When is the last time you learned something new? How, and when, do you stay current in your industry – and hey, what about learning something at an event outside of your industry?

While I typically can be found working with women solopreneurs, I am always on the look-out for different learning opportunities. The Global Leadership Summit, hosted by Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, is an event that I ‘gift’ myself each year. I wanted to share some of my key learnings with you; unfortunately, because of limited space, I will only be able to give you some highlights.

LESSONS FROM THE SUMMIT

1. Bill Hybels, Founder and Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church: – on Leadership. Bill got us thinking, right out of the gate, with some key questions:
   – What is your current leadership challenge level at work? Things to consider are whether or not you are a) dangerously over-challenged; b) appropriately challenged; and c) under challenged. Research indicates that our best work is done when we are slightly more than appropriately challenged.
   Q – So, how does this apply to you in your business? Think about it.
2. Honorable Cory A. Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey: on being your authentic self. Abraham Lincoln said ‘everyone is born an original, but most die copies.” Cory shared how our world tries to seduce and lull us into mediocrity. He believes that the only way to make change in the world is to start with oneself. He shared that we must choose to live life brilliantly to bring light into darkness.
   Q – What is one small step you can take to reclaim how God uniquely designed you? Is there anything dimming your strength and courage to stand up?
3. Seth Godin, Renowned Marketing Blogger, Author, New York, NY: Seth said that the day of ‘average products for average people’ is over. Now we are seeing an age of tribes – groups of people who identify with each other and they need someone to lead them. He talked about how we now have access to the means of production – we can easily reach the world with our message, our art. But still, many of us hold back. When talking about giving gifts, Seth said ‘Too many people are walking around holding onto something while it rots.’
   Q – Think about your ‘art’ – something you’ve wanted to do or create but you have not done yet. What’s holding you back?
4. Michelle Rhee, Former Chancellor, DC Public Schools, Washington, DC: currently Founder and CEO, StudentsFirst.org: (my favorite presenter!!!) – Michelle Rhee was unwilling to allow the Washington, D.C. school district continue as the worst performing school system in the U.S. – ‘not on her watch’. She spoke about her values and principles: Focusing on Human Capital, Creating a Culture, Looking for ‘SNAP’, Measuring the Value Added, Dealing with Criticism, Avoiding Incrementalism and Speaking for Those Who Cannot Speak For Themselves. This woman spoke about ‘standing for something’!
   Q – What issues do you see in your world that make you say ‘not on my watch?” Make a list.
5. Dr. Reginald Bibby, Speaker, Board of Governors Research Chair, University of Lethbridge (Canada), Order of Canada. In his presentation, Reginald states, “People are not looking for churches. People are looking for ministry.” Organizations need to develop a strategy and communicate their message. So do we, in business!
   Q – What are the possible implications of this in your own business? (e.g. People are not looking for coaches – they are looking for solutions!)
6. Patrick Lencioni, Bestselling Author, Founder and President of the Table Group. (my second favorite presenter!) Pat said that despite the power of vulnerability, many of us do not embrace being vulnerable. He named three fears that keep us from being vulnerable: Fear of losing business (being rejected), fear of being embarrassed, and fear of feeling inferior. He says people are hungry for people to tell them ‘the kind truth’. He stressed that we should help our clients in any way that we can – being vulnerable is attractive (but it’s not easy).
   Q – On a scale of 1-10, where do you stand in each of these fears?

These are just some of the highlights of the Global Leadership Summit! Not only did I feed my mind, but my soul as well. This was 2 days of intense learning – along with fellowship, music and prayer. It was a powerful event.

Some of you may want to access the resources that were available – for more information, go to http://www.growingleadership.com/summit Do yourself a big favor and commit to attending this phenomenal event next year. You will gain valuable information with respect to growing your business, making more money – nurturing your soul – and making a big difference in the world.

What is one event you will be attending this year as part of your plan for continuous learning? Please share your thoughts!