As we close out another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of December’s highlights for our organization. If you attended our Annual Event earlier this month, I hope you enjoyed our keynote speaker, Valerie Grubb, an internationally recognized keynote speaker and author on leadership. I know I did. Her message about the realities of leading across generations couldn’t have been more timely or more relevant.
If you weren’t able to join us, I encourage you to check out episode #016 of our AREA Podcast, where Val unpacks many of the same themes and offers practical ideas to help leaders grow their capacity. It’s a conversation worth listening to as we look ahead to a new year.
Throughout her keynote, Val shared thoughtful insights from her corporate career and grounded them in the day-to-day realities leaders face, whether you manage a small team or a large organization. She outlined some core “dos and don’ts” of effective leadership: providing consistent feedback, setting clear and achievable goals, offering ongoing coaching, holding people accountable, and ensuring employees have a seat at the table. These are fundamentals, yet too often overlooked.
She also offered a powerful reminder that leadership across generations requires intentionality. Be visible. Be accessible. Help every team member maximize their potential. Praise generously and give people the time and space they need to do their jobs well. In an era where expectations vary widely between generations, these practices are essential for building trust and strengthening culture.
Val challenged us to lead with clarity: connecting the dots, setting expectations, cutting the clutter, and reinforcing priorities. Just as importantly, she reminded us to check for understanding and invite input so employees feel heard and engaged. Again, check out the podcast episode and listen to it a couple of times.
As we turn the page to a new year, I hope you’ll carry some of these insights with you. Strong leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It grows from consistent habits, honest communication, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our region. Here’s to a successful, collaborative, and opportunity-filled 2026.
