Members of the current Leadership Frisco class. The Frisco Chamber of Commerce program is in its 18th year. (Photo courtesy of Frisco Chamber of Commerce)
I learned about an interesting program from a new friend of mine. It just so happens that Debbie is a part of the current class for Leadership Frisco, a nine-month training program sponsored by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce geared toward leadership development, community outreach and teamwork among highly skilled individuals. As I listened to my friend speak about it, I had to learn more — I was intrigued (and maybe one day hoping to be a future student).
Once a month, the class meets for a different topic, and along the way participants work on a class project together. Topics include team building, social services, economic development, education, city government, regional information, public safety, health services and leisure/culture. It’s a broad spectrum, complete with insider access to both how things work and to the people who make it happen on a daily basis.
I reached out to Shona Huffman, the program’s staff liaison (and a graduate). She included Leadership Frisco Advisory Council Chair, Peter Burns (also a graduate) in the discussion. They gave me a great feel for the program, beyond what was already helpful from its website. I appreciate their time and willingness to give me such detailed information and it only further suggests that this is a strong program for local business and community leaders to strengthen their skills and meet others who are as enthusiastic about Frisco.
The program is in its 18th year, and Mayor Maher Maso was the original chair of the committee during the formation and foundation — the thought being that city leaders saw the need to have well-informed citizens ready to step into leadership roles now and into the future. As the city’s growth continues at its astronomical rate, it seems that group was not only right, but very smart to build a program that annually fosters new and emerging leadership.
Shona told me that the program goes beyond the classroom to create lifelong friendships. Many come to the initial “class” with their own ideas of what they’ll get out of the program, objectives, egos and more. However, the dynamics always seem to create a trusting team that will have that eye-opening moment, where they see as a group, ideas on how to make our city even better than it is now.
Peter mentioned that the program grants the students impressive insider access to city government officials and programs, and that he continues to be impressed with the individual growth and learning the students take on in their own leadership styles when working with so many other people.
“We were in the trenches of the project together and that in itself creates a strong trust and relationship. I feel certain I could call them up at any moment for support or help in my future projects and they could do the same with me,” he said.
I’ve made mention of this class project a few times, but to really understand what gets done it only seems fair to give a sampling of projects that have resulted directly from Leadership Frisco classes. The Frisco Family Services benefited from a class, the WaterWise program started with a class, Teen Court started with a class and there are so many more. To read about everything, be sure to check here.
The selection process is thorough because it’s important for the program to not only find the most enthusiastic individuals, but also the right personality and business mix to ensure the program continues its long term success. This year’s class has already been selected and in the midst of training, but be sure to check back on the website for updates on when it will be time to apply for the next round. You can expect an application, a review of that application by a committee, an informal interview process, and a final committee deliberation before a final roster is chosen. If you’d like to see who’s involved this year, the list can be found here.
I hear people brag often about Frisco, and I see people involved more than anywhere else I’ve lived. Programs like these not only make that involvement and eagerness to make a difference more accessible, but it’s a true learning environment that opens our eyes to so many things we might take for granted. These graduates are well informed and provide a great resource for Frisco looking for leaders, but also every citizen who might be looking for more information.
Part of the fun is taking part in a team building ropes challenge at the beginning of the class. (Photo courtesy of Frisco Chamber of Commerce)
Christi Redfearn is a wife and mom of two young kids. She’s a downtowner at heart, but said Frisco was too good to pass up when it came to raising kids.