What we consider effective leadership has evolved throughout the years. Power and control are out, while influence and service are in. Explore Megan Antonitto’s journey in Saunders College of Business’s MBA program and how it shaped her into becoming the servant leader she is today at Genesee Regional Bank.
Power and authority were once seen as the core qualities of a good leader. Fortunately, as times have evolved, a new narrative of effective leadership has emerged. We’ve come to understand that the quest for effective leadership goes beyond control.
One such model is servant leadership, a philosophy where the leader’s primary goal is to serve others.
This is a lesson that Megan Antonitto, a graduate of the MBA program at Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) Saunders College of Business, picked up early on in her academic journey.
“I think the MBA program is really where you learn who you are as a leader,” Megan says. (00:38)
Her time at Saunders, located in Rochester, New York, played a key role in shaping Megan’s pursuit of leadership excellence. It also greatly influenced the type of leader she is today at Genesee Regional Bank.
The MBA professors led by example, embodying servant leadership through their dedication to student growth. This approach was instrumental in helping Megan define her own leadership style.
At the heart of Megan’s leadership philosophy is the concept of being a servant leader.
But what does that mean? In essence, servant leadership is a type of leadership that prioritizes the greater good of one’s team and organization. Some common traits of servant leaders are:
Servant leadership helps employees learn and grow through encouragement, guidance, and support. It avoids micro-managing and other toxic leadership strategies.
In a world where leadership is measured by impact, Megan reflects on the invaluable lessons she learned from RIT’s professors. Their real-world insights and practical advice helped her navigate complex business landscapes with confidence.
“As far as what leader I wanted to be was definitely something I learned at RIT, mostly from my professors and how they led by example. That’s a big piece of what I strive to do here at the bank,” Megan says. (00:52)
Megan emphasizes that the servant leader principle, learned from her RIT professors, has encouraged her to support her employees and foster their growth.
“The professors are very much about supporting you in your journey at RIT, and that’s what I try to do for my employees at the bank,” she explains. (01:08)
As Megan progressed through the MBA program, she encountered numerous opportunities to apply her learnings. Whether it was through collaborative projects or case studies, the emphasis was always on practical experience.
One of the standout features of the RIT Saunders MBA program, according to Megan, is its emphasis on practical application over theoretical knowledge. This hands-on approach was a significant factor in her decision to enroll.
“RIT’s MBA program was great, and actually part of the reason I chose it was because it’s more about applying yourself and less about theory. You are working with professors who have been in the industry, and they’re challenging you to think outside of the box,” Megan says. (01:27)
The program’s structure and curriculum challenge students to think creatively and apply their learning and experience. Megan fondly recalls team assignments that brought together students from diverse disciplines.
“When we worked on our different team assignments, it was great. Especially when we were talking about supply chain management, to have somebody right next to us who was working in engineering and be able to explain how that applied to them, when it’s not something that I see in my everyday life,” Megan points out. (01:55)
These interdisciplinary experiences taught her to appreciate different perspectives, a skill that is invaluable in her role as a manager.
Gratitude and giving back are central themes in Megan’s narrative. As the first woman in her family to reach this level of accomplishment with an MBA, Megan has set a powerful example. This made her realize the program’s broader impact on future leaders, particularly women.
“Part of what’s great about having completed the MBA at RIT is that I’m the first woman in my family to have achieved that level of success. And for my daughter, it’s something for her to look at and realize that she can do as well,” she says. (02:49)
She remains deeply connected to the RIT Saunders community, giving back through initiatives such as risk management seminars. These seminars nurture the next generation of leaders and pass on the torch that was once handed to her.
Getting an MBA is more than a degree, it also provides a platform for self-discovery and empowerment. It gave Megan the chance to discover herself, find her place in the world, and become the leader she wanted to be for others.
As you contemplate your own path, explore the unique features of this MBA program and discover how it can teach you about leadership.
Ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of business? Explore RIT Saunder’s MBA program and connect with student ambassadors like Megan to learn more about the MBA experience.
