We all have those memorable moments that mark our careers. Some moments are so impactful that we know while we are experiencing them, that we will look back and remember them for decades to come. I just had one of those experiences.

I was given the unique opportunity to participate in my company’s executive leadership development program, CHS Leading for Results. This program was very special in several ways.

Academics

The program was developed in partnership with and held on-campus at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. I had the opportunity to learn from some of the top academic professors in the country on topics like strategy, change, influence, presenting, and inclusion, among other subjects.

I love academics. Most people don’t, but I really groove when I get to spend time in a classroom, listen to a riveting lecture, and engage in stimulating discussion. I know. I’m weird. While I’m a voracious reader, I haven’t spent much time in the classroom since I completed graduate school, besides the time I attended the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership at the University of Missouri a few years ago.

Senior Leadership

This wasn’t just a University of Minnesota program. It was a CHS program. The top leadership of CHS, all the way up to the CEO and his direct reports, were all intimately involved in the program. I got to spend time with each of the senior leaders. This was incredible.

It wasn’t just about getting face-time. That was great, but it was more meaningful to engage in dialog on critical topics facing our company and our industry.

My cohorts

There were 21 of us in total. We came from across all business units, functions, and geographies of the company. Walking into class the first day, I recognized three of my classmates in total. I was in a room full of strangers, but we didn’t remain that way for long.

We spent quality time together. This was an in-residence program. We worked, learned, and socialized together day and night.

We were a diverse bunch, but I think we all quickly realized that we had a lot in-common. We were all passionate about the purpose and values of CHS. We were all driven to influence change for the future. We all believed that we can do something about it. We were all leaders.

The final

Every good academic experience has a final. Ours was the presentation of our action learning project to the Senior Leadership Team. We were sub-divided into four teams that each got to work on real-world issues facing our company. Each team researched, analyzed, prepared, and presented a thorough, yet concise analysis of our assigned issue.

Leading up to the final, the adrenaline was pumping and each team was fully committed to delivering the highest-quality presentation possible. Everyone did really well. We celebrated our accomplishment. Later that day when I got home, I crashed in utter exhaustion.

The project team that I was on was the last to present. During the presentation, we took turns covering various parts of our presentation. I was the last person to speak in the last presentation. Our final slide had a picture of a campfire coffee mug, with the inscription: “Never Settle.”

Late at night before the presentation, when we were delirious with nerves and adrenaline, we decided that was how we wanted to end it. In a quirky way, it seemed to sum up the experience.

We are leaders. We do the best we are capable of. We love CHS. We aren’t going to settle for the way things used to be done. We can all do better. Never Settle.

I loved my experience with CHS Leading for Results. This will stick with me for decades. The relationships I built, the skills I learned, and the connections I made to the company purpose are real. I’m proud to be among the fine leaders of CHS.