The Hidden Superpower of Every Great Leader: Richard Boudria Of BCN On Uncovering the Traits That Separate Good Leaders from Exceptional Ones

An Interview With Cynthia Corsetti

Cynthia Corsetti
Authority Magazine
Published in
10 min readDec 8, 2024

--

Vision Beyond the Present
Good leaders define clear objectives, but exceptional leaders articulate a transformative vision. At BCN, I strive to position us ahead of emerging trends like AI. For example, when cloud computing gained traction, we anticipated its importance early, pivoting our solutions to meet future demand, giving us a competitive edge.

What is it that makes certain leaders stand out and achieve extraordinary results? Beyond technical skills and strategic thinking, great leaders often possess hidden superpowers — those intangible traits that set them apart. These traits enable them to inspire others, foster trust, and drive innovation even in challenging environments. As part of this series, we are interviewing Richard Boudria, Chairman & CEO of BCN, a technology solutions provider.

As Chairman and CEO, Richard M. Boudria, Jr. drives innovation and excellence at BCN with a focus on business strategy, corporate financial oversight, capital management, and corporate board leadership.

Leveraging a robust network of strategic relationships and strong guiding principles, Mr. Boudria empowers his teams to seize opportunities that accelerate company growth and success and deliver on his vision to maximize employee and partner potential.

Prior to serving as Chairman & CEO of BCN, Mr. Boudria held key roles in the Company as Vice President of Sales, Executive Vice President, President, and President & CEO.

Mr. Boudria is also an alumnus of the U.S. Marine Corps Executive Forum (MCEF). MCEF strengthens the connection between America’s Marines and civilian leaders of businesses, organizations, academia, and faith-based groups in communities large and small throughout the country.

A B.A. graduate in Political Science at Trinity College, Mr. Boudria participated in Graduate Studies at Columbia University.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

BCN is a family-owned business, and as we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I can’t help but reflect on how much this company has been a part of my life. I started working at BCN as a young man, learning the ropes alongside my father, Dick Boudria, who founded the company. From the beginning, I was drawn to the dynamism of the technology solutions industry — the constant evolution and the chance to create meaningful solutions for our partners and customers.

What truly captivated me, though, was the opportunity to contribute to the company’s growth and success. Even as a young professional, I could see how my efforts directly impacted our ability to innovate, serve our partners, and build our reputation in the industry. That sense of purpose kept me engaged, and I’ve never looked back.

Over the years, my role has evolved, but my passion for BCN’s mission and the people who make it possible has only deepened. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud to lead a company that has remained committed to its values while continuing to innovate and grow.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

The most defining moment of my career came when I transitioned from President to Chairman/CEO of BCN following the passing of my father, our founder, Dick Boudria. While the succession was always part of our plan, the timing was unexpected, bringing both profound personal loss and significant professional responsibility.

Suddenly, I was not only mourning my father but also stepping into his legacy. This moment forced me to reflect on everything he built over the decades — his unwavering commitment to our partners, customers, and team — and how I could honor that while leading BCN into the future.

The transition brought its challenges, but also tremendous opportunities. It pushed me to grow as a leader, to trust my instincts while staying true to the values my father instilled in me: discipline, resilience, and authenticity. With the support of our incredible team, we navigated that period together, ensuring that BCN not only carried on his vision but also evolved to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.

This experience solidified my belief that leadership is not just about stepping up in moments of success but rising to the occasion in times of uncertainty. It’s a responsibility I carry with great pride and gratitude.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

BCN stands out because of our unwavering commitment to our partners, customers, and team — relationships that have been the foundation of our business for 30 years. This commitment goes beyond delivering technology; it’s about being there when it matters most.

A story that reflects this is from the days following 9/11. Our founder, my father, Dick Boudria, personally delivered hundreds of cell phones to a customer in NYC who had been severely impacted. That simple but vital act helped them reconnect and start rebuilding during an incredibly challenging time.

This dedication is still at the heart of BCN today. Whether through our partner channel, innovative solutions, or our customer-first culture, we stand out by prioritizing people and always delivering with care and reliability.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

For me, three traits stand out as the foundation of my success:

Discipline: This was instilled in me early by my father, a Marine captain, who taught me the importance of structure, focus, and follow-through. That discipline drives how I approach challenges and lead with consistency.

When BCN began its pivot to cloud-based solutions, the process required rigorous planning and execution over months. My background in discipline, instilled by my father’s Marine values, kept me focused on the details — setting clear milestones, holding teams accountable, and ensuring every step aligned with our long-term vision. This approach allowed us to transition seamlessly while maintaining service excellence for our partners and customers.

Resilience: As a competitive athlete, I learned the value of “running through the line” — finishing strong, no matter the obstacles. That mindset has been essential in navigating the ups and downs of leadership and sustaining BCN’s success over 30 years.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted businesses worldwide, BCN faced unprecedented challenges. Instead of retreating, I relied on resilience to guide our response. We quickly adapted to remote operations, ensured uninterrupted support for our partners and customers, and prioritized the well-being of our team. By staying committed to our values and focusing on solutions, we not only weathered the storm but also strengthened our operations and deepened relationships with our partners, emerging as an even more reliable technology provider.

Authenticity: Staying true to my values has been critical in both business and personal interactions. It’s about leading with integrity, fostering trust, and encouraging the same authenticity in others to build meaningful relationships and a strong culture.

At BCN, authenticity has been central to building our company culture. I make it a priority to lead by example — being transparent about challenges, sharing both successes and lessons from setbacks, and encouraging open communication. This approach has fostered an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to bring their full selves to work. It’s this culture of trust and authenticity that drives collaboration, innovation, and our shared commitment to serving partners and customers.

These traits continue to shape how I lead and drive BCN’s mission forward.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. What makes someone exceptional?

How do exceptional leaders leverage emotional intelligence to inspire and influence their teams?

As Chairman/CEO of BCN, I use emotional intelligence to build trust and drive collaboration. I tune into the emotional and intellectual needs of my team, especially during high-pressure times like major product launches. By showing genuine care and empathy, I inspire loyalty and commitment. Whether mediating discussions between teams or aligning our goals, I prioritize clear, passionate communication that fosters a shared vision for innovation.

What role does humility play in the success of great leaders, and how is it demonstrated in their behavior?

Humility is essential to my leadership at BCN. I openly acknowledge when I don’t have all the answers and lean on my team’s expertise to navigate challenges. I share credit for our successes and view setbacks as learning opportunities for the entire organization. Welcoming feedback, even from our newest team members, ensures we’re continuously improving and staying aligned with our mission.

How do exceptional leaders navigate difficult conversations and foster open communication in their organizations?

I handle tough conversations with empathy and honesty. Whether discussing performance or strategy, I communicate respectfully and invite open dialogue. I ensure follow-through with actions that rebuild trust and keep us moving forward together.

What makes adaptability a superpower in leadership, and how do the best leaders exemplify it?

Adaptability has been key to BCN’s success over 30 years in a constantly evolving tech industry. It means pivoting quickly, like shifting to cloud-based solutions as demand for legacy systems declined and fostering a culture of continuous learning to stay ahead of trends.

Whether leading transitions to new technologies and bold ideas with room for failure, adaptability allows us to innovate and consistently deliver value to our partners and customers.

What are your “Five Traits That Separate Good Leaders from Exceptional Ones”?

  1. Vision Beyond the Present
    Good leaders define clear objectives, but exceptional leaders articulate a transformative vision. At BCN, I strive to position us ahead of emerging trends like AI. For example, when cloud computing gained traction, we anticipated its importance early, pivoting our solutions to meet future demand, giving us a competitive edge.
  2. Empathy-Driven Decision Making
    Good leaders understand their team’s needs, but exceptional leaders balance this with customer insights. At BCN, we design bespoke solutions tailored to solve a client’s unique operational challenge. By actively listening to both the team and the client, we delivered a solution that exceeded expectations and deepened the partnership.
  3. Courage to Innovate and Adapt
    While good leaders encourage innovation, exceptional ones lead it. At BCN, we made the bold decision to stand up our own cloud voice platform, a move that allowed us to better control the customer experience and set ourselves apart in the market. This required significant investment and a willingness to take on the complexities of managing our own infrastructure. However, it was the right choice — it not only gave us greater flexibility to meet customer needs but also opened new opportunities for growth and innovation, strengthening our position as a leader in the industry.
  4. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
    Good leaders maintain stability, but exceptional ones thrive under pressure. During a challenging economic downturn, BCN faced budget constraints and tough decisions. By remaining calm and focused, I guided the team through cost-efficient strategies that preserved jobs and kept our core innovations on track.
  5. Commitment to Developing Others
    Good leaders foster growth, but exceptional leaders build an innovation-first culture. At BCN, we encourage cross-functional training, empowering our employees to imagine the possible and take risks. This approach has led to breakthrough operational innovations and a stronger leadership pipeline.

These traits define my leadership approach at BCN, shaping our success and driving sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

How do great leaders balance confidence with vulnerability to create stronger connections with their teams?

As Chairman/CEO of BCN, I know the importance of projecting confidence in our vision, especially during transformative times like adopting new technologies or entering emerging markets. At the same time, I believe in admitting challenges openly — whether it’s a complex client demand or uncertainty with a new initiative. Sharing lessons from my own experiences builds trust and credibility. By encouraging feedback and fostering a safe space for ideas, I inspire collaboration, balancing optimism with realism to keep the team motivated and aligned.

What strategies do exceptional leaders use to consistently recognize and nurture talent within their organizations?

At BCN, our success depends on recognizing and developing our people. I prioritize spotting high performers early and providing tailored growth plans, including mentorships and certifications. We celebrate contributions through rewards and public recognition while encouraging cross-functional roles to broaden expertise. Internal promotions remain a cornerstone of our culture, ensuring our team sees a clear path for advancement. This approach not only empowers individuals but strengthens our organization as a whole.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

The idea of Doing Well By Doing Good is already a powerful movement reshaping how businesses operate, and I believe it’s one that should be embraced more broadly in our industry. At BCN, we’ve always focused on creating value for our customers and employees, knowing that these investments ripple outward to strengthen communities.

I see an opportunity to bring this ethos forward in the technology solutions space by encouraging companies like ours to dedicate a percentage of annual profits to societal concerns — whether it’s supporting education, healthcare access, or environmental initiatives. By tying corporate success to meaningful contributions, we can demonstrate that prioritizing social good doesn’t just benefit communities; it fuels innovation, employee engagement, and long-term growth. BCN is committed to exploring how we can be part of this movement, showing that when businesses lead with purpose, everyone wins.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

I would welcome the opportunity for your readers to learn more about BCN by visiting our website at www.bcntele.com, or by following our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcn-telecom/

They should also feel free to email us at Simplicity@bcntele.com

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

About the Interviewer: Cynthia Corsetti is an esteemed executive coach with over two decades in corporate leadership and 11 years in executive coaching. Author of the upcoming book, “Dark Drivers,” she guides high-performing professionals and Fortune 500 firms to recognize and manage underlying influences affecting their leadership. Beyond individual coaching, Cynthia offers a 6-month executive transition program and partners with organizations to nurture the next wave of leadership excellence.

--

--

Authority Magazine
Authority Magazine

Published in Authority Magazine

In-depth Interviews with Authorities in Business, Pop Culture, Wellness, Social Impact, and Tech. We use interviews to draw out stories that are both empowering and actionable.

Cynthia Corsetti
Cynthia Corsetti

Written by Cynthia Corsetti

Author | Thought Leader | Leadership Consultant

No responses yet