Blue Ox Business Academy: 2025-2026 Leadership Experience

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce

The Blue Ox Business Academy’s Leadership Experience is an immersive experience in personal leadership growth through the exploration of community sectors, challenges, and opportunities.

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 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.

Who Should Attend

Business owners, leaders & managers
Emerging leaders & high-potential employees
Those who are new to the Brainerd Lakes Area

Program Schedule

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 and Construction Experience
SESSION 5: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Health Care Experience
SESSION 6: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Mid-year Retreat: Deep dive into Leadership Development including additional assessments (MBTI/Emotional Intelligence 2.0), conflict resiliency skills, revisiting goals for the year, and team building.
SESSION 7: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Education Experience
SESSION 8: Thursday, March or April, 2026
(Date is TBD based on state legislative schedule.)
Community Experience: Legislative Day at the Capitol and 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
Media and End of the Year Retreat with additional leadership development, a review of assessments and their application to growth in leadership, and next steps. Afternoon/Evening of the 7th with overnight stay optional finishing at noon on the 8th.

Commencement and Class Reunion will be held at the Celebration of Excellence in November 2026.