On December 14, 2023, the Elevate Leadership Institute hosted a transformative session on "Developing Vision and Change." Guided by leaders Rory Hammerbeck, Jordy McPherson, and Bailey Sadowsky, participants explored insights from "Leading Change," fostering engaging discussions and practical applications.
Anna Gilligan shared her impactful hands-on experience at Feeding America, noting, "I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of the service project at Feeding America. It was interesting to see who took on what roles and the way our team worked together and transitioned on the fly as new roles were needed. I felt like I could see some of the ideas in our book put into practice."
The session highlighted three change implementation strategies: Authoritarian Decree, Micromanagement, and Vision, with a strong focus on the power of Vision to clarify decisions, motivate stakeholders, and coordinate efforts.
Matt Curley, a participant, expressed newfound appreciation: "It was really good for me because it was a topic I had never really considered or knew much about. The amount I learned about being a board member and that it is a possibility for me to become one was great. I gained a lot of value from this session."
Simultaneously, Alan Solano, President & CEO of the John T. Vucurevich Foundation, delivered insights on becoming an influential board member. He dispelled non-profit myths, emphasizing their need for financial sustainability and diverse skill sets.
Solano covered reasons for serving on a board, board types, duties, and practical strategies. Reece Weber praised Solano's presentation: "This session was absolutely beneficial. Alan Solano's presentation was a masterclass in 'intro to boards,' and I would recommend that this be a part of the Institute every year."
The book presentation unveiled three change strategies: Authoritarian Decree, Micromanagement, and Vision, emphasizing Vision's motivational power. Six key characteristics and steps for effective vision development were outlined, promoting collaboration and balanced communication.
The day concluded with insights from the panel discussion with CEOs and board members, underlining essential board member qualities. It emphasized strategies for finding a board, understanding governance, and utilizing resources like Boardsource.com for effective board membership.
In essence, the Elevate Leadership Institute is a guiding light for aspiring leaders, offering comprehensive sessions that promise a brighter future for the community.