The Leading Edge: Leadership Saint Paul Program

Leadership Saint Paul participants gain a broad perspective on civic, business and nonprofit issues.

“Stay in touch” is a familiar phrase in business conversation. Yet, understanding the challenges and complexities facing government, private and nonprofit sectors can be difficult.

Leadership Saint Paul helps close that gap.

The flagship adult-learning program of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Saint Paul prepares, challenges and engages emerging and established leaders. Each year, the Chamber selects more than 50 leaders from private, public and nonprofit organizations for the 10-month program.

Participants receive access to business, civic and government leaders and take part in conversations about issues affecting Saint Paul and the East Metro region.

“Leadership Saint Paul is successful because we have strong Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce members like Kraus-Anderson that believe in the work we do,” said Elisa Rasmussen, SPACC Foundation director. “We are committed to asking leaders to affect change in their community and engage in civic stewardship.”

The program had approximately 1,800 alumni and was in its 36th year.

R. T. Rybak addresses a Leadership Saint Paul session.

“It was a great experience,” said John Haydon, vice president of marketing and business development for Kraus-Anderson Construction Company and a Leadership Saint Paul alumnus. “It built long-lasting relationships with other leaders in our community who care about the quality of the East Metro.”

Kraus-Anderson employees Dustin Phillips, LEED Green Associate and project manager in the Circle Pines office, and Cortney Bailey, proposal coordinator in the Minneapolis office, graduated from the 2015 program. They shared their perspectives on the experience.

How Did You First Hear About Leadership Saint Paul?

Phillips: I was looking for ways to become involved in the community where I lived. John Haydon and I discussed several options, and he personally recommended Leadership Saint Paul as a way to learn about Saint Paul and the dynamics that shape it.

Bailey: I asked my supervisor, John Haydon, about professional-development opportunities, and he suggested Leadership Saint Paul. After researching the program online and through social media, I wanted to be part of the 2015 class. I wanted to learn more about the city’s inner workings, challenge my perspectives, meet exceptional people and give back to the community. It provided access to an experience I would not otherwise have had.

What Was the Application Process Like?

Phillips: The application process was straightforward. I provided general information and explained what I hoped to gain from the Leadership Saint Paul program personally and professionally. Then, I met with Elisa to discuss my application and how the program would be a good fit.

Bailey: We completed an application and signed a time-commitment waiver. The best part was the acceptance interview with the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce director. We discussed our class goals and what we hoped to achieve with our employers.

What Did Participants Do in the Program?

Bailey: Each year, the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce Foundation selected a curriculum chair and leaders for each of the 10 full-day sessions. The teams created a snapshot of sectors operating in Saint Paul, providing a close look at the people, systems and stakeholders involved.

The class explored government, media and communications, education, economic development, arts and culture, human services, healthcare, criminal justice and year-end reflection. Each session began with networking and preparation for the day.

The portion I most looked forward to was with Damon Shoholm, senior leadership manager at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. He challenged us to think critically about the information we would receive. He also helped us consider the lenses through which decisions are made, the people making those decisions and the effect those decisions have.

We typically heard from leaders in each sector and had opportunities to ask questions and create dialogue. Depending on the topic, we also toured related facilities and areas of the city, including the Secretary of State Building, Saint Paul Police Department and jail, Dorothy Day Center, and the KSTP and Twin Cities Live studios.

At the end of each session, we discussed what we learned together. The “afterglow” also created an opportunity to get to know classmates on a personal level.

In addition to monthly sessions, participants worked in subgroups, meeting once or twice each month on a service-project assignment.

What Was the Most Challenging Part of the Program?

Bailey: We committed to attending every second Thursday of the month for a full workday. KA supported the full Leadership Saint Paul experience, and my marketing team enabled me to be away without worrying about deadlines that day. Service-project work generally took place in the evenings.

Phillips: The amount of information on each meeting day was challenging. Many of us knew little about local government, education, arts or healthcare. The days were active with little time to reflect on the information. That was valuable, but some information was difficult to retain.

What Stood Out From the Experience?

Phillips: It was eye-opening to see behind-the-scenes challenges school districts face, including teacher-to-student ratios and funding efforts compared with charter schools. The larger theme was that each sector is doing more with less. The program offered insight into how organizations plan to address those challenges.

 

Bailey: The biggest lesson was that “leader” and “leadership” can be viewed too narrowly. People may see leadership as something reserved for someone with significant power or influence, which can discourage those with ideas for positive change.

The program presented leadership as something that includes the full team. There is an opportunity to lead in almost every situation. Even a small positive effect can demonstrate leadership.

Would You Recommend Leadership Saint Paul?

Phillips: I would recommend the program to anyone who wants to know more about Saint Paul. With the amount of information presented, participants are likely to take away something meaningful. The connections I made will continue well beyond the program, and I have already encountered classmates in the construction industry.

Bailey: Yes. If an employer supports participation in Leadership Saint Paul, I recommend taking the opportunity. People may have different takeaways, but they will gain from the people they meet and the experiences they have.

How Did Kraus-Anderson Support Participation?

Bailey: KA supported my pursuit of the program and assisted with application fees and time away from work.

Phillips: KA provided sponsorship to join Leadership Saint Paul and supported the monthly time commitment. Kraus-Anderson leadership has consistently supported employee growth, both for the company and the individual. When employees have a goal and want to learn, the company helps them pursue it.

Learn more about the Kraus-Anderson Leadership Development Program, KA University leadership development, community involvement and professional affiliations.