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During the second session of the 18:83 Speaker Series at the Memorial Union, Charles D. Gorecki, CEO of the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), led the audience with a deep dive into the nuances of leadership and personal growth, drawing from a rich tapestry of professional achievements and personal trials.
Gorecki, who has spearheaded the EERC since 2007, leads a multidisciplinary team of 230 people, focused on strategic initiatives in cutting-edge energy and environmental technologies. His promotion from Director of Subsurface R&D to CEO at the EERC demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation in the field.
Gorecki’s background is diverse, with long ties to UND. Having spent over 16 years in partnership with the University, graduating with degrees in Petroleum and Geological Engineering, his academic achievement is further matched by a stint in the military with the North Dakota Army National Guard, including a deployment with the 141st Engineer Battalion’s Company B as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom thus adding to his skillset while shaping his perspectives on learning how to be an effective leader.
In his talk, Gorecki offered insights into his leadership philosophy, underscoring the importance of self-awareness, the pursuit of continuous learning, and the value of building a strong, supportive team. He recounted his childhood struggle with dyslexia, a challenge that he overcame through resilience and adaptability, qualities that later became part of his leadership style.
The turning point in Gorecki’s life came with the loss of his father on September 10th, 2001, followed by the world-shaking events of 9/11 the next day. These back-to-back incidents prompted a period of profound reflection and a reassessment of his life’s path, ultimately leading him back to the halls of UND to pursue engineering. His reenlistment and deployment to Iraq in 2004 renewed his determination and focus, culminating in his graduation in 2007.
In his presentation, Gorecki emphasized the transformational nature of challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than mere setbacks. Gorecki quoted Albert Einstein’s view on education, “education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think,” to underline the importance of continuous learning and the absorption of diverse perspectives in shaping a leader’s mindset.
Delving into his leadership style, Gorecki outlined six key pillars:
Self-Reflection: He emphasized the ancient wisdom of Socrates, “know thyself,” as the cornerstone of effective leadership. Sharing his journey of self-discovery, from battling dyslexia to reassessing his life goals following personal tragedies, Gorecki underscored the importance of understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations in navigating life’s challenges.
Never Stop Learning: Emphasizing education as a lifelong journey, Gorecki stressed the value of continuous learning, drawing from his academic pursuits in Petroleum and Geological Engineering, combined with military service and professional experiences.
Surround Yourself with Great People: The importance of team dynamics and mentorship was a focal point in his speech. Gorecki attributed much of his success to the influence of those around him, highlighting the role of mentorship and the impact of working with a diverse and talented team at the EERC.
Have a Vision: Advising aspiring leaders to develop a personal vision that aligns with their values and goals, Gorecki shared how his vision for the EERC and his personal aspirations, such as reducing energy poverty which has guided his decisions and actions and advising them to find something they care about and connect with.
Integrity: Citing Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gorecki highlighted integrity as a non-negotiable trait in leadership, discussing the importance of maintaining ethical standards and honesty in both personal and professional spheres.
Put in the Work: Emphasizing the sentiment of Vince Lombardi, “leaders are made, they are not born,” Gorecki illustrated that leadership is a result of persistent effort and the willingness to face and overcome challenges.
Gorecki’s articulation of these six pillars: self-reflection, continuous learning, surrounding oneself with great people, having a vision, maintaining integrity, and putting in the hard work, serve as a comprehensive guide for anyone aspiring to lead.
With the talk concluding, Mike Wozniak from the UND Student Involvement office invited participants to hear from Dr. Robert J. Kraus, the Dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences for the next Speaker Series on Wednesday, January 24th, at 2:30 pm.
Davíd Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daví[email protected].
