Speaker Program Highlights Teamwork and Leadership

During the first Chapel of this year’s Speaker Program, visiting speaker Eric Kapitulik called those in attendance to their feet for a quick exercise. First, they were to simply say “hi” to the person next to them. After those initial muted greetings faded, they were to do it again. This time, however, it was to be accompanied with a hug. A palpable change of tone lit up the Hamilton Chapel as the second attempt brought out laughter, enthusiasm, and all the calling cards of Belmont Hill’s brand of brotherhood. As the boys returned to their seats, Mr. Kapitulik made sure the lesson of the demonstration was not missed by anyone in attendance. “Leadership is a contact sport,” Mr. Kapitulik said. “You want energy, give energy. If someone is giving you energy, you better give it back.”
 
This demonstration was one of many memorable moments during Mr. Kapitulik's commanding Chapel Talk where he challenged the boys to make a commitment to getting better every day as teammates and leaders by setting standards, holding each other accountable, and getting out of their comfort zones.
 
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Mr. Kapitulik served in the Marine Corps as both an Infantry Officer and Special Operations Officer with 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, 1st Marine Division. In 1999, during a routine training mission, Mr. Kapitulik and his Force Recon platoon were in a helicopter crash that resulted in the death of six of his fellow Marines. In an effort to raise money for a college scholarship fund set up for the children of his deceased teammates, Mr. Kapitulik has completed eight Ironman Triathlons, The Canadian Death Race Ultra Marathon, The Eco Challenge, and The American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon. In 2008, he founded The Program, a consultancy group designed to help corporations and athletic programs develop world-class teammates, leaders, and teams. 

While Mr. Kapitulik acknowledged that not everyone will have to experience the same level of hardships he went through, everyone will have to be great teammates and leaders on their best and worst days. “It requires courage,” Mr. Kapitulik said. “Physical, mental, moral, and emotional courage. None of us are born courageous. We have to and must develop it if we are going to be the best leaders and best teammates we can be. Most people don’t. Be better than that. You are better than that. ”

To reach the desired end results, the process must first begin by meeting the standards set by the team. “Great teammates first set the example,” Mr. Kapitulik said, before emphasizing exactly what that meant for the boys in the pews. “The example is what it means to be one of the men of Belmont Hill. Be who you say you are. Embody your values.”
 
Following the presentation, Mr. Kapitulik met with varsity captains, peer leaders, and school senate leaders for a small group discussion further exploring the qualities of impactful leadership.