Written by: Allyson Krull, Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce
Participating in ACCE’s Next Generation Leadership Program has been very valuable in the professional development of my career. Over the past year, our cohort met online monthly and gathered twice at the annual ACCE convention, creating meaningful opportunities to learn, share ideas, and build lasting relationships with chamber professionals from across the country.
While the program included excellent leadership development through BetterCulture, one of my biggest takeaways was that leadership starts with intentionality. Their sessions challenged us to think about how organizational culture influences employee engagement, communication, and long-term success. I came away with practical strategies to strengthen our workplace culture while working to become a more effective leader.
The curriculum was effective, but the most beneficial part of the program was learning from my peers. Every chamber faces unique opportunities and challenges, but it quickly became clear that many of us were working toward similar goals. Hearing what has been successful at other chambers, as well as challenges, encouraged thoughtful conversation and provided fresh ideas to implement at our organization.
In addition to the relationships built with other members of the cohort, NextGen reinforced the importance of having mentors at every stage of your career. I had the opportunity to connect with a mentor from a chamber in Texas, and our conversations provided valuable insight, encouragement, and advice that I know will benefit me throughout my career. Seeing experienced chamber leaders invest their time and wisdom into the next generation reminded me that leadership is about continually learning while also creating opportunities for others to grow.
It was an honor to be part of the inaugural program and I am leaving with new perspectives, practical ideas, and a network of chamber professionals I know I can rely on for years to come. The experience has strengthened my confidence as a leader and will have a lasting impact on both my personal growth and the work we do here at our chamber.