The Beginning of LeadersConnect
In the fall of 1999, I launched LeadersConnect with my friend Bob Quinn as the guest of a small group of business leaders. They asked me to bring Bob to discuss his book, Deep Change. Since then, LeadersConnect has evolved into a dynamic leadership networking program, regularly drawing 75 to 100 leaders from private, public, nonprofit, government, and educational institutions in southeast Michigan.
This premier networking event has led to many significant conversations and collaborations, including business partnerships, career opportunities, and alliances between public and private sector leaders. To capture some of these collaborations, I invite you to share the outcomes you’ve experienced from participating in LeadersConnect by completing this form.
Advisory Board
As LeadersConnect begins its 26th year, we continue to grow. A major development is the formation of an advisory board consisting of some of our sponsors. I am grateful to have a dynamic group of community leaders on the LeadersConnect advisory board, contributing their thoughts and time to our community:
-
Michael Cole, Principal, Curintell
-
Mike Dergis, Founding Partner, Sigred Group
-
Matt Bower, Partner, Varnum
-
Mark Holtz, Group President, Bank of Ann Arbor
-
Ross Kirkton, Technology Industry Group, BOAA
-
Kemper Sosa, Co-Owner, Applied Fitness Solutions
-
David Whitinger, Co-Owner, Office Evolution
-
Dunrie Greiling, Principal, Scientific Ink & Consulting, LLC
-
Rob Krochmal, Vice President, The Surnow Company
-
Chris Sing, Principal, Rehmann
Here are a few new programs which we will be offering this year.
LeadersConnect After Hours
Responding to requests from our community who cannot attend early morning breakfasts, we’ve added a new dimension to our programming: LeadersConnect After Hours. The first event took place in July at Office Evolution, one of our sponsors.
Helene Gidley shared her thoughts on the event:
A hearty thank you to Rob Pasick for having us at one of the first Leaders Connect After-Hours events held at Office Evolution in Ann Arbor. On Friday August 2, Tom Meloche and I (Helene Gidley) had the pleasure of hosting a book signing. We engaged the 40 plus attendees in a small exercise focused on helping them write their own book, using the techniques in our own recently released book ‘The Art of Agile Living’. Coupled with plenty of libations, snacks and downright terrific paella from Mediterrano’s, we sold books, made connections, and best of all, had loads of fun!
– Helene Gidley, Coach and Founder of A2Agile.com
LeadersConnect Kickoff
Later this month, one of our stalwart members of the group, Eric Fretz will host LeadersConnect at his house for the 24-25 Kickoff: “After Hours on the River,” marking the beginning of a new LeadersConnect season.
Eric’s house is set against a picturesque river backdrop, this event brings together leaders, innovators, and professionals from various industries for an evening of connection, collaboration, and celebration.
Highlights of the Evening:
● Reconnect After Summer: Reunite with fellow LeadersConnect members and catch up on each other’s journeys.
● Bring a Friend: Feel free to invite a friend and invite your kids!
● Networking Opportunities: Engage with professionals and industry leaders in a relaxed, informal setting.
● Scenic Views: Enjoy stunning river views that provide the perfect ambiance for meaningful conversations and networking.
● Bring Your Beverage and Something to Grill.
● Plenty of Parking Available.
A special thank you to Eric for hosting this event and graciously letting us use his beautiful house on the river. Register Now.
|
Next Steps GroupsI am now accepting applications for my “Next Steps” Group – a community for men and women looking for direction, purpose, and clarity about their future paths. Please email me if you are interested. This program currently has 15 members in two groups and we will be adding new groups this fall. |
LeadersConnect Breakfast Series
The flagship program of LeadersConnect continues to be the breakfast program at Zingerman’s Roadhouse. We already have two exciting programs scheduled:
- LeadersConnect Presents Ari Weinzweig on His Newest Release:A Revolution of Dignity in the Twenty-First Century Workplace
Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman’s and an influential thought leader, delves into the power of dignity as a transformative force. In his new pamphlet, Ari shares his journey from despair following the Russian invasion of Ukraine to finding hope and inspiration through studying history. Drawing on his background as a Russian history major, Ari reflects on how moments of tragedy can be tools for gaining wisdom and how creating small revolutions of dignity can combat autocracy and indignity.
Ari argues that dignity is essential for democracy to flourish at every level, from companies to communities. He passionately believes that fostering dignity can push back against inequity and autocracy, inviting inclusion and honoring everyone for who they are. By building hope and enhancing healing, dignity has the power to make a significant difference in our divided world.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Ari Weinzweig’s compelling insights and learn how you can contribute to a revolution of dignity in your workplace and daily life. Register Now.
|
|