The Association Blog

A case for bringing your emerging leaders to The Annual Conference this November

“Leaders are made, not born” is my rallying cry for 2024.

In our hectic, challenging, and uber-fatiguing profession of animal welfare, excellence in leadership is crucial now more than ever.  As many veteran animal welfare CEOs prepare for retirement, the need for a new generation of leaders is evident—and it’s imperative for current leaders to actively engage in mentoring and coaching emerging talents.

The transition from Baby Boomer and GenX to Millennials and GenZ presents an opportunity for current CEOs to mentor and cultivate their organizations’ rising stars. And you can start right now. Consider giving your emerging leader a jump-start and bring them to The Association’s Annual Conference in New Orleans this November.

The Power of Mentorship

Mentorship is a powerful tool in shaping future leaders, particularly in a field as complex and unconventional as animal welfare. Mentoring provides rising stars with the guidance, insight, and support they need to navigate the intricacies of leadership in animal welfare. By sharing their experiences, veteran CEOs can help emerging leaders develop strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective management skills. This investment not only benefits the mentees, but also strengthens your entire organization.

The Power of In-Person

As we navigate this post-COVID world, tied to our computer monitors in endless virtual meetings, it’s so important to reintroduce our rising stars to the art of conversation and connection. Meeting new people and building relationships within their professional community offers emerging leaders a vital pathway to leadership.

I’ve always valued in-person experiences and have found creative ways to cover the travel and lodging expenses for my employees. It’s no secret that lack of resources and funding for professional development have long been obstacles for organizations wanting to send employees to in-person conferences.  For several years, I spoke at conferences to help offset these costs. If my travel and lodging were covered under a speaker contract, it allowed me to bring additional employees to the conference. I also fundraised specifically for my employees’ conference or training attendance. I discovered that many donors were honored to support an employee’s professional development journey.

Why The Annual Conference?

The Association’s Annual Conference offers a unique platform for professional development because we bring together leaders, experts, and innovators in the field of animal welfare. The very environment is rich with learning opportunities. By attending the conference, rising stars can:

1. Gain Exposure to Model Practices: The conference features sessions on the latest trends, strategies, and technologies in animal welfare. Attendees can learn from the successes and challenges faced by other organizations, applying these lessons to their own work.

2. Network with Industry Leaders: This November brings a rare chance to connect with peers and mentors from the US and Canada, and building a professional network is invaluable for career growth and for fostering collaborations.

3. Engage in Thought-Provoking Discussions: Panel discussions and workshops offer a forum for exchanging ideas and exploring innovative solutions to common challenges in animal welfare.

4. Access to Professional Development Resources: The conference includes training sessions on leadership and management. These essential skills are crucial for preparing emerging leaders to take on greater responsibilities.

When you invite your rising star to attend The Annual Conference, you’re demonstrating your commitment to them. You’re signaling your confidence in their potential to lead.  And as we stand at the threshold of a significant leadership transition in animal welfare, it’s crucial that current CEOs step into the role of mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders.

Imagine it: Invest in your rising stars today, and watch them become the transformative leaders of tomorrow.

P.S. If you’re an emerging leader and would like to join us in November this year, consider managing up and making a case for your attendance. Here’s some ideas for getting buy-in.