Leland Sandler is a leading executive advisor in the San Diego biotech industry with over 20 years of experience. As founder and managing partner of the Sandler Group, LLC, Sandler dedicated hours of hard work and tremendous energy. However, throughout his career, Sandler has consistently found time to give back to the community through pro bono work.
In preparation for the upcoming 20th Anniversary of the Sandler Group, LLC on Dec 2, 2022, Sandler reflected that his pro bono work had played a vital role in a satisfying career. He believes that his pro bono work is important because it provides opportunities for people who might not otherwise have access to them. Coaching those just starting out or managers early in their careers helps to build skills and knowledge. This foundation is something they can build on as they advance their careers.
San Diego Opera
In addition to his private coaching practice, Sandler also does pro bono work with the San Diego Opera. Sanders has worked with Opera’s leadership team to help them develop and grow their skills. Sandler’s pro bono work with the San Diego Opera has positively impacted the organization. He has helped to develop the leadership team so that they are better able to run the organization. He has also helped individual team members further their careers by providing advice and guidance. As a result of Sandler’s work, the Opera is a stronger organization, and its members are better equipped to succeed in their careers. He has also used his coaching talents by working with Opera’s supporting team members to help them build their careers.
Military Advisory Committee and San Diego Chamber of Commerce
In addition to his work with the San Diego Opera, Sandler also served as a member of the Military Advisory Committee of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. As an active board member, Sandler advocated for solutions to housing insecurity, unemployment, excessive taxation, and other problems affecting active and former military in the San Diego area. In addition to his other excellent qualities, Leland Sandler’s coaching abilities were very helpful in Operation Connect. This project was about aiding veterans as they moved back into civilian life. It did this by teaching them and connecting them with local businesses that are members of the Chamber of Commerce.
Pro Bono Career Advice
Moving from a disciplined military lifestyle to the unstructured world of civilians can feel like an endless stream of options, possibilities, and decisions. When decision fatigue sets in, it often leads to frustration and stress. As a former military officer, Sandler has a unique connection with service members transitioning to civilian life. Many veterans struggle when they leave the military because they can no longer rely on the clear hierarchy, defined roles, and sense of purpose that the military provides. In contrast, civilian life can often feel confusing and lacking in direction. This transition period can be difficult for veterans as they adjust to a new way of life.
Between his own experiences and the coaching knowledge he has acquired over a long career, Sandler provides free career advice to officers of the US Navy and US Marine Corps officers building their new lives outside the military by finding new roles and defining new identities and purposes in a less structured environment.
Give From a Pure Heart
According to Sandler, volunteer and pro bono work should always be done with a pure heart, as people donate their time and skills to help causes that they believe in. Sandler advises that if you find an organization whose values reflect your own and enjoy working with the people there, you will get back much more than what you put in. This includes new friends, positive well-being, and the benefits of being part of a stronger community. In times where there is so much division in society, volunteer work gives you the opportunity to meet people you would not otherwise meet and build stronger community ties. Stronger communities built on these ties will endure for generations to come.
Leland Sandler’s pro bono work with the San Diego Opera and the San Diego military community provides an excellent example of how even the busiest professionals can give back to their communities. Sandler has helped hundreds of people build strong and successful careers by providing leadership development and career advice. And helped the San Diego Opera become a stronger organization with stronger leadership and highly skilled and motivated staff and volunteer corp.
Inspired by Leland Sandler’s example?
Pro bono work has many advantages for the community, making you feel great! You can find a volunteering position that is ideal for you by visiting websites like CatchaFire, Create the Good®, or Idealist. These websites list nonprofit opportunities with causes that matter to you and match your skills and interests.
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