Our region’s future is bright thanks to the strong leaders that are navigating change and cultivating successful teams today. These leaders are not only a catalyst for the change that is happening right now, but they are molding and shaping the leaders of future generations. Throughout the coming months, FIRST & 42 will be shining the spotlight on some of our region’s stars from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. We’ll learn about some of their “firsts” in life as well as their answers to a few deeper questions about their leadership and vision for our community. Today, we are shining the spotlight on Shelly Dusek, human resources and labor relations director at the City of Kalamazoo.

Shelly has been in her current role at the City since May of 2019. In this role, she has brought fresh perspective to the teams she leads and provides an excellent level of service. When asked what her leadership superpower is, Shelly said that it would be listening, which is important because she always seeks to hear and understand what her team is saying. “To become a community of one” is Shelly’s vision for our community in the next five years. She commits to being a leader of the important changes to fulfill this vision, which emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and equity. In addition to these insights on her leadership, Shelly also shared some fun “firsts” in life. Shelly’s first concert was seeing Queen in 1977, and her first official leadership position in life was being an owner of her store Corkscrew Food & Beverage and Shelly’s Deli. Meet Shelly Dusek.

First Things First

WHAT WAS THE FIRST EVER OFFICIAL LEADERSHIP POSITION YOU HAD IN LIFE?

Owner, Corkscrew Food & Beverage and Shelly’s Deli

WHO IS THE FIRST PERSON YOU GO TO WITH GOOD NEWS?

My husband, Mike.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU EVER ATTENDED?

Queen, January 1977

The Deep Dive

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

I’ve been in my current role since May 20, 2019.

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP SUPERPOWER?

Listening. It’s important to hear what my staff and employees are saying.

WHAT SIGNALS “EMERGING LEADERSHIP” IN OTHERS TO YOU?

Initiative and positive attitude. A great leader encourages others to grow.

HOW DO YOU LEAD YOUR TEAM THROUGH CHANGE?

Open communication. We discuss the changes, how we will adapt as a team, and form a bond to complete the change(s).

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

To become a community of one. My vision is that diversity, inclusion, and equity is understood and practiced by our community. I commit to being a leader of this important change.