Leadership Eastern CT Program More Valuable Than Ever
“Discussing these uncertain times with our most respected leaders provided incredible insight to managing during financially and emotionally difficult times.”
Leadership’s essential role is amplified during a crisis. Business, government, and nonprofit leaders in eastern CT have stepped up to the challenges presented by COVID-19, navigating impacts across the community.
Learning about leadership at a time when it is being tested adds a new dimension to the Chamber’s Leadership Eastern Connecticut program. Rising leaders have tapped into this valued resource for professional growth and regional connections for 33 years, and while the format may be different, the timing couldn’t be better.
When events turned virtual this spring, area executives demonstrated their commitment to the program, and ability to pivot, by offering the same direct access to our Leadership participants via Zoom.
Class of 2021 participant Stacy Giacchi, director, On the Spot Catering, shared, “During COVID-19, I believe that these discussions were even more valuable, as everyone was dealing with crisis. Discussing these uncertain times with our most respected leaders provided incredible insight to managing during financially and emotionally difficult times. To hear someone speak of their successes is motivational and encouraging, but to be able to share real concerns and vulnerabilities has been invaluable.”
The Class of 2022 is forming now. Applications for the two-year program are available on ChamberECT.com/ leadership-program through September 8. Participants interact directly with top-tier executives in the region, and the wide-ranging curriculum highlights the interacting forces that affect the region.
Participants study factors that may be impacting the success of their own organizations, helping them identify synergies to partner effectively. The emphasis on networking with the class and with presenters, as well as with alumni of the Leadership program, contributes to a powerful web in the region that benefits all involved.
Beginning in October, thematically organized sessions explore industry, government, services, and regional organizations. The group also exercises their skills with a capstone community service project, fully implemented by the participants. In the second year, participants coordinate sessions for the incoming class, advancing their networking and leadership execution. Sponsorships to support the regional program are available for the 2020-21 year and include program tuition and long-term recognition opportunities. Chamber Vice President Megan Gilbert can share details at mgilbert@chamberect.com.
Thinking about the unique challenges we are facing, Ms. Giacchi described the importance of her relationships with people in her class and community leaders. “Especially during quarantine and as we continue through the reopening phases, these connections have been invaluable. Staying connected through the program- albeit virtually has offered some semblance of normalcy and strengthened my commitment to my classmates and community.”