Mike Mannausau, vice president of development for the UND Alumni Association & Foundation, emphasized the importance of core values in leadership during his recent lecture at the University of North Dakota’s 18:83 Speaker Series. The series invites leaders to share their insights on leadership in talks timed to 18 minutes and 83 seconds, reflecting the university’s founding year.
Mannausau, originally from International Falls, Minnesota, attributed his leadership style to his upbringing in a small town and the influence of mentors like coaches and teachers. He highlighted two coaches who significantly impacted him, including Dean Blais, known for leading UND to two NCAA hockey championships. “They were the ones who made me think, ‘I want to be a coach and impact lives,’” Mannausau stated.
As a youth hockey and football coach himself, Mannausau encouraged community involvement through volunteer leadership roles to develop decision-making and communication skills. He praised UND leaders DeAnna Carlson Zink and President Andy Armacost for their ability to handle difficult conversations with grace.
Mannausau also credited his parents for instilling a strong work ethic and positive attitude in him. “As life has thrown challenges at them, I admire and am inspired by their effort and attitude,” he said.
In his talk, Mannausau advised aspiring leaders to establish core values, learn from mistakes—both personal and others’—and not fear failure as it provides valuable lessons.
