Leadership Groups
I have never been in a small group, what can be gained by this experience?
A small group experience captures the beauty of supportive human relationships. Once rapport with your group is established you have access to open, honest and direct dialogue with others that join you around the table. Seeking feedback from a group, where everyone’s input is equal, opens the floor for dynamic sharing! Gaining insight beyond your usual support network can reap rewards for fresh perspective and cultivating ideas for increased performance within your organization. This group-think, especially when faced with a challenge, can be the forum you need to create resolution and forward progression. The sense of care and camaraderie among the group members will be some of the deepest bonds you will experience.
Should the learning progression within the Leadership Groups be followed in a particular order?
We have created several opportunities for learning with the individual in mind. Some are looking for a workshop that will garner immediate learning and others want to invest more in their leadership journey. At the Vail Leadership Institute, we want to meet the needs of all learners. If you are a younger professional, following the Leadership Groups progression is a great idea! For individuals more established in their careers, looking for ongoing support, the Foundations and RoundTable Groups are appropriate for you. At each level of learning, there are unique opportunities to become a more effective leader and to expand your personal toolkit. Please call us to determine the programs that best fit your current needs.
How does engaging the heart in leadership make me a more effective leader?
Leaders need to look within to create personal clarity. When one does this crucial work, the rewards move into their organization as well. Engaging the heart occurs in our Inside First philosophy which starts within, clarifying purpose, values and beliefs that differentiate our character, and then emanates outward, advanced by the skills of visioning and planning to guide our actions and relationships. This process allows one to experience how our emotional intelligence drives our intellect. Effective leadership can result when you “do the work” personally and establish values-based business practices and a culture that engages the heart of each team member.
Entrepreneurs BaseCamp
Exploring Entrepreneurship:
How is this course different from an Executive MBA?
The Exploring curriculum is similar to taking a business-planning course, and is about helping you organize your business concepts, or existing business to take it to the next level. Real world advice and counsel from successful entrepreneurs creates sessions that will help you advance week by week. This course is highly interactive and will let you ask specific questions pertaining to your current situation and opportunity, and gain the insight from other entrepreneurs going through a similar stage.
What is the experience level of the average attendee?
The Exploring course is valuable for firms just launching who need to concentrate on building their business plan as well as existing businesses that have a motivation to build a plan to get them to the next level. Division managers of larger firms also find it valuable to carve out the structured time to effectively improve their performance, or launch of a new product or service. The collaborative learning environment blends all experience levels to enrich each attendee with unique perspectives.
What if I can’t attend all of the sessions?
It is very typical that a conflict may arise, or travel plans will not allow you to attend all 12 of the in person sessions. It is critical to attend the opening retreat, but the other courses you will have the ability to come to a future course as a make up, or attend a virtual session that will follow your FastTrac or Inside First curriculum binders.
Who will be teaching the course?
The Institute has Kauffman Foundation certified instructors as well as a large group of industry specific mentors that provide course participant’s access to “real world” expertise in an energetic format that will help spur your growth. Each mentor will be selected based upon the topic of expertise to ensure you are gaining the valuable insight necessary to take your business to the next level.
Listening To Your Business:
Can I bring a business partner or employee with me?
Yes, this is encouraged to help you leverage your brainstorming, documentation, and accountability for following through. It is also a great way to validate your opinions. Cost for the second seat is $125.
Building Your Business:
How do I know this program will help me achieve my goals?
Although there are no guarantees, participants in the Building Your Business program typically have a mind-set of hard work, creativity, and the pursuit of their life’s goals. That combination, along with the support structure of the Institute’s White River Council of mentors has a track record for helping businesses get to the next level.
What is the process for being selected to the Building Your Business program?
You must fill out the initial application by the course application deadline. From here, a selection committee will determine the top 20 firms to invite to Entrepreneurs Weekend where they will pitch their personal and business story to a group of judges that will determine the top 8 firms to be enrolled in the next program class.
Do I have to move to Vail during the course?
In order to maximize your progress over the 90-day path, it is recommended that participants carve out as much time as possible to advance the business by meeting with peers and mentors during this time. The Winter and Summer paths are ideal for those who have dreamed about spending a winter in a ski town, and for those with families that can re-locate for an unforgettable summer adventure in the Vail Valley. For those who set up their base camp in Vail, the program will be providing a co-working space in Avon, CO to serve as a central location where the meetings will be held. For those not relocating, the 5 weekend meetings and retreat are mandatory for attendance, but the remaining connection to the Institute can occur virtually over the term.
Peak Performers Fund (L3C):
What does acceptance by the Fund entail?
As part of your agreement with the Fund, you will be granting the Fund a 3% “non-dilutable” equity stake in your firm. You will also be granting the Fund a 3% quarterly royalty payment for five years. You will receive a $7,500 seed investment upon acceptance and will have the ability to earn an additional $25,000 seed investment if you are voted “top leader” of the year.
What if I already have investors in my firm?
If you currently have investors in your firm, you must prove that you have the ability to grant and dilute the current shareholders through a 3% equity stake of the fund. This must be done prior to submitting your firm for acceptance in the Fund. If you are unsure, it is recommended that you consult your legal counsel to review the terms of the fund as it relates to your investors.
What is a royalty payment?
Being part of the Peak Performers Fund is unlike any other accelerator program that trains you and then “sets you free.” This fund will be a steward of you and your growth efforts for a 5-year period of time. During this time you will receive expert mentorship, connections to advance your strategy, and access to preferred service providers to help you maintain a competitive expense structure while you grow. In exchange, each firm will make a quarterly royalty payment to the fund of 3% of gross sales. This is paid each quarter over the 5-year period. Firms will also be offered the ability to stay within the fund past the 5 years based on the ability to continue to provide mutual results for the firm.
