Get to Know Noodle Enrollment Advisor, Corion Lucas
“I also feel like a great leader is able to lead holistically— meaning they look at the whole person, not just the person who shows up at work.”
Corion Lucas is a Noodle Enrollment Advisor. Raised in Moreno Valley, CA he received his BA in Communications a minor in Broadcast Journalism from California State University, Long Beach and a Masters in Educational Studies from University of Phoenix, Gardena Campus. He supports his team with his experiences working in education, specifically with outreach, and by leading with humor, relatability, and advocacy.
What elements or traits does a great leader exhibit?
A great leader has the ability to recognize the strengths and areas for improvement within those they lead, as well themselves. They have to be willing to put the right people in the positions that maximize growth for the company as well as the individual. A great leader must be willing to lead by example and meet people where they’re at. I also feel like a great leader is able to lead holistically— meaning they look at the whole person, not just the person who shows up at work. A leader must also be able to say and do the hard things but with tact. A great leader is not afraid to fail and knows when to listen to those they lead, take risks—especially being able to think outside of the box. Lastly, they have to know how to have fun while doing the work!
When you think of great leadership, who comes to mind? Why?
My current supervisor Alicia Slobodien is a great leader because she listens deeply. She cares about her team as humans and she leads by example. Alicia is exceptional at looking at the big picture and then communicating how each of us fits into that picture.
How has your personal leadership style evolved?
I’ve learned that one style of leadership doesn’t fit all. Different people require or desire different methods of leadership. Throughout my career, I’ve learned to shift my style to cater to the people I’m leading. Most often, I lead through humor, presence, advocacy, and relatability. However, some people need a firmer leadership style and I can use that as needed.
What is it about your background or career experiences that successfully positioned you for your role at Noodle? Describe that role.
My role at noodle is about working with a vast audience from all across the world and getting them to buy-in to a single idea – that this school and program is the right fit for them. Prior to Noodle, I spent time in outreach, enrollment, and entertainment – three areas that have the same focus as my current role. No matter what my title has been, the audience has been diverse and the values of the role have been the same: communicate, support, and persuade.
How do you support the success of your team?
By fulfilling my duties, responsibilities, and being available to them when they need help, sharing any insight into things that I may have, and being a friend.
Describe how your career has been enhanced by exposure to diverse people, places or experiences.
I think my life has always been impacted by diversity long before I ever thought about the term. The more diverse my social and professional circles have been, the more depth those groups have held. I appreciate surrounding myself with people who have different socioeconomic, religious, ethnic, and gender backgrounds and that carries into my career as well.
What are some of the most effective tools in your leadership arsenal?
Listening, trying new things, saying “I don’t know”, adapting to the person in front of me, bringing levity and empathy to any situation.
Please tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to learn.
People who work closely with me would be surprised to learn I’m somewhat timid with things like this and actually had my wife help me with it!
