Leading Edge

Leading Edge Creates Collaboration and Masters Their Message

Creating Collaboration

Building Community Collaborations was the focus of Leading Edge’s February program.   Councilman Joel Burns welcomed the group and challenged them to take an active leadership role in the community.   Representatives from the City of Fort Worth, Townsite Development, Southeast Fort Worth and Texas Wesleyan University joined the group to illustrate how a collaboration between the four entities resulted in the redevelopment of the Poly/Wesleyan corridor.  The group was surprised to see the “before” photos of the current TWU bookstore, and to the learn that the building where the program was held had been in a state of disrepair just a few years earlier.

In addition to the focus on collaboration, the leadership practice “Model the Way” was highlighted as well.  Using the Poly/Wesleyan example, the group discussed how the leaders involved in the project had to clarify values and set the example of how those values should be addressed in the community.  The class was then given time to reflect about their own values and how they would spend time in the coming month strengthening their ability to “model the way.”

Mastering Your Message

In March, Leading Edge was hosted by the Fort Worth Club.  Rebecca Shaw with Spaeth Communications facilitated an interactive session on making powerful presentations.  Several members of the class were caught on camera as they spoke about an organization or cause that they were passionate about.  The class worked in teams to create strong messages, use stories and examples and develop closing statements to encourage their audience to take action.

Steve Dutton, President of Samaritan House, spoke to the group about how to move beyond networking to create true connections in the community.  Steve highlighted several examples of how Samaritan House and several of their vendors have identified ways to work together for the betterment of all involved.

To close the day, 13 members of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth hosted the Leading Edge participants at the weekly Rotary meeting.  At the meeting, the Leading Edge participants had the opportunity to critique a presentation and practice creating connections with community leaders.  We are grateful to Rotary Club President Sid Johnston and Executive Director Neva Williams for welcoming the group so warmly!

Equipping Adults in their mid-20s to early 30’s with the
Skills and Passion to become Community Trustees

Leading Edge is a dynamic leadership development program that provides adults in their mid-20s to early 30s an opportunity to explore our community from many different perspectives. During the six month class emerging leaders will:

• recognize how their leadership style impacts others,
• discover how to build successful, strong collaborations
• understand how to advocate for causes they are passionate about, and
• learn how to be an effective non-profit board member
• polish key leadership skills like team dynamics, cross-generational communication and leading change.

As a result of Leading Edge, participants will have the relationships, skills and energy necessary to make a stronger impact in the Fort Worth community.

Leading Edge is an ideal leadership development opportunity for

• rising stars in their career field,
• officers and members of young professional organizations, and
• outstanding volunteers for nonprofit organizations.

Leading Edge begins with a full-day retreat in January, followed by six half day sessions. The application process will be in the fall. Tuition for the program is $875, with a limited number of partial scholarships available, depending upon individual circumstances. For more information, please contact Jan Titsworth at jan@b2b-strategies.com or (682) 554-2766.

THE LEADING EDGE APPLICATION IS NOW ONLINE. Click here for information on applying to the Leading Edge class.

Leading Edge Alumni Network

Over 20 Leading Edge Alumni and LFW board members gathered on November 11 at the TCU Brown-Lupton University Union for our first Leading Edge Alumni Leadership Luncheon. Jason Smith, TCU alumnus and President and CEO of Arcos, an interactive marketing company, spoke to the group of professionals about the importance of building a network, finding key mentors and giving back to the community. Being named by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce as a Small Business of the Year in 2009, Jason Smith is paving the way for much continued success and the Leading Edge alumni benefitted greatly from his personal and professional insight.

This luncheon is the first of many activities that the Leading Edge Alumni have planned for the upcoming year. Two of the main projects the alumni will focus on this year are: developing a Leadership Luncheon Series to cultivate community partnerships and enhance professional development; and assisting with the planning and coordination of the 2010 Leadership Conference, set to take place at the Omni Hotel in April. We are also planning a service project that would involve all members of Leadership Fort Worth and creating a conduit to connect those interested in board service with available opportunities. We invite and encourage you to participate and support our alumni network.

Thanks to TCU for helping to underwrite the first of our Leadership Luncheons.

Leading Edge prepares rising stars to become engaged as community leaders. Last year, 34 diverse, civic-minded professionals were selected to be a part of this inaugural program. The Leading Edge Class of 2010 will begin in January and run through June. Applications are due by noon on Friday, November 20.