Emerging Leaders: Impactful, Empowering, and Collaborative

Made up of Kelsey, Heidi, Amber, Tara, Emily, and Helayna, the members of this Emerging Leaders class come from all different areas of the credit union. Some are focused on analytics and numbers, others on the frontline, and still others in training and projects. While they may wear different hats in their day-to-day, several throughlines ran through their reasons for applying for the program. Stepping outside of comfort zones, a new depth of understanding of how they could lead from their roles, plus a dash of personal and professional growth, rang true for all.
 

“I applied for Emerging Leaders because it offered the opportunity for personal and professional growth and to gain a deeper understanding of how I can use my natural leadership skills,” Emily shared. “The program has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, challenging me in many ways.”

Challenge, you say? The Emerging Leaders program provides participants with one-on-one time with executive leadership and opportunities to present and develop public speaking skills. Every member of the cohort mentioned having gained confidence in several areas. From providing and receiving feedback, speaking in front of groups, and engaging in dialogue with leadership to building confidence in their own knowledge, handling disagreements constructively, and recognizing the importance of effective communication, this group has taken leaps and bounds over the last two years.
 

“Over the past two years, I’ve had opportunities to share my ideas and collaborate with other employees and senior leaders, plus confronting my fear of public speaking,” explained Tara. “These moments have also led to forming strong cross-functional relationships.”

While the first year of the program focuses more on classroom learning and self-paced work, the second year includes more hands-on opportunities, such as a mentorship program and a legacy project. Previous legacy projects have focused on internal skill-building opportunities for employees. This group is excited to be working on something that will impact credit unions across western South Dakota. This cohort has worked to bring several leaders from other credit unions on board to reinvigorate the old regional chapter. Starting in January, the Trailblazers of the West Chapter will be a space for western South Dakota credit unions to collaborate and learn from each other.
 

“One of the most valuable moments from the last two years was the decision to move forward with our legacy project,” shared Heidi. “The trust and shared work our cohort invested in the Trailblazers of the West Chapter has made it an extremely fruitful effort.”

Not only has the program allowed these six individuals to learn and grow, but it’s also equipped them with the skills to make an impact on anyone they interact with moving forward. Amber summed it up nicely – “having the tools to mentor my coworkers and create more meaningful and engaged interactions with my members.”

But it’s not all about work. The Emerging Leaders program is about creating connections, which this group has made in spades. Of course, they’ve learned from each other and grown through their shared experiences. But it’s evident that this group has developed deep friendships. I mean, just look at their Mount Rushmore photo.
 

“Becoming so close to my cohort has been an unexpected highlight of the program. I’ve learned so much from them based on their experiences, roles, and perspectives that I wouldn’t necessarily have had the opportunity to connect with otherwise,” Kelsey explained.

After hearing from these six about their shared experience, it’s clear that the Emerging Leaders Program can be transformative. In Helayna’s words, “I feel I can show up as my best self – meaning best employee, best coworker, best collaborator, and so forth.” We can’t wait to see what’s up next for each of them.

We’ll leave you with their collective three words to describe the program.

Impactful. Empowering. Collaborative.