Why Leadership Winona? Because Great Leaders Don’t Just Emerge—They’re Developed.
- cransom94
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read

In a world where effective leadership is more important than ever, Leadership Winona stands as the flagship program of the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce—an immersive experience that empowers emerging and established leaders alike to grow, connect, and ignite lasting impact in our region.
Whether you’re leading a business, team, classroom, or community initiative, Leadership Winona is your launchpad to sharpen your skills, deepen your understanding of Winona’s economic and civic landscape, and build a network of changemakers just like you.
What makes this year’s Leadership Winona especially powerful? Our speakers.
This year’s program lineup is nothing short of extraordinary. From nationally recognized experts to local innovators, each speaker is bringing their A-game to help you elevate yours.
🎤 Patrick Kirby – “Lead Like a 5th Grader”
Sometimes, leadership means returning to what we knew before “adulting” complicated things. Patrick’s interactive keynote reminds us that the traits we embraced as kids—creativity, curiosity, honesty, and boldness—are the very ones that define great leaders today. You’ll leave recharged with practical tools and a playful mindset that cuts through complexity and reconnects you to your purpose.
🎭 Pat Dwyer – “Chaotic Goodness”
Backed by a career in improv and startup culture, Pat’s engaging and often hilarious keynote teaches you how to embrace change, own the chaos, and find growth in the messiness. It’s a wake-up call for anyone stuck in uncertainty—and a practical framework to help you thrive in it.
🧠 Dr. Cindra Kamphoff – “Beyond Grit” & “High-Performance Mindset”
Whether you’re on the field, in the boardroom, or facing life’s toughest curveballs, Cindra’s sessions will equip you with the mental strategies used by elite athletes and high-performing professionals. She helps you lean into your grit, lead with purpose, and dominate the controllables.
🎯 Lena Scullard – “Level Up Leadership”
Lena gets to the heart of what leadership really means: connection, influence, and servant leadership. Through emotional intelligence and motivation strategies, she shows how to pull others up—one level at a time—while building a more effective, energized team around you.
🎙 Jerrid Sebesta – “Communicating with Confidence”
If public speaking makes your palms sweat, Jerrid’s session is your antidote. This hands-on experience delivers immediate takeaways and real-time coaching to help you speak with authenticity, connect with your audience, and lead with clarity.
💼 Abby Kelsey – “Leveraging LinkedIn”
More than just a social network, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for thought leadership, business development, and career growth. Abby’s high-impact session will give you the tools to optimize your presence, amplify your message, and grow your influence online.
🤖 Sarah Kuglin – “AI Tools for Business”
As the digital landscape evolves, so should your strategy. Sarah, owner of Redwood Valley Technical Solutions, will introduce accessible AI tools that business leaders can start using today to streamline processes, boost productivity, and sharpen their competitive edge.
🎤 Dr. Jermaine Davis – “Recharge & Stress-Less: Beating Burnout Before It Brutally Beats You!”
In today’s high-pressure world, burnout isn’t a buzzword—it’s a barrier to effective leadership. Dr. Jermaine Davis, a nationally recognized speaker known for his signature style of “edutainment,” delivers a high-energy, eye-opening session that helps leaders recharge from the inside out. With a mix of humor, heart, and hard-hitting strategies, Jermaine equips participants to recognize burnout triggers, build a resilient mindset, and lead with clarity and purpose. Drawing from his bestselling book How to Stay Motivated Even When You Don’t Feel Like It, this session offers actionable tools like the Plate Management Approach, the 168 System, and the 5 R’s of Resilience to help you thrive—both personally and professionally.
The Takeaway? Leadership Winona isn’t just a program—it’s a catalyst.
It’s where purpose meets practice, where connections lead to collaborations, and where leaders grow into their full potential.
If you're ready to lead boldly, connect deeply, and make a real difference in Winona, this is where you start.
🔗 Registration is now open—are you ready to lead the way?
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