EPISODE 031: SYD KITSON | KITSON & PARTNERS

The Leadership Crucible Podcast

Unleashing the Power: Syd Kitson, the visionary force behind sustainable communities, challenges leaders to harness technology and innovation to create a resilient future despite the growing complexities of our world. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how to foster leadership abilities and navigate personal growth. Uncover the essentials in building environmentally-friendly and sustainable communities. Find out the importance and advantages of education combined with technology in developing communities. Know effective resilience measures to combat natural calamities and climate change. Learn to encourage upcoming leaders and how to see failure as an opportunity for improvement. My special guest is Syd Kitson Our discussion today features Syd Kitson, the mind behind the largest single preservation agreement in the history of Florida. Syd is famed for his role as the Chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, a Florida-based real estate firm focused on building sustainable communities and commercial properties that respect the environment. Syd, an alumnus of Wake Forest University, brings his forward-thinking perspectives gleaned from illustrious leadership roles like Chair of the Florida Council of 100 and the Board of Governors for the State of University System of Florida.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:47 - Welcome Sid Kitson
00:02:11 - Sid Kitson's Journey and Influences,
00:08:30 - Finding Purpose and Passion,
00:12:51 - Building Babcock Ranch,
00:16:30 - Building a Sustainable Community,
00:18:53 - The Importance of Education,
00:21:04 - Prioritizing Health and Wellness,
00:23:28 - Building a Resilient Community,
00:25:13 - Overcoming Challenges,
00:33:16 - Making a Difference in Sustainability,
00:34:51 - Challenges for Future Leaders,
00:36:51 - Optimism for the Future,
00:38:19 - Embracing Failure and Setting Goals,
Syd's Bio: Syd Kitson is Chairman/CEO of Kitson & Partners, a Florida-based real estate company specializing in the creation and development of environmentally responsible, sustainable master-planned communities and commercial properties.
Kitson is a graduate of Wake Forest University, with a notable career in the National Football League. Upon retirement, he began his career in real estate, founding Kitson & Partners in 1999. In 2006, Kitson completed the historic purchase of Babcock Ranch in Southwest Florida, encompassing an area five times the size of the island of Manhattan, with over 80% of the original land purchase set aside in the largest single land preservation agreement in the state’s history.
Syd has served on multiple civic, education and non-profit boards. He is immediate past Chair of the Florida Council of 100, served as Chair of the Board of Governors for the State University System of Florida in 2020 and 2021, and was elected the 2016-2017 Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
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