Amber and Jonathan have always been great leaders, but this fall’s Leadership Winona, held by the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce, transformed theirunderstanding of what true leadership means. Over the course of several weeks, they sat alongside otherprofessionals, absorbing lessons from seasonedspeakers and forging connections with like-mindedindividuals. By the time the final session ended, both felt not only more equipped to lead but also deeplyinspired.
One particularly memorable session featured Steve Fredlund, who captivated the group with lessons drawn from his adventures on safari. His analogy about being “on a mission” versus “on the mission” stuck with Amber and Jonathan. It wasn’t enough, he explained, to simply have a team pursuing goals; the team must be united in purpose, with each member committed to the mission itself. His vivid metaphor of having the “right peeps in the jeep” reinforced the importance of aligning a team’s dynamics with its destination.
For Amber, the highlight was Holly Hoffman’s session. The former Survivor: Nicaragua contestant sharedstories of resilience from her time on the show, where her mantra, “A setback is a setup for a comeback,” kept her going through physical exhaustion and mental doubt. Holly’s tale of grit also struck a chord withJonathan. Her reminder that challenges could fuel a comeback left him reflecting on how he could turn the rocks every professional is bound to stumble on, into stepping stones to continue along the path.
Jonathan, in particular, found many parallels between the principles he learned in Leadership Winona and his experience as a CALM (Creative Alternative Learning Methods) and CALM II trainer. While he was already familiar with positive reinforcement in his work withindividuals, he realized just how essential it was as a supervisor as well. Jonathan noted that, according to various statistics, 50-80% of employees leave their jobs due to poormanagement, especially when they feel undervalued. Positive reinforcement, Jonathanrealized, doesn’t have to be a big gesture like a pizza party—it’s the small acts that matter most. A 5-minute check-in, showing an interest in a colleague’s hobbies, or a sincerehandwritten thank-you can go a long way in making people feel appreciated. This connected with a larger principle: socialization to work. If an employee feels positive about their work environment and experiences, they are more likely to remain engaged and perform well.Jonathan reflected on how to implement these principles in his role, creating a feedback loop between transaction, positive reinforcement, and socialization, to support and uplift his team in ways that go beyond the basics.
Beyond the presentations, the training series offered Amber and Jonathan a chance toconnect with remarkable individuals in their community. They found themselves in livelydiscussions during breaks, swapping stories and ideas, and even brainstormingcollaborations for the future. By the program’s end, it wasn’t just their notebooks that were full—so were their hearts and minds.
As they stood together at the recognition ceremony, Amber and Jonathan shared a quiet moment of gratitude. The Leadership Winona Trainings had been more than a professional development opportunity; it had been a transformative journey. Both knew that the lessons they learned—about alignment, resilience, and community—would shape the way they led for years to come.
Congratulations, Amber and Jonathan, on your graduation from Leadership Winona! Here’s to the leadership paths you will continue to shape and the ways you will grow and inspire others along the way.
