Learning … connection … dedicated time together …
Our annual New Executive Leader Reception (NELR) was a night centered around all three — plus warmth, relationships, celebration — and so much more!
This dynamic event, held January 24 at the beautiful Akron Art Museum, recognized and honored leaders, executives, and decision-makers from around the city and introduced them to our vibrant leadership community and Leadership Akron Alumni. Click here to meet the Honorees!
It was a tremendous evening of connecting with those who are stepping into important roles of leadership, both present and future.
VIP Guests were able to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum, meet a featured artist, and more. The NELR is one of the best nights of the year — and we’re blessed to bring community leaders together for it!
A special thanks to The Brennan Family Foundation for sponsoring our New Executive Leader Reception!
Your end-of-year support for Leadership Akron’s efforts is already shaping lives, fostering leadership potential, and creating a more vibrant Akron. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity in 2023!
Every dollar donated is more than a contribution. Each gift:
strengthens the foundations of the community we love
invests in Akron’s future
gives a voice to those waiting to be heard
fuels passion for a better tomorrow
speaks up for equity, justice, and love
and more
Thank you again for nurturing leaders here at Leadership Akron — and investing in their tomorrow … our tomorrow.
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Leadership Akron’s Community Leadership Institute (CLI) program — a transformative experience carefully created for individuals seeking to amplify their leadership expertise.
Picture this:
Four immersive days packed with personal growth, dynamic community involvement, and exclusive opportunities to forge connections with key decision-makers.
A gateway to unlocking your full potential as a leader, both professionally and within the community.
A deep dive into a world of unparalleled insights, tapping into premium community resources, and emerging not only well-versed in Akron’s unique landscape — but also armed with the tools to make a meaningful impact.
Become a versatile, influential leader ready to inspire change in any setting …
CLI is one sure ticket to leadership excellence!
Spread the word to people in your circle … and apply yourself!
Anyone interested can learn more at one of our upcoming Open Houses — click here to register today!
Take a moment to watch Brian Harding’s special 40th Anniversary greetings — about how Leadership Akron has empowered him as a leader, what others are doing within the community, and his congratulations about all the classes and graduates we continually get to celebrate!
40 years down … 40 (and more!) to go!
It’s inevitable … but it doesn’t have to be unbearable!
Having hard conversations is part of being a leader.
In fact, it’s an essential skill that requires tact, empathy, and clear communication.
So, in order to prepare you even more effectively for difficult conversations yet to be had, here are some key takeaways and how-to’s for navigating these discussions:
Prepare and Reflect: Before initiating a difficult conversation, take time to understand the issue thoroughly. Reflect on what you want to communicate and the outcome you hope to achieve.
Create a Safe Environment: Choose a private, comfortable setting for the conversation. Ensure the other person feels safe and respected throughout the discussion.
Be Clear and Direct: Communicate your message clearly and directly. Avoid ambiguity, but also be compassionate and understanding.
Listen Actively: Allow the other person to express their thoughts and feelings. Listening actively shows respect and helps you understand their perspective.
Focus on the Issue, Not the Person: Address the behavior or situation that is problematic, not the individual's character. This helps in keeping the conversation constructive.
Seek Solutions Together: Encourage a collaborative approach to resolving the issue. Work together to find mutually acceptable solutions.
Follow Up: After the conversation, it’s important to follow up. This could involve checking in on progress, providing additional support, or simply ensuring that the issue has been resolved satisfactorily.
One thing to remember: The goal of hard conversations is not to win an argument, but to solve a problem in a way that maintains respect and understanding. Every voice in the discussion must be heard, welcomed, and valued … and tact, empathy, and clear communication make that possible!
When we make the concepts above paramount, we inspire and uplift each other and unlock further potential in working and living together. Thanks for helping Leadership Akron create inclusive workplaces, organizations, and neighborhoods.
Looking to play a pivotal role in empowering change, collaboration, and inclusion here in Akron?
Join the Leadership Akron 40/forty Club!
As a beacon of change, you’ll celebrate 40 triumphant years of Leadership Akron and help shape the next 40 years — and beyond.
Invest monthly or annually, and you’ll help transform Akron’s leadership landscape as you:
Pay it Forward: Assure the continuation of transformative experiences for our community’s future leaders.
Receive Exclusive Benefits: Access to all annual Leadership Akron events (eight total) so you’re at the forefront of Akron’s evolving leadership scene.
Celebrate the Legacy: Directly fuel Leadership Akron’s mission to inspire, strengthen, and empower the next generation of leaders.
We warmly invite you to champion our past, present, and promising future and join the 40/forty Club today!
Leadership Akron invites you to include the below on your calendar. We’re grateful for each and every opportunity to get together and witness leaders thriving, forging connections, strengthening one another, and celebrating our collective, impactful work within the Akron community.
Open Houses — 1/31, 2/29, 3/13
Potential candidates for ALL programs are invited to attend! There will be general information and an opportunity to learn more details about specific programs. Learn more here: www.leadershipakron/applyApplications for Programs Open — 2/1
Deadline for Applications for Programs — 3/30
Leadership on Main — 2/14
Leadership on Main — 3/13
Leadership on Main — 4/17
Leadership on Main — 5/8
Golf Outing — 5/20
Your support for Leadership Akron keeps us on track and walking toward a bright future full of possibility and dedicated to empowering leaders of every neighborhood, every background, and every experience in Greater Akron.