One Decision May Change Your Life: LeadingAge Leadership Academy

Article contributed by Julie Thorson | President/CEO at Friendship Haven | 2015 Leadership Academy Graduate

Sometimes hitting the submit button can make all the difference in the world. I’m proof. Here’s my story.

I distantly heard about the LeadingAge Leadership Academy in 2014. It seemed like something for people much more established than I was. After all, I was only in my role as CEO for two years. Sure, I had enjoyed years in our field but a dedicated year to leadership? Was I ready for that?

I took a chance and hit the submit button, what was the worst that could happen? Turns out the timing was perfect. I knew there was something about being self-reflective that was important as a leader. What I didn’t realize was that it was the most important piece of being a leader. That was one of the many lessons I learned and am still learning thanks to LeadingAge’s Larry Minnix Leadership Academy, which I completed in 2015.

When I attended the first summit, I didn’t know if I would make it. The pace was slow, and we weren’t in constant motion. There was time to think, talk, reflect, journal, and just be.  In the years prior, I never slowed down and was in constant motion. I thought that is what a leader should do. This is where things really started to click for me. So many aha moments. From understanding and reflecting on the Imposter Syndrome to uncovering my authentic leadership style, the moments began to mean so much more than just “education.” Some lessons really hit home, and more importantly, prompted growth for me.

Outside of the teaching curriculum, there is also magic involved in creating space for people that work in our field to develop relationships that last. Our small team (Team Zeal) remains close. In many ways, we have become lifelines for each other. More than friends, we understand what our work truly is. There is no need to explain, we just get it. Relationships like these are priceless and they are so much more than “work” friends. The Academy creates an environment that supports building relationships for life.

For this mid-west coach’s daughter, learning about lifestyles that were different than mine was the icing on the cake. For example, my teammate, Mario Lemay, and I would have never met if we wouldn’t have been teamed up in the Leadership Academy. Seven years later, we remain as close as ever. My daughter, Lehr, and I just traveled to San Francisco to spend time with Mario and his partner, Junior. What a gift.

Pictured from left to right: Mario Lemay (2015 Leadership Academy Graduate), Lehr Thorson, Julie Thorson, and Junior.

If you are considering applying for the Leading Age Leadership Academy, do it. If you are thinking about it, there is a reason. What might that reason be? Consider this article your final push for hitting the apply now or submit button. It is a true testament to “what you give, you will get back, time and time again.” I, like you, had doubts. Once I started to let go a bit, the experience changed me, and I continue to grow as a person today because of the Leadership Academy.

I was fortunate enough to serve as a coach for the program in 2020 and 2021. None of that would have been possible if I wouldn’t have applied in 2014. Who is to say if I would still be here today if I hadn’t applied? I might still be, but one thing I know for sure is that because of the Academy I am not just here, I am still loving this work and still open to growing and learning every day… and the Academy had everything to do with that!

Applications for the 2023 LeadingAge Leadership Academy are being accepted through August 1, 2022. Applicants must be current LeadingAge members. Learn more and apply here.