Three weeks ago, I graduated from Leadership Cincinnati Class 49. I intentionally waited before writing this post because I wanted time to reflect on the experience. If I am being completely honest, part of me simply did not want the journey to end.
Leadership Cincinnati Class 49 graduation celebration, Cincinnati, Ohio.
What Is Leadership Cincinnati?
Leadership Cincinnati is an eight-month program administered by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce that gives senior executives firsthand exposure to the opportunities, challenges, and complex issues shaping the Greater Cincinnati region. Class 49 brought together 62 leaders from across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to learn, listen, and lead beyond the boundaries of their own organizations.
For me, this was more than a professional development program. It was a deliberate investment in understanding the community we serve and the region Taylor Logistics has called home for over 150 years.
“Meaningful progress happens when people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with a shared commitment to learning, listening, and leading.”
Eight Months of Learning Beyond the Boardroom
I had the privilege of learning alongside 61 remarkable leaders whom I am proud to now call friends. What made this experience special was not simply the networking. It was the trust, honest dialogue, and meaningful relationships that developed throughout the journey.
Leadership Cincinnati challenged my assumptions, deepened my understanding of our community, and renewed my commitment to helping this region continue to thrive. A few highlights that left a lasting impression:
- Exploring Cincinnati’s vibrant arts community and gaining a deeper appreciation for its role in shaping our region’s identity and future.
- Participating in the Trust Walk — one of the most impactful experiences of the program — which reinforced the importance of vulnerability, trust, and reliance on others in leadership.
- Visiting the Contemporary Arts Center and celebrating the work of Gee Horton (LC 49), whose exhibit demonstrated the power of art to inspire conversation and understanding.
- Learning from organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul, Nehemiah Manufacturing, and many others that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across our community.
- Visiting Oyler School, Lincoln Heights Elementary, and Oak Hills High School and witnessing the incredible work educators are doing to prepare the next generation of leaders.
Why Senior Executives Should Consider Leadership Cincinnati
The Cincinnati region needs leaders who are willing to learn, listen, engage, and lead beyond the walls of their own organizations. For current and aspiring senior executives, I cannot recommend Leadership Cincinnati highly enough. It is one of the most valuable leadership development experiences of my career.
Leadership programs like this are not simply networking events. They are structured opportunities to develop the cross-sector perspective, community awareness, and trust-based relationships that make leaders more effective — inside their organizations and across the region. If you are considering it, stop waiting.
Gratitude
Thank you to Brendon Cull, Sean Comer, and the entire Cincinnati Regional Chamber team for their commitment to developing leaders who are prepared to make a meaningful impact throughout our region. Thank you as well to Bank of America for supporting this outstanding program.
And to my Class 49 cohort: this experience was extraordinary because of each of you. I look forward to continuing this work alongside you for years to come.
