Scott Stenclik believes that Western New York is at a generational inflection point.
As many businesses and community organizations undergo leadership transitions, they’re faced with an ever-changing landscape presenting challenges around jobs, housing, workforce development and social justice, among others.
Is the region ready for this transition?
Has the next generation of leaders been identified?
Are current leaders properly preparing those who wish to lead?
Do the priorities of these future leaders align with the needs of the community?
These are questions that have occupied significant space in Stenclik’s mind for quite some time. And they’re questions he may not be able to provide definitive answers to today.
“But I do know that the time has come for the next generation of community stewards to be identified, mentored and led to chart the direction of this region,” he says. “It’s vital we do that to compete and win as a community.”
As president and CEO of Aleron, his family’s talent acquisition and management business that has called Western New York home since its inception in 1957, Stenclik has spent his career traveling and working with people from around the world. These experiences have taught him that aptitude and talent require cultivation and stewardship.
His fear is that the importance of community stewardship and civic responsibility is getting lost in this transition. He believes that it is incumbent upon current leaders to engage the next generation’s interest in leadership and properly prepare them for the responsibilities of today and the future.
To do this, it will require an intentional process and a significant realignment of leadership resources.
“If we take up this charge and get it right,” Stenclik says, “we will successfully lead our beloved region to a path of sustained growth and prosperity for all of us, not just a few.”
Aleron is currently undergoing a leadership transition of its own.
Stenclik brought Pete Petrella into the family business six years ago. After rising steadily through the ranks, Petrella in October was named president of TalentRise, a member of Aleron Group that focuses on recruiting high-performing executives and is committed to developing people-centered leaders.
As president, Petrella’s mission is to empower organizations with top-tier talent and leadership capabilities for lasting success. Whether he’s building relationships with those already here or with potential suitors from out of town, he says the conversations around Buffalo have changed dramatically.
"Many more jobs have come because of the efforts toward innovation and technology, and new technologies have created a variety of opportunities that did not exist 10 or 15 or 20 years ago,” Petrella says. “There are opportunities to work in emerging startups all the way up to a Fortune 500 company. There’s so much more opportunity for individuals who are trying to build a career here and stay here.”
But there remains plenty of work to be done. Aleron, in particular, is committed to promoting social justice, community engagement and economic empowerment in all the communities it serves.
To create more employment opportunities for diverse and underserved individuals, bridge the digital divide for students and adults in underserved communities, identify resources to deliver a sustainable food supply and support access to affordable housing, the community must first have talented leadership in place that understands the importance of philanthropic involvement.
"There are neighborhoods and populations that have gone through decades of a lack of investment from our community,” Petrella says. “In order for Buffalo to flourish, we need to ensure everyone has access to educational opportunities and other necessities such as affordable housing. When identifying leaders within our region, those are the efforts that we need to collectively make sure are successful.”
Even in times when the region’s fortunes shifted from hardship to progress, from failures to successes, the resilience of this region’s people was never in doubt.
Stenclik says the current leadership challenge will require great amounts of commitment, hard work and trust-building from people who cross generations and cultures. Current leaders must both support and mentor those who have their hands raised and want to lead, as well as identify new leaders and empower them to build.
“I do not underestimate the importance of the task at hand,” Stenclik says. “This community has a strong reputation for consistently punching above its weight. The key will be to train our best and next leaders to land those punches as our region earns its rightful, relevant place in the world.”
Committed to the community
Aleron Group has used decades of experience and expertise to identify the many ways in which talent impacts organizations, since engaging the right people with the right situations and resources is what helps communities flourish. Here is a look at how the five brands under Aleron empower workplaces to reach their potential:
Global recruitment services
A trusted partner providing custom talent acquisition and recruiting solutions from direct placement to contingent staffing programs that help companies compete for talent.
Workforce management
A WBENC-certified women-owned business, helping organizations craft strategic solutions to deliver sustainable business results, improve quality of talent, reduce cycle times, increase compliance and capture cost savings.
IT services suite
Technology professionals who evaluate internal IT capabilities and design customized services that enhance efficiencies, improve effectiveness and capitalize on cost-savings opportunities.
Executive search and coaching solutions
An experienced executive recruiting, coaching and leadership development team focused on elevating business performance through talent by helping attract, recruit, develop and retain emerging leaders and senior executives.
Solutions for startups
Comprehensive support that bridges startups and emerging businesses with talent who share an entrepreneurial vision, enhance operations and personify company culture.
