By: Mikayla Paul, DEFB Assistant Executive Director & Marketing Coordinator
Leadership Delaware Inc. recently hosted its second cohort of the year for the Leadership Development Series workshop, and I had the opportunity to participate alongside fellow DEFB members thanks to a generous sponsorship from Corteva Agriscience.
The program included six thoughtfully designed sessions that built on one another, creating a meaningful and eye-opening experience. As someone always looking to grow personally and professionally, this series challenged and encouraged me while helping me better understand the kind of leader I want to be.
We began by examining our own leadership styles—who has influenced us, the values we carry, and the leaders we aspire to become. From there, we focused on leading people: understanding generational differences, building trust, and giving feedback that truly helps others grow. It was a strong reminder that leadership is about supporting people, not just directing them.
As the sessions progressed, we explored communication and vision—learning to speak with purpose, build a shared vision, and strengthen public speaking skills. These themes led into discussions on navigating change, challenging processes, and staying open to new ideas. We also looked at the role leaders play in shaping culture, reinforcing values, and celebrating both big and small wins.
Our final week brought everything together as we reflected on what it means to lead with impact. It was a powerful opportunity to see how much we had grown as more confident and intentional leaders.
My classmate, Blake Moore, shared that leadership is a continuous journey. He noted, “The discussions we had were one of the most important parts, since we could share real-world, real-time leadership challenges.”
Participating in the Leadership Development Series was incredibly rewarding. I left feeling more equipped, inspired, and committed to growing as a leader.
To learn more about Leadership Delaware or the Leadership Development Series, visit leadershipdelaware.org.
