Glenn Furuya

“I have a tremendous amount of appreciation for the College of Education because of the foundation they provided for my passion and business.”

Hometown

Hilo, HI

Departments

School of Teacher Education - Elementary; School of Teacher Education - Secondary

COEAA Spotlight on Glenn Furuya (BEd in Education, MEd in Secondary)

Growing Up

I spent my formative years in Hilo, nestled on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. My most cherished memories are steeped in the simplicity of life where the act of attending school barefoot symbolized the carefree essence of childhood. These early years were enriched by the warmth of camaraderie forged through making friends and engaging in shared experiences.

One particularly poignant moment etched in my memory is the collective sense of pride and anticipation that permeated our classroom during fourth grade. Gathered around a radio, my classmates and I listened intently as Hawaiʻi transitioned into statehood. It was a momentous occasion that left an indelible mark on my consciousness, underscoring the significance of history unfolding before our very ears.

Another childhood memory that brings me joy is the observance of May Day. This yearly event served as a showcase of cultural diversity and shared community spirit. Dressed in our costumes or our newest aloha shirt, we delighted in the performances, fostering a sense of togetherness and harmony.

Road to College

It is intriguing how life often takes unexpected turns, isn’t it? Originally, my aim was to obtain a degree in psychology. However, encountering challenges with German studies led to a shift in plans. Serendipitously, this diversion led me to the field of education, which ultimately proved to be a rewarding journey filled with invaluable experiences.

During my student teaching gig, I lucked out with this awesome mentor, Carole Ishimaru. She gave me the reins and let me run the show, which was a total eye-opener. I was teaching high school psychology at the time and, to drive home the power of reinforcement, I set up a makeshift casino in class. Let’s just say it got a bit too real, and we landed in hot water when the higher-ups caught wind of it. But you know what? That little debacle taught me a valuable lesson. I realized that making learning fun and engaging was key. From then on, I made it my mission to spice up my classes, keep them interesting, and build that student interest. That philosophy stuck with me throughout my career.

Career Path

Prior to embarking on my journey as an educator, my professional background was enriched by diverse experiences that significantly shaped both my personal and professional growth. While employed at KTA Superstores in Hilo, under the guidance of my leader Tony Taniguchi, I was entrusted with a transformative assignment. Recognizing my background in education, Mr. Taniguchi tasked me with the creation of a comprehensive leadership development program. He underscored the pivotal role of cultivating leaders in fostering the growth and success of our organization. This directive propelled me to delve into the realm of leadership dynamics and personal development. To fulfill this responsibility, I actively engaged in initiatives such as joining the Hilo Jaycees, which provided invaluable insights into leadership principles and practices.

Through these experiences, I gained a profound understanding of the importance of effective leadership in driving organizational progress and fostering individual growth. These formative experiences not only broadened my perspective but also instilled in me a deep-seated commitment to education and leadership development. As an educator, I draw upon these insights to cultivate a learning environment that nurtures leadership skills, fosters personal growth, and empowers students to realize their full potential.

Teaching Experiences

I began my teaching career in special education. Concurrently, I embarked on a parallel path in the private sector, refining my skills in leadership development at the market. This dual role afforded me invaluable insights into the intricacies of leadership, which I seamlessly integrated into my pedagogical approach.

Navigating the dynamic landscape of special education, where I presided over a classroom of sixteen students with diverse disabilities, proved to be a crucible of leadership. The challenge of orchestrating a cohesive and productive learning environment amidst such diversity honed my capacity to lead with adaptability and resilience. It was within this context that I gleaned invaluable lessons in effective management and leadership, which laid the foundation for my subsequent endeavors in leadership development programming.

One of my fondest memories from my tenure in special education underscores the relationship between teaching and leadership. Recognizing the imperative of equipping my students with practical skills for the future, I devised a unique initiative at the intersection of education and entrepreneurship. By utilizing the classroom adjacent to the teacher parking lot, I established a platform for teaching fundamental work ethic and business acumen. Through a structured system of incentives and rewards, students were incentivized to uphold behavioral standards and engage in productive activities, such as car washing services. This initiative not only imparted essential life skills, such as customer service and financial management, but also fostered a sense of empowerment and self-worth among students.

In retrospect, those formative experiences underscore the profound impact of creative teaching methodologies and the importance of nurturing students’ holistic development. In an era marked by greater educational freedom, such initiatives exemplify the transformative potential of blending innovation with pedagogy to cultivate future-ready learners.

Leadership Works LLC (founded in 1982)

After devoting eight years to teaching and another two in a full-time capacity at the market, I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating my next professional endeavor. It was during this period of introspection that my interest in leadership began to take root. As I approached the culmination of my master’s degree program, I was confronted with a pivotal deadline: complete my Plan B paper within the final year or risk forfeiting accumulated credits. Faced with this ultimatum, I embarked on a journey of scholarly inquiry, seeking to explore the intricacies of leadership development.

Drawing upon my experiences in teaching and corporate leadership initiatives at the market, I sought permission from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa to conduct research for my Plan B paper in leadership development. The resulting research paper served not only as a scholarly endeavor but also as a blueprint for Leadership Works. What began as a mandatory academic pursuit blossomed into a thriving business endeavor that has spanned over four decades. I have a tremendous amount of appreciation for the College of Education because of the foundation they provided for my passion and business.

Little Book with 50 Big Ideas on Leadership

My journey into writing began with a desire to distill complex concepts into digestible and impactful insights. Initially envisioning a picture book format, I soon realized the need for a more concise and practical approach. This realization culminated in the creation of Little Book With 50 Big Ideas on Leadership. Recognizing the importance of brevity and clarity, I curated the 50 most essential ideas on leadership, presenting them in a succinct and visually engaging manner. Drawing inspiration from effective teaching practices, each idea was crafted to be sticky and transformational, resonating deeply with readers while avoiding information overload.
This book represents my commitment to translating leadership principles into actionable strategies that empower individuals to effect positive change in their personal and professional lives.

Three Fun Facts

1. I jump on my rebounder every morning for 30 minutes.
2. I spend each Friday with my granddaughter.
3. I read two leadership books per month.