2020 has brought extraordinary challenges. While life is anything but typical right now, Leadership Northwest Missouri understands the importance of continuing to offer opportunities to lead, connect and grow within the Northwest Missouri region. Leadership Northwest Missouri is looking for the right men and women to fill its 2021 class, promising those who join an experience they’ll never forget. Eight days over a seven-month period is the commitment, but the results are worth much more.
Often, seminars offer tips on leadership and networking, but Leadership Northwest Missouri is different. This program provides a localized experience, offering leadership training, education on hot topics in the region, and access to a well-connected network of contacts. Here is what some of the 2020 class participants have to say about their experience:
“Leadership Northwest Missouri has been amazing due to the unforeseen circumstances in the world. The knowledge we have gained as a unit has taught us how to adapt, learn, and grow. The experiences have taught us to understand and appreciate others’ struggles. That everyone may look different, but share some of the same struggles.” – Tim Wymes, Cameron/Clinton County
“My experience with Leadership Northwest was truly life-changing. Our class had challenges related to COVID-19 and still was able to remain engaged in-person and virtually. I can’t imagine navigating the last year without the guidance, support, positivity and wisdom of my classmates.” – Anna Barlow, Carrollton/Carroll County
“Leadership Northwest has been a fun and challenging experience of connecting with and learning from a diverse group of leaders from all over northwest Missouri. It has challenged me to grow in many ways, to think about issues outside my normal scope, and to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone.” – Br. David Wilding, Conception/Nodaway County
“Being a part of Leadership Northwest Missouri this year has been a unique experience to say the least. Not being able to visit all the vibrant communities in Northwest Missouri due to COVID-19 restrictions has been disappointing. But at the same time, it has been rewarding to continue to connect to this group via Zoom. At a time when stress and uncertainty are running high related to COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd, it has been so valuable to connect to a group of leaders and study leadership through the lens of trying times. The Leadership Northwest Missouri organizers have done an excellent job of providing opportunities to learn and grow through it all. I will certainly look back upon my year with this group with admiration and gratitude for having been a part of it.” – Debbie Bennett, Rock Port/Atchison County
“LNWMO has provided excellent opportunities to grow, both as a leader and as a person, and to network with other leaders throughout the northwest region. When presented with the challenges faced in 2020, the organization continuously adapted to provide alternate methods for delivering an outstanding experience.” – Randy Mendenhall, Oregon/Holt County
“Leadership Northwest 2020 has been an amazing experience. I never dreamed that so much learning could take place and such a close bond would be formed with one group of people. Even with the trials of COVID-19, this group has bonded and continued to support each other in more ways than I can express. I wish everyone could go through this experience. I am a better person and have grown so much as an individual and as a team. I have increased my circle of lifelong friends with an amazing group of diverse individuals and look forward to continuing this work as an alumni.” – Cindy Wells, St. Joseph/Buchanan County
“This is a great program to help future leaders learn, motivate and push themselves to become a better leader. The program helps you with stepping outside of your comfort zone to fully engage in the program and your day to day leadership to help benefit your future.” – Dave Fast, Fairfax/Atchison County
The 2021 class will begin with a two-day retreat at Conception Abbey, January 20 and 21, led by Tim Crowley, Ph.D., a national speaker on personal and professional development. Day-long monthly classes will follow in various communities throughout our 19-county region, (Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Sullivan and Worth), with the class graduation scheduled for July 15, 2021.
Class participants will come away with a new outlook on the workplace, enhanced leadership skills, hands-on team building exercises, communication and motivational skills, and so much more. To create an effective experience, Leadership Northwest Missouri will limit the number of class participants. The deadline to apply is November 1. Contact Deb Powers if you have questions, debdpowers@gmail.com. An application is available to download at https://leadershipnorthwestmissouri.org/program-information.
