Overnight Success!  

Class 38 came together for the first time August 24-25th at our first overnight class retreat.  Forty-five members arrived with simple instructions:  first names only;  no last names; no employment; and no titles.  Admittedly, they were a bit anxious and curious at first, but as they truly got to know one another for themselves, and not for what they do, all agreed it was a rewarding experience. 

A facilitator can make or break a retreat.  We were blessed to have an outstanding facilitator, Kristi Staab, Class 25 and known as the “Chief Rock Star”.  Kristi travels the world working with high-end executives and organizations to assist leaders transform themselves, their businesses, and their communities.  It was a personal reflection time of “getting your own house in order” to become an effective and purposeful leader. Get to know Kristi much better as she is featured in this newsletter. 

Small group discussions were facilitated by 10 outstanding alumni chosen to lead brave and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. They were trained prior to the retreat - and like the class members, remained incognito with only first names too.  Class 38 and sponsors were entertained by comedian Bob Howard of Class 1 at our sponsor dinner Thursday evening where class members got to know one another, along with alumni and sponsors.  Fellowship over food was a great segway to our small groups the next morning.  I would like to personally thank our facilitators for taking two full days out of their busy lives to help lead Class 38 through our retreat.  (See photo below!)

Through a series of exercises and activities, each layered upon one another, to discover their leadership purpose, Class 38 members revealed themselves on Friday afternoon, amidst crazy, outlandish guesses.  The truth was amazing, and all agreed that getting to know each other FIRST was a wonderful way to let work go and concentrate on themselves for two days.  

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