Today we’d like to introduce you to Dean J. Fusto.
Hi Dean, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Son of restaurant owners in St. Augustine, my parents were entrepreneurs before the word became so fashionable/Ubiquitous. I had amazing mentors who pushed me and challenged me to be my best and seek out ways to lead and marry passion and purpose. I am the author of five books and the President of Atlanta’s only day and boarding school serving students in grades 6-12.
I am the founder of the Center for Global Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurial Studies, a boot camp for teens from all over the world who have social entrepreneurial aspirations. I am also the founder of a global brand www.teachlearnlead.net that serves as an epicenter for professional and personal development for people of all walks of life.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t believe there are many smooth roads… pebbles and potholes and detours abound, but the struggle is where the learning happens for those who want to find the lessons in adversity. COVID 19 was and remains a very arduous and persistent challenge to overcome, especially for boarding schools that often have students from all over the world. The struggles were met by a true team effort and a belief in our mission. There were never moments of retreat… it was always about leaning into our toughest moments. Every dream that I have conjured is followed by more dreams. The purpose is all that matters.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the President of Brandon Hall School, a grades 6-12 boarding and day school with a powerful mission to impact lives and teach students to develop skills in leadership, scholarship, and service of others. My areas of expertise and passion include youth leadership, personal development, and non-profit (mission-based) leadership.
In terms of professional pride, I think my most fulfilling moments have been establishing an orphanage outreach partnership in the Dominican Republic that spanned 20 years and 3 of my former schools. I am also one who lives with a servant’s heart and my www.teachlearnlead.net represents that life’s work at its best.
In 2017, the founding of the Center for Global Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurial Studies was the manifestation of a dream to create a boot camp experience for youth seeking inspiration and incubation of their ideas.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Be humble and seek out the counsel of those you admire and those who have accomplished similar things that you hope to attain. Personify the mindset of a lifelong learner and don’t stop finding new ways to think about life’s biggest challenges.
Reach out and connect to friends, family, colleagues… attend only events that stir the soul and get ready to mingle and meet. Read a book, listen to Podcasts daily and connect with the authors and hosts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brandonhall.org
