Blue Ox Business Academy: 2026-2027 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 650 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 $1,895 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 24 & Friday, September 25, 2026
Opening Retreat: DiSC Assessment, Next Level Leading, Effective Communication, Managing Change and Reducing Conflict, Community Service Projects (One overnight stay on September 24th is optional but highly encouraged. Session attendance is mandatory.)
SESSION 2: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Tourism Experience
SESSION 3: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Non-Profits Experience
SESSION 4: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Manufacturing and Construction Experience
SESSION 5: Thursday, January 14, 2027
Mid-year Retreat: Deep dive into Leadership Development including additional assessments (Emotional Intelligence 2.0 or Strengths Finder), conflict resiliency skills, revisiting goals for the year, and team building.
SESSION 6: Thursday, February 4, 2027
Education Experience
SESSION 7: Thursday, March 4, 2027
Health Care Experience
SESSION 8: Thursday, March or April, 2027
(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 22, 2027
Public Service Experience
SESSION 10: Thursday, May 6- Friday, May 7, 2027
Media Morning 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 6th with overnight stay optional, finishing in the afternoon on the 7th.