What constitutes a “Great Leader?” Is it experience in the field or longevity at the firm? Is it created using fear tactics or with communication and compassion? Those with far more smarts and experience than me have been debating this very question in every field, in every boardroom, and in every company, for generations.

The environment that QPWB has created throughout the years has, in my opinion, laid the foundation needed to become more diverse than any other firm I have been associated with. It is that very foundation that has made the difference by allowing its leaders to explore new avenues and improve old ones which ultimately attract those individuals, like me, seeking a home… a career, rather than just a job and paved the way for great leaders like Peter Molinelli.  

There’s something in Pete’s very nature that is infectious. Infectious in a way that stimulates those around him and really just lifts you up to another level of professional consciousness, especially when you are doubting yourself. His down-to-earth outlook on life and management in general is so unique and separate from other managing partners I have worked under. One of the traits that makes Pete such an amazing leader is how humble he is. Everything he does is always for the greater good and success of the office and those he is charged with supervising, rather than the greater good of PETE.  He's taught me so much about myself, about leadership and the importance in understanding the affects my leadership can have.

One of the best pieces of advice he has given me and one that I try to live by not only in my leadership roles within the firm, but in my personal life as well, is to always do right by people. You might not always be able to give them the answer they want, but if you make your decisions based on what is best for the greater good of the group, then you've done your job, and you can rest well!

Aristotle once said, “the law is reason, free from passion.”, well no offense to Aristotle, but in my 15+ years in this field, I have come to find that passion is a key ingredient to the practice and management of law and of life. It’s with passion, courage of conviction and a strong sense of self (source: Legally Blonde) that drives leaders like Pete and those very same infectious qualities that overflow into everyone in this office as well.

Congratulations on 20 years! Thank you for your faith in me and for your leadership!

-Lance Lafleur, FRP, QPWB Tampa