Long before pursuing leadership opportunities beyond the classroom, Wesley Lanter was actively building the skills and perspectives that would shape his development as a leader. A double major in Biology and Applied Language and Intercultural Studies, Lanter sought out experiential learning opportunities at Georgia Tech that emphasized challenge, reflection, and growth.
His introduction to leadership development began with SEEk Discomfort (SEED), a First-year Leadership Organization (FLO) designed to help first-year students grow as leaders by intentionally stepping outside of their comfort zones. The organization believes that life's greatest opportunities for growth happen when you move beyond your comfort zone in a supportive environment. Members participate in various challenges categorized into personal, physical, and social discomfort (such as rejection therapy or physical activities) to build confidence and leadership skills.
That foundation led him to Georgia Tech’s Leadership Education and Development (LEAD), where structured programming helped him further develop confidence navigating uncertainty and responding thoughtfully to challenge.
LEAD didn’t just challenge you for the sake of it,” Lanter said. “There was always something you could take from the experience and apply later.
That applied focus was one reason Stacey Doremus, FLO-SEED professional staff advisor and interim director of LEAD, encouraged Lanter to apply for the McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In 2025, he was selected as one of an esteemed group of students from across the country to participate with peers from Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, and beyond.
At the conference, student fellows worked alongside senior leaders from Fortune 500 companies, federal government and defense leadership, higher education, and more to examine global leadership challenges and explore how leaders respond to adversity. For Lanter, the experience reinforced the value of the skills he had developed through experiential learning at Georgia Tech.
The McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character helped me become a better leader,” he said. “It taught me how to work through difficult experiences and see challenges as part of the learning process.
Lanter’s path underscores GT LEAD’s role in preparing students for leadership across global contexts through hands-on learning that builds confidence and adaptability. With graduation approaching in December 2026, Lanter is looking ahead to the next chapter of his leadership journey, where he plans to apply to medical school and continue toward a career in medicine.
