsibilities. Invest in yourself with professional development and technical training opportunities.
What specific challenges did you face when leading without a formal title in the field of GIS?
Louis –
Demonstrating the business value of GIS (GIS doesn't exist to serve itself), learning to speak multiple business 'languages' (IT professionals, CPA's, C-Level, Executive Directors, field personnel, etc.).
Finding champions! Sometimes a champion has the necessary social capital to advance a cause or initiative beyond your influence. They can accomplish in weeks what it would take you years to do in terms of trust and relationship-building.
What specific activities or actions have you taken to effectively demonstrate your leadership abilities?
Véronique –
When Adam Carnow invited me to present at the GIS Managers Summit, I doubted my leadership because I’d just started my consulting practice. But Adam saw leadership qualities in me that I didn’t yet recognize in myself, reminding me that leadership is sometimes about others believing in you before you believe in yourself.
Leadership means creating safe spaces where people can bring their authentic selves and be valued. If you’re stuck in environments where you constantly have to prove your worth but go unseen, it’s important to seek places that recognize and uplift your talents, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back from taking those opportunities.
True leadership also calls on those with power and privilege to reflect on how they use it, to understand existing hierarchies, and to actively create space for others to lead, especially those from marginalized identities, fostering inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
After the summit, I asked the team to share their key takeaways and resources:
Véronique -
My advice would be to continue learning from leaders in this field.
Embark on a transformative journey with the NorthStar of GIS podcast. sharing intimate stories from Geo-Stem luminaries. In 1-on-1 chats, explore their journeys and profound contributions to geography and GIS.
Louis -
My closing advice would be to find a mentor. A mentor can provide advice and guidance in professional matters, usually work and professional growth. There is also an aspect of goal-setting and attaining that takes place within the mentoring relationship. A mentor can work with you to create a plan that helps you work towards achieving your goals. A mentor can also provide clarity and direction.
I like A Bit of Optimism with Simon Sinek [simonsinek.com] for leadership and mentoring content.
Scott -
Beyond what I mentioned during the summit, I would just add some parting advice that I did not get the chance to mention:
“Build a legacy every day. Build that bench. A sign of a great leader is one that gives of themselves to benefit others. Ask yourself how well your team would operate if you left today? That right there will tell you what you need to do.”
And I encourage my peers to check out the GeoSpatial Professional Network (Formerly known as URISA) leadership academy training.
If you have feedback or more questions for me or the group, please post them here.
and we hope to see you at the next GIS Managers Summit!
