The program helped me understand different perspectives and, if we choose to embrace the process and help others to do the same, our own and other's personal growth is the real reward. I serve on the Leadership Lynchburg Council because it's an opportunity to be involved, serve, and hopefully make contributions to an already incredible program.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did." - Mark Twain

The Leadership Lynchburg Executive Forum allowed me to refine my leadership style through a local/regional leadership forum. My participation with a diverse group of public and private sector leaders in the 2019-2020 Executive Leadership Forum benefitted my professional and personal life and has had a lasting positive impact on me as a person. Serving on the Leadership Lynchburg Council allows me to give back to this great community as well as offers me an opportunity to continue my leadership development by working with and learning from some incredible leaders.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchill

The exposure I had to others in the community was so beneficial to me during my Leadership Lynchburg experience. My network grew across various industries as well as people from all different backgrounds and stages of their leadership journeys. I am forever thankful for the ways this program allowed me to learn and grow. I serve on the Leadership Lynchburg Council because I want to give back to the program and community that has poured into me through connections, opportunities, friendships, mentors and more
"Nothing will make you feel better except doing the work."

For me, the entire LL experience was eye-opening. I’d been in town almost 20 years, had worked in several large companies and owned my own small business, and still didn’t feel like I was as connected to the community as I could have been. LL broadened my horizons from a networking and connections standpoint and I gained a greater respect and understanding for Lynchburg’s rich history and business acumen. Additionally, the program absolutely created lasting relationships for me. The impact that my team had in my life during a very difficult season has extended beyond just that year. I’m so grateful for my experience with LL 43!
“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy. I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me.” —Jane Marczewski, “Nightbirde”

The most impactful part of my Leadership Lynchburg experience was meeting people I would have never met otherwise. I learned so much from individuals with more experience than me and from other private and public sectors. I serve on the Leadership Lynchburg Council to help ensure other local leaders experience new and exciting things while learning more about the Lynchburg region.
“Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.” —Tina Fey, Bossypants

The ELF program was impactful for me because it provided space for me to focus on personal growth and development but also assisted in facilitating connections with other leaders in the community from a different sectors. This allowed me to work with and learn from people that I don’t normally interact with in my profession. I serve on the Leadership Lynchburg Council to give back to a program that has helped me immensely and continue to build connections in the community.
"We must be the change we seek if we are to effectively demand transformation from others." - John Lewis, from “Across that Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change.”

Building my tribe/friends throughout the duration of LL and now extending years after has been one of the most rewarding things. I can call on these friends anytime. Also, to be immersed in our community and to know more about it and the surrounding areas was so eye opening and brought deeper sense of gratitude for the area in which I live. I am passionate about change and movement forward. On the council, we strive every meeting/day to move forward for the sake of our community and the people who make up that community.
“Seek first to understand, then be understood."—S. Covey

LL42, for me as a new leader was exceptional because I hadn’t received a lot of exposure to different ways of leading. Leadership styles differ tremendously by the individual and so I was grateful to be able to see so many different leadership styles displayed. Additionally, Leadership Lynchburg is great because while you’re in a class with sub-groups the impact feels so individually catered. In order to grow, you have to put yourself into situations where you normally would not venture. With the pandemic, a lot I’m excited to engage and help develop the future of Leadership Lynchburg.
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls short of what the ultimate goal should be.”—Fred Bear

One of the most impactful experiences of Leadership Lynchburg was the opportunity to stretch my comfort zones and expand my breadth of leadership skills, all within a learning lab and team based environment.
Leadership Lynchburg is a strong and important program that helps build the next generation of leaders within our Lynchburg community, and I hope to contribute and build on its success.
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”—Michael Jordan

I think the most impactful ‘Ah Ha!’ moment I had was observing the diversity of leadership – how to lead regardless of background, industry, personality, and approach. Leaders don’t all look and act one way! I also really appreciated the opportunity to ‘try out’ the various tools LL gave us in the safe space of team projects.
I serve to be challenged outside of my comfort zone and to continue growing personally. I am excited to share my energy towards continuing the excellence of this program.
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”—Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Leadership Lynchburg has enabled me to branch out and meet so many people from outside my organization! The program touches so many lives and enables alumni and current class mates to grow their leadership skills in so many ways, while at the same time “giving-back” to Lynchburg communities! I serve on the Leadership Lynchburg Council to continue to assist in any way possible to grow and improve the programs offered by Leadership Lynchburg! The students of today are our leaders of tomorrow!
"If you don’t step forward, you will always be in the same place."

I learned a lot about my personal leadership style, and how important it is to deeply care for my co-workers from Leadership Lynchburg. However, my wife just says I got soft. I serve on the Leadership Council because Leadership Lynchburg jump started my leadership journey, and I still go to my classmates to celebrate good times and talk about tough ones. I want to help other emerging leaders have the same experience and form the same kinds of relationships I did.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." - Paul, Colossians 3:23