Blue Ox Business Academy
Leadership Experience
An immersive experience in personal leadership growth through the exploration of community sectors, challenges and opportunities.
Registration is now open!
Join a growing group of more than 500 individuals who have graduated from our Leadership Experience program. This 9 month, 10 session program is designed for emerging leaders and high-potential employees to develop essential skills and insights into their leadership character. Seats fill up fast, so don’t wait to register.
Through Leadership Experience training, participants will build relationships and gain an inside view of the region’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Throughout the program, all are challenged to take the next step in their organization and community.
This program is only offered to Chamber Members. Cost for 2025-2026 is $1,795 per person and limited to 40 individuals. Through the support of Anderson Brothers Construction, scholarships (25% discount) are available to small businesses (up to 5 employees) and non-profit organizations with financial limitations. Just ask.
Sessions held approximately 8AM - 5PM
Monthly sessions from September - May
Session held locally, locations vary
SESSION #1
Thursday, September 25 & Friday, September 26, 2025
- Opening Retreat: DiSC Assessment, Next Level Leading, Effective Communication, Managing Change and Reducing Conflict, Community Service Projects
- One overnight stay on September 25th
- Session attendance is mandatory
SESSION #2
Thursday, October 9, 2025
- Tourism Experience
SESSION #3
Thursday, November 6, 2025
- Non-Profits Experience
SESSION #4
Thursday, December 4, 2025
- Manufacturing & Construction Experience
SESSION #5
Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Health Care Experience
SESSION #6
Thursday, February 5, 2026
- *NEW* Mid-Year Retreat: Deep dive into Leadership Development
- Additional assessments (MBTI/Emotional Intelligence 2.0), conflict resiliency skills, revisiting goals for the year, and team building.
SESSION #7
Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Education Experience
SESSION #8
Thursday, March or April, 2026
- Date TBD (based on state government schedule)
- Community Experience: Legislative Day at the Capitol
- A stop at KSTP with Anchor Kevin Doran
SESSION #9
Thursday, April 23, 2026
- Public Service Experience
SESSION #10
Thursday, May 7-Friday, May 8, 2026
- End of the Year Retreat
- Afternoon/Evening of the 7th with overnight stay optional
- Commencement and Class Reunion will be held at the Celebration of Excellence in November 2026
Nichole Heinen, Director of Tourism
Erik Therwanger, Think GREAT
Hallie Pond, Truespace Consulting
Paula Chapulis, Blue Ox Business Academy
Take it from our graduates.
"Leadership Experience is for anyone looking to take the next step in their career."
"A peek behind the curtain of many industries in the Brainerd Lakes Area and an opportunity to pick the brains of the people who help make it successful. "
"A program that not only develops you as a leader, but also helps you see how to improve your organization."
Deadline to Register: September 11, 2025