What 100 Sixth Graders Taught Me About Leadership

What 100 Sixth Graders Taught Me About Leadership

Before becoming the 3rd generation President of Ramar Foods, Susie Quesada taught sixth grade. In this Tugboat Institute® talk, Susie reflects on her leadership style and connects lessons from teaching to her work as President of an Evergreen® company. Her focus on listening, educating, team-building, and creating effective processes for growth and development all have roots in her experience in the classroom. 

Susie’s lessons from teaching pair nicely with learning from more traditional business models and thought leaders, including Stephen Covey, LEAN, and Kaizen. Together, Susie’s experiences in leadership in the classroom and at Ramar Foods shaped her leadership philosophy and keep her company growing, thriving, and learning. 

More Articles and Videos

To Lead Change, Start with The Why

  • Ethan Mitnick
  • SchoolKit
October 28, 2025

From Vader to Evergreen: A CEO’s Journey to Enlightened Ownership

  • Mark Steele
  • Craftsmen Industries, Inc.
October 21, 2025

From One Store to $1B+ Southern California Institution: The Evergreen Journey of Northgate Market

  • Ryan Drew
  • Tugboat Institute
October 14, 2025

Patience, Purpose, and the Path to Growth

  • Bobby Jenkins
  • ABC Home & Commercial Services
October 07, 2025

Supporting Evergreen® leaders, their teams, and their companies through recognition, experiences, publications and programs to bring inspiration, new ideas, and proven best practices about business, family and life.