Lessons from Leadership Iowa
February 8, 2019 | More than a college town
At a time when conversations about our most important issues can lead to polarization and disruption in the public arena, it is more vital than ever for individuals across our state to step up and lead with integrity, empathy and civility. Only halfway through their Leadership Iowa year, participants are seeing the state through a wider lens and sharing thoughts about how their perspective has changed over the last four months:
Adrianna Johnson, Program Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT:
I’m embarrassed to admit, the first time I had ever been on a farm was during our agriculture session. Growing up in Chicago and working in aerospace and defense doesn’t lend itself much to agriculture. Talking to farmers on their land and learning their struggles and successes helped me better understand my country, my state and my fellow Iowans.
WHAT IS ONE OPPORTUNITY YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF IOWA?
When I moved to Iowa, one of the key messages I received was “You will live within driving distance to big cities in other states with much more to do.” This new wave of leaders need to continue to sell our state to our youth, and ensure all of the fabulous programming we have is communicated and successful.
HOW HAS YOUR PARTICIPATION IN LEADERSHIP IOWA INSPIRED YOU?
After learning more about our National Guard and all they do for our state and country during our session on government, I will be taking a much more active role in learning more about our military and how I can personally and professionally support our veterans.
Tina Bakehouse, Chief Creative Officer, Malvern Bank, Malvern
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT:
One of our first speakers, Kathleen Riessen, challenged me to dig deeply into what I wanted, needed and could do on a personal and professional level. She encouraged me to be vulnerable and to share that vulnerability, which is what your greatest leaders do.
WHAT IS ONE OPPORTUNITY YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF IOWA?
We recently discussed "civility" and the importance of "being open to and respecting ideas, people and process.” As leaders and in order to influence positive change, we need to be more curious, step out of our comfort zone, ask questions and listen more.
HOW HAS YOUR PARTICIPATION IN LEADERSHIP IOWA INSPIRED YOU?
Leadership Iowa has changed my life. Being surrounded by other supportive leaders in different careers, doing amazing things encouraged me to take a risk. Be open to fail. Learn from my failure. And grow. My goal is to trust myself more and find more room to pause, think, feel and be.
Matt Rebro, Vice President – Business Development, Russell Construction, Davenport
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT:
Seeing the profound impact agriculture has on our state, nation and world during our agriculture session. Specifically, how decisions being made on an international level could impact our local economy and the extreme importance of protecting topsoil—arguably our most important natural resource.
WHAT IS ONE OPPORTUNITY YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF IOWA?
Connecting our future workforce with the in-state career options and employers available to them. In a parallel path, helping ensure a quality of life exists that helps recruit and retain a world-class workforce. As I’ve walked the streets of the communities we’ve visited, I think, “If offered a job here in my early 20s, would I have moved to and remained in this community?”
HOW HAS YOUR PARTICIPATION IN LEADERSHIP IOWA INSPIRED YOU?
Nationally, Iowa continues to receive recognition in many areas, and while our state’s success can be attributed to many factors, to maintain top rankings, we need the right people in the right seats to lead our state. Thus, I’ve recently reinvested time and effort to make educators and students aware of opportunities that will help prepare our future leaders.