Leadership Tallahassee: Cultivating leaders for community progress
One may wonder: What is Leadership Tallahassee and what sets it apart from other similar experiences and draws potential participants?
When my sister participated in Class 19 here in Tallahassee, I was living in Atlanta. Hearing about her experiences then convinced me to apply as soon as I returned to Tallahassee. Fourteen years later, I was fortunate to be part of LT Class 33 and it was truly enlightening.
Leadership Tallahassee isn't just another leadership training program; it's a platform empowering existing leaders to contribute to the strengths and resilience of our community in meaningful ways. By exposing participants to various aspects of Tallahassee and facilitating engagement with a diverse group of members and community stakeholders, the program aims to catalyze collaborative efforts towards common goals.
Simply put, it aims to get class members out of their daily “bubbles,” broaden perspectives, and encourage them to not go back inside the “bubble” once the program year is over. When we engage more frequently and extensively with the broader community, we all learn and grow.
Talk to any LT Alum, and you're likely to hear a "but for" story—a pivotal moment or realization stemming from their LT experience that wouldn't have occurred otherwise. This could be a new perspective gained, an idea explored, a connection made, or a shift in opinion—all facilitated by the experience.
“But for” LT and my experience with Class 33 I would not have had the opportunity to be Curriculum Chair for LT Class 38 during the height of the COVID pandemic. It was challenging, given the circumstances, but the members of LT 38 rose to the occasion, fully embracing the LT mission. When people ask me about my LT experience, I have the privilege of claiming two amazing classes.
At its essence, Leadership Tallahassee not only benefits its participants but also the broader community. By arming leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to tackle local challenges, the program fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and progress. Whether it's bridging gaps between neighborhoods or spearheading initiatives for social change, Leadership Tallahassee graduates are involved and leading the charge across our community towards meaningful transformation.
For small business owners, participating in Leadership Tallahassee can provide invaluable insights, fostering connections with fellow entrepreneurs, and amplifying their impact on the community through collaborative efforts and shared resources.
As we prepare to welcome LT Class 42, I encourage potential applicants to consider the impact they can have by joining. I challenge you to come out of your bubble. Together, let's harness the power of leadership to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and prosperous community for all. Seize this opportunity to grow, learn, and progress together.
To learn more visit www.leadershiptallahassee.com. Applications for this year’s class are due April 22.
Becky Tolnay is a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee Class 33, and chair, Vistage Tallahassee, a peer advisory group for CEOs and business leaders.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leadership Tallahassee: Cultivating leaders for community progress
