“Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” – Vince Lombardi
Whether you have a knack for leading others or you’ve just recently begun to feel comfortable taking the reins, you won’t achieve your highest potential unless you are a part of an organization that supports your journey through the right professional development opportunities. It takes intentional effort to develop the thinking and skill sets it requires to become a leader in your company or industry.
If you see yourself as a rising star (or know someone in your organization who is) and you’re ready to embrace the increasing levels of responsibility that leaders in the fresh produce and floral industry face, consider applying for the next Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) hosted by The Center for Growing Talent by PMA.
The Emerging Leaders Program
This multifaceted learning-infused program includes a four-day, on-campus component through the University of Arizona, online modules, a professional coaching session and a capstone course at the 2017 Fresh Summit Convention and Expo that will catapult participants’ thinking and leadership abilities. Applicants will be selected based on meeting the requirements below:
- 5-10 years’ professional experience
- Age range: 27-35 (+/- 2 years)
- Cross functional background
- Recruited from across the industry
- High potentials/go-to individuals/seen naturally as a leader
- Strive to go beyond their job description
Here are five compelling reasons for why you should consider the ELP according to former participants as well as company leaders who have sent their own employees to the program:
Your Company Will Be Invested in Your Future
“At the core of our culture is a belief system where we all want to see the person sitting next to us become successful and maximize their potential. It is our duty and responsibility to invest in the future leaders of the company so that we have a company built around the people, not an individual. The more we care about other’s success, the more we will benefit from our teammates and their talents. ELP does this and fits our company culture like a glove.” – Robert Kershaw, Domex Superfresh Growers
You Will Learn to be a Forward-Thinker
“The industry is a much more of a wider-reaching, interconnected web than I could have ever imagined. I learned it’s important to think bigger, wider and into the future to drive true value to key stakeholders. Leaders have to think ahead and have a strategy and stick to it, especially when faced with making difficult decisions.” -Jonathan Gartzke, Robinson Fresh
You Will be Pushed Beyond Your Comfort Zone
“I was skeptical during dinner the first night. They purposefully fed everyone on small plates so that we had to go back to the food line to get seconds and thirds. Then I realized the intent of the ELP leaders to push us to network, network, network, and it was a genius idea if you asked me, and it worked.” – Ryan Cleary, Domex Superfresh Growers
You Will Learn Things About Yourself that You Didn’t Know
“Effective leaders come in a variety of forms. It’s important to find your own form instead of trying to replicate another’s. I really loved learning about all the seemingly little yet important habits that are unique to me, but that I’ve been able to better monitor and improve upon with stronger awareness developed during this course.” – Jonathan Gartzke, Robinson Fresh
You Will Make Lifelong Friendships
“In four action packed days, I met some truly amazing people that I stay in contact with and will continue to stay in contact with for years to come. The experience is one that I will never forget.” – Ryan Cleary, Domex Superfresh Growers
The 2017 graduating class will be recognized during a General Session at Fresh Summit in October. Please help us in congratulating our future leaders during the event!
Are you ready to invest in a budding leader’s future for 2018? This event typically sells out in advance. Registration will open soon, so be sure to contact Alicia Calhoun if you are interested in attending or sending someone from your company to this event.
Have something to add? Leave us a comment below or reach out to us on Twitter @TheCoreBlog!
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