RS&H Associates Graduate from Jacob Leadership Institute

[Jacksonville, Fla.] – RS&H associates Jonathan Essa, AIA, NCARB, LEED® AP BD+C, and Alice Schultz, AIA, NCARB, LEED® AP BD+C, recently graduated from the Jacob Leadership Institute (JLI). Essa and Schultz spent six months training in an intensive program designed to nurture and empower the next generation of architectural leaders. The training is led by former FBI agent Michael “Bret” Hood, who utilized his 25 years of leadership experience to provide in-depth training covering the science, psychology, and ethics that define leadership.

“Of all the leadership programs I’ve been a part of over the years, I found the JLI leadership program to be the most comprehensive and beneficial of them all,” Essa said. “Hands down, it was the best experience.”

The JLI curriculum focuses on core professional skills, starting with self-assessment and continuing with transformational and motivational leadership, building an organizational culture. Associates learn essential tools for influencing stakeholders and enhancing personal and professional development.

“I am grateful for RS&H’s support –particularly sponsorship from Brian Flatt, following John Bottaro’s lead –to participate in this wonderful, immersive experience,” said Schultz. “The direct feedback from practicing real-world scenarios, exploring various leadership styles and motivations, and dealing with conscious and unconscious biases from a former FBI agent skilled in detecting fraud was engaging and enlightening.”

The graduation was celebrated at the Florida AIA Conference, where Essa and Schultz were recognized as part of the esteemed 2023 graduating class.

About RS&H

Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering and consulting firms whose associates work hard every day to create a more connected future where everyone can thrive. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future for clients in the aerospace, aviation, corporate, federal, health and science, and transportation. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities and build relationships that are as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together. RS&H can be reached at 1.800.741.2014 or rsandh.com.