Launchpad for Leadership: Wisdom from Michelle Royal at CSUB AV

On Friday, September 26th, the CSUB Antelope Valley campus hosted an inspiring event featuring Michelle Royal, a licensed real estate broker with over 40 years of experience in commercial real estate and executive Leadership. Organized by the Business Club of Antelope Valley and supported by SLAC, the event offered students a rare opportunity to learn directly from a seasoned leader who has made a lasting impact in both business and community service.

Key Takeaways from Michelle Royal’s Talk

Michelle emphasized that goal-setting is only the beginning. She posed a powerful scenario: if every person in the room were 100 percent committed to setting goals, only about 30 percent would actually follow through and take consistent action toward achieving them. The difference lies in resilience, drive, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

She explored several leadership styles, each with its own strengths and applications:

• Transitional Leadership: guiding teams through change with clarity and purpose

• Transactional Leadership: focusing on structure, performance, and accountability

• Servant Leadership: prioritizing the needs of others to build strong, supportive teams

• Autocratic Leadership: making decisive, top-down decisions

• Democratic Leadership: encouraging collaboration and shared decision-making

Michelle also shared strategies for creating meaningful community impact, drawing from her work with Kids Feeding Kids Through Antelope Valley. Her message was clear: Leadership is not just about personal achievement, it’s about lifting others along the way.

She offered practical advice for aspiring leaders, encouraging students to stay focused, be intentional, and never underestimate the power of persistence. Her own journey, spanning real estate and nonprofit Leadership, illustrated how diverse experiences can shape a well-rounded and effective leader.

Recommended Reading

To help students continue developing their leadership mindset, Michelle recommended two influential books:

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

• The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

Both books emphasize the importance of belief, discipline, and consistent action, core themes echoed throughout her talk.

Words to Remember

“Don’t share your dreams with people that wouldn’t move mountains to help you accomplish them.” — Michelle Royal

This quote resonated with attendees, serving as a powerful reminder to protect your vision and carefully choose your circle.

Community and Connection

The event concluded with pizza and refreshments, providing students with an opportunity to connect, reflect, and discuss the insights they had gained. Michelle Royal’s presence was more than motivational; it was a launchpad for future leaders ready to make their mark. On behalf of The Business Club and the students here at CSUB, thank you for coming.