LOdown News
January 2016 
Features
Update Your Information for the 2016 LO Directory
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Nancy Maurer, LOXXV
LO's New
 Executive Director
  
What made you decide to go through the LO program?
When I was job hunting to return to Michigan from Cleveland (during the recession), I vowed that once I finally got back here that I would find ways to "give back." Learning about the issues of the region through LO seemed like a one-stop way to determining the best way to give back. When I learned Beaumont had an LO spot open, I said "pick me!"
  
What did you think you'd get out of it?
I had hoped to gain a better understanding of the region, its resources and the issues facing it. And also meet some really great people to become better connected professionally.
  
What did you actually get from the experience?
So much more! I looked forward to each month's session because I knew I'd learn something new and hear the viewpoints of dozens of smart, committed, caring people. It really broadened my awareness.
 
What would you tell someone who was thinking about the Cornerstone program?
Do it! It is well worth the time and investment. It will help you grow in ways you can't imagine right now - personally, professionally and in being a better community member and leader.
  
Have you made any changes since your LO graduation?
Oh, have I ever! Obviously, I now have the honor of leading LO. I'm also much more active in volunteering on poverty, education and women's issues.
 
Click here if you would like to be spotlighted!

Leader of Leaders Awards

 

Nominate yourself or someone you know!
The Leader of Leader Awards are intended to identify outstanding LO Alumni Association members with impressive achievements personally, professionally, and/or in their public lives. Three winners are chosen each year because of their exemplary leadership contributions specifically to this region.
 
Download the application.
 
Caterers Wanted!
 
Know a great catering company in Oakland County or a restaurant that does excellent catering with good pricing? Share your treasure with us. Our needs are generally for our sessions around the county and usually require a 7am set-up. Email information to Carol at [email protected]

Thank you to our

Premier Sponsors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Leadership Skills You Must Have to Succeed

You may think of leadership skills as something that belongs to corporate culture, but they're just as critical to any entrepreneurial business.

1. The skill of self-awareness

Success begins within. When you have a sense of who you are, it invites you to do something about it. Having self-awareness amounts to being better advised. The more you know yourself, the closer you can become to being all you can be.

2. The skill of business acumen--and then some

Building lasting relationships is the cornerstone of all business success, and respect is at the heart of building business relationships. It is the glue that holds together the functioning of teams, partnerships, and managing relationships. Even with the best products and business practices, you still need strong relationships to succeed.


A Message from the Director
 
"It's a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together."
 
The timing of this quote couldn't have been more perfect when it popped up on my Facebook feed the day I accepted the offer to become the next executive director of Leadership Oakland. From the moment I became part of the LOXXV class, I knew Leadership Oakland was an organization I wanted to be a part of for a very long time. The opportunity to lead and serve this great organization is a dream come true!
 
One week into the job, there are still piles of files to review and a to-do list that spans several pages. Even as my head swims in the newness of it all, there is a confidence and certainty that great things are ahead as we work to maintain the strength of the Leadership Oakland legacy while creating new ways to develop and serve this region's leaders and community.
 
I look forward to meeting all of you over the next several months. We have a lot of exciting opportunities ahead with Breakfast of Champions and Taste of LO events. I hope you will take advantage of participating in them. And please don't hesitate to get in touch with me directly at [email protected] or 248-952-6880.
 
Hope to see or talk with you soon!
 
Warm regards,
 
Nancy
Nancy Maurer
Executive Director
Nominate Someone for Cornerstone - LOXXVII
 
Leadership Oakland is now accepting applications for LOXXVII. Applications received by March 24 will be given
"Priority Status" in the review process. The benefits of Priority Status include:

o VIP treatment for applicants attending the "Taste of Leadership Oakland" on March 24, 2016 (for those applying prior to that date) and the ability to meet other applicants and members of the of the Leadership Oakland Board. A nice gift package will be presented to you that evening.

o Eligibility for the Early Selection Review that occurs in April. Because the Executive Director will talk to each early applicant prior to the selection review date and will pass along her recommendation to the selection committee, you are highly likely to be accepted.

o Once accepted, the ability to lock in calendar dates for the upcoming program year

o Ability to be on a tuition payment plan, if needed, prior to the start of the program.

Regular application deadline is May 25, 2016.
 Download the application  or call 248-952-6880 for more information.
Submit your LO Alumni Association Dues by February 15 to be Highlighted in the LO E-directory!
  
There's no time like the present to pay your LOAA dues for the 2016 year or to make a donation to Jr. LO. And thanks to Tim Wynman, LOXXIII, LO will receive matching donations up to $1,000.
 
Your dues and donations help us to continue our mission to develop a network of diverse and influential leaders by exposing them to regional resources and issues, and challenging them to reach their full personal, professional and public leadership potentials.
 
Stay connected with fellow LO graduates. Make sure your name is highlighted in the directory by paying your dues by February 15.
  
  
Upcoming Events

LO Announces its Annual Breakfast of Champions Series
Leadership Oakland's Breakfast of Champions series has a solid reputation for good content and engaging speakers, excellent networking, and a tasty breakfast. This year the series  brings together speakers for your professional, personal and public leadership development. It is open to the public. Registration can be done individually for each breakfast or receive a discount by registering for the series. The BOC series will all be held from 7:30am to 9:00am at the MSU Management Education Center, 811 W. Square Lake Road, Troy, MI 48098

February 3, 2016

Jack Aronson
Founder, Garden Fresh
February 24, 2016
Young Professionals Panel
Jennifer Korman, LOXIX 
Moderator- Mecedes-Benz Financial Services
  
         Ryan Bladzik, LOXXIII
         Village of Holly
  
         Kim Martin, LOXXIII
         Henry Ford Health System
  
         Treger Strasberg, LOXXVI
         Humble Design
  
April 27, 2016
Barbara McQuade
US Attorney for the Eastern District of MI

The cost is $32 f or LO alumni association members, $36 for non-members/ general public and includes a complete breakfast. Register for all three events and save. $90 LO alumni association members and $100 non-members/ general public. Pre-registration required. To register, contact Carol Dendler at 248.952.6880 or register online at:  leadershipoakland.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available for our Breakfast of Champions Series. Current sponsors include: HAP,  DTE Energy Foundation and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.


 Mark Your Calendar for Taste of LO!

 
                                            Register Now
  
Silent Auction Items Needed for Taste!
Promote Your Business by Donating to the Silent Auction 
Taste of LO is a great event to promote your business with an auction item!  If you are interested in donating an item from your business or in your business name, please contact Susan at [email protected]
The Privilege Walk
Diversity & Inclusion Session
January 13 was our fourth session for our LOXXVI class. The session's objective was to increase awareness, understanding and sensitivity to all ways we are unique and different and its impact on personal and professional relationships.
  
"Understanding and embracing our differences empowers all of us and the many generations to follow. Everyone's journey can have a profound effect (positive or negative) on those we touch. What effect do you want to have?"
                                           -Michelle Sherman, LOXXVI
  
Session Sponsors : Health Alliance Plan, DTE Energy Foundation, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Fox Run Retirement Community,Comerica Bank