Gavin should be part of your network

In the short space of a year, Gavin and I have worked together in various capacities: as analysts in the business school’s investment fund; and as student leaders of campus organizations. I must say that he has a keen skill for all things related to marketing and media. However, it doesn’t stop there. I’m impressed with his collaborative attitude in The Batten Fund at W&M, where his financial and research insights contributed to an effective buy recommendation on a consumer sector security. Gavin should be part of your network.

I have come to know and occasionally coach Gavin Smith in my volunteer role as an Executive Partner at the William & Mary Mason School of Business. I have been impressed with Gavin’s natural leadership skills and his creative business instincts as reflected in his work on entrepreneurial projects. Gavin is a young man of high integrity, who holds solid core business principles with a customer-centric focus.

A Talented Communicator

Gavin is a very talented student who has performed superbly in all assignments in the class that I teach at the Mason School of Business. He was selected to be in the top presentation skills breakout group as the result of a presentation skills assessment done within his first two weeks at the school. He is, without a doubt, a talented communicator who will continue to distinguish himself in the MBA program.

I have worked closely with Gavin over many months on an extremely rich variety of international projects – many of great originality and considerable complexity. His manifold talents are founded on an unusual degree of intelligence, a quick, almost intuitive grasp of subject matter, an unusually highly developed set of organisational skills, and a disciplined approach in applying his conclusions. This is enhanced by a questioning but open mind, and and a mastery of spoken and written English. Since Gavin joined us as a fellow Director of Norris Hill & Partner Ltd., and as Executive Consultant to Freedom University Keta, Ghana, his ITC skills have moved us onto a new plane in international communications, resulting in increased awareness, interest, and participation by institutions, corporations, NGOs and prominent academics and other professionals. Our websites, including www.FreedomGhana.org, were designed and published by Gavin. Please have a look and you’ll see what I mean. The fact that he is easy to work with and a fellow T-bird alumnus; is simply frosting on the cake.

I was fortunate enough to work with Gavin on several occasions. His leadership style is incredibly effective to encourage the best possible outcome from each team member, including myself. As an incredibly inclusive team lead, Gavin always encouraged others’ ideas and truly listened to all colleagues’ suggestions. His approach fostered a highly effective team cohesion, without leaving anyone out. Gavin is also a magnificent public speaker who always engages the audience, and I still remember the first presentation he gave. He has a unique ability to connect with the audience, and garner listener interest. It was truly a pleasure working with Gavin and I’m sure I gained valuable insight into how to stimulate an audience and successfully lead a team.

I am writing this letter as a professional recommendation for Gavin Smith an exceptional individual. Gavin always maintains the highest degree of integrity, has an honest demeanor, and an exceptional work ethic. Gavin is a natural leader, with a professional presence combined with a personality that allows him to build strong relationships in any culture. Gavin is an excellent communicator with a skill for listening and a polished presenter with the ability to take complex data and create understandable information for any audience. Gavin’s analytical skills and knowledge of how to use technology in business have provided him with a superb ability to resolve complex problems with both improved processes and efficient solutions. Gavin is amazing and is someone who is always ready to give 100%. He is sought after by his peers to be a part of their team because of his creativity and dedication to success. He is someone that everybody appreciates who is always dependable and hard working. He is not afraid to say yes, and has the ability to multitask better than anyone I know. Gavin’s character is of the highest caliber and can always be trusted to make the right ethical choices. An already successful professional Gavin will add value to any organization. He is a true and sincere person which makes it easy to recommend him with enthusiasm for anyone in need of the very best.

Gavin is a great team players with global mindset and a good leader who had motivated the whole team to work harder!

Gavin is a leader in our MBA Program here in the Mason School of Business at William and Mary. I have worked most closely with him in his capacity as President of our MBA Association. He has been very effective in that role, and I appreciate his advice and help in managing my interactions with our students. I trust his judgment. I am also familiar with the very good work he has done on the website for our Washington Area Alumni Business Alliance.

Gavin is a graduate student at the College of William and Mary, though we interact more like colleagues. He is insightful, smart and hardworking. I especially commend his follow-through and ability to identify and stick to priorities.

Gavin is smart, entrepreneurial and strong strategically and tactically.

Gavin served as a first-year representative for his classmates in the William & Mary MBAA (2011-2012), which is the MBA form of student government. As the 2012 MBAA President, I had ample opportunity to work with Gavin in a variety of capacities. Gavin was clearly passionate in his representation of his classmates, and he led efforts to enrich the William & Mary community. Among his accomplishments, Gavin founded a Media and Entertainment Club in his first year as an MBA student, which has already contributed to the MBA experience by providing M&E related events, speakers, and expertise. In light of Gavin’s leadership, he was elected to serve as the MBAA President for the Class of 2013. His new charge is well deserved, and it demonstrates the esteem in which his classmates and colleagues hold him. Gavin was an excellent team member in his role in the 2012 MBAA, and he will undoubtedly represent the Class of 2013 with class and distinction.

Gavin is the most driven individual I have had the pleasure of working with. He always puts 110% in any task he is faced with. By demonstrating an incredible initiative, a strong dedication and always leading by example many find him both inspiring and motivating. His creativity, resourcefulness, ability to see a project through and, most of all, his sense of humor made working in a team with Gavin an unforgettable experience.

An Outstanding “Star”

I have worked with Gavin during our Elevator Competition preparation. He is an outstanding “star” in his initiative to assist programs. I believe he is an asset to other organizations and recommend Gavin openly. 

Willingness to Serve

Gavin was an energetic volunteer as we kicked off our planning meetings for implementing The Elevator Competition 2011 at Wake Forest University. We valued his expertise, creativity, and willingness to serve.

Top of the Class

Gavin was an outstanding student in our Summer Management Program. He contributed a great deal to the class and his individual work was always at the top of the class.

A Natural Leader

Gavin is a natural leader who makes his presence felt in whatever he undertakes. Evidence of this was his election as President of the student MBA Association at the Mason School of Business. Gavin is an energetic individual who backs his works with actions. I’ve also found Gavin to be someone who understands the value of being a good role model – accepting personal responsibility for what needs to be done.