Leadership Delaware Inc. has completed its second cohort of the year for the Leadership Development Series workshop, offering participants a chance to sharpen their leadership skills through a structured, six-session program. Mikayla Paul, Assistant Executive Director and Marketing Coordinator for DEFB, was among those who attended, thanks to support from a sponsorship provided by Corteva Agriscience.
Paul described the series as a meaningful and eye-opening experience, noting that each session was thoughtfully designed to build on the one before it. The program pushed her to reflect on her own growth, both personally and professionally, while helping her clarify the type of leader she hopes to become.
The workshops kicked off with a deep dive into participants’ own leadership styles — exploring the influences that shaped them, the values they hold, and the leaders they look up to. Sessions then shifted toward the human side of leadership, covering how to understand generational differences, build trust with others, and deliver feedback in ways that genuinely help people improve.
As the series continued, participants worked on communication and vision — learning how to speak with intention, develop a shared sense of direction, and become stronger public speakers. Later sessions tackled navigating change, staying open to new ideas, and understanding how leaders help shape the culture around them by reinforcing values and recognizing achievements both large and small.
The final week brought the full experience full circle, giving participants a chance to reflect on what it truly means to lead with impact and see how far they had come over the course of the program.
Fellow participant Blake Moore offered his perspective on what made the series stand out. “The discussions we had were one of the most important parts, since we could share real-world, real-time leadership challenges,” he said, adding that leadership is an ongoing journey rather than a destination.
Paul said she walked away from the program feeling more prepared, motivated, and dedicated to continuing her growth as a leader. Those interested in learning more about Leadership Delaware or the Leadership Development Series can visit leadershipdelaware.org.
