The Life Coach Training program I did through the Co-Active Institute was the most impactful program I have ever done, especially as it relates to human connection and leadership. I’ve also done a number of impactful Leadership programs through GE’s Crotonville Institute. The other great “program” for leadership is honestly real-life experience – a lot of lessons about what NOT to do and (sadly) fewer examples of great leadership.

Competing Leadership Brandon, a program offered through the Chamber of Commerce, was definitely a catalyst that impacted my business. Our 4th location was a direct result of connections made in the program.

During the first half of 2022, I was a part of Leadership St Pete. This amazing program allowed me to spend six months learning about leadership and our city alongside 38 other leaders. While I learned a lot, my top takeaway was learning that letting others lead is okay. I learned to be more comfortable letting others be in charge while I took the role of a true participant.

Learning about Situational Leadership changed the way I understand delegation, collaboration, and effective communication. Incredible improvement on working with others.

The first college I ever attended was Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. I was put into a leadership program based on first impressions at summer orientation and I was surprised they thought of me because in High School I never was put into any position of authority. From there, I learned leadership skills I didn’t know I already had instilled into my everyday life.

I have attended the Aspen Institute for Advanced Leadership. I have also had private Executive Leadership Training from Shir Nir, CEO at the Handel Group. In addition, I’ve had 35 years of Senior Leadership experience. I’ve led thousands of employees throughout my career in Retail.

My role as a leader in leadership development organizations, such as the American Advertising Federation and the American Marketing Association of Tampa Bay, is what impacted my career most. They provided combined hands-on experience leading a board of directors while also completing leadership training programs with other members of the organization across the country. I give a lot of credit to this experience as it taught me many skills; people management, equity and inclusion, budgeting, in addition to new marketing skills!

I think leadership development looks different for each person. For me, the non-traditional formats were a better fit. Working on my own self-healing and empowerment journey so that I could enhance my human skills which I believe are at the core of leadership. You can be a leader at any level and the higher you rise the more you need to be a visionary that can inspire and motivate people to be as dedicated to that vision as you are. Ultimately leadership all comes back to your human skills; your ability to connect with people in an authentic, transparent, and trusting way such that they would follow your lead regardless of your title.