2023 LEAD: Leadership, Exploration, And Discovery

LEAD: Leadership, Exploration, And Discovery assembles some of the most talented leaders in broadcast and digital journalism who are dedicated to continuing their leadership journey. This mountain retreat will bring together forward-thinking news leaders, help them enhance their management skills and challenge them to think critically about the future of the profession. Each participant will return to their newsroom with new tools to address challenges and support their teams even more effectively.

LEAD is designed for established new leaders who have spent several years in management positions. 

LEAD is an immersive, and shared, experience. From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, the group will dine together, discover together, work together and learn together. Be prepared for moving conversations and challenging exercises that will help you think critically about your leadership skills, journalism and your place in it. When you leave, you will have a better understanding of leadership tactics, traits and skills — and a new team of peers who will help you for the rest of your career.

Participant Expectations

LEAD brings together established and forward-thinking newsroom managers to fine-tune their leadership skills. Be prepared to think critically about your leadership style, your relationship with your team, the culture you've created in your newsroom and more. You will be challenged. You will challenge others. If you are looking for lectures and panel discussions, you're in the wrong place. 

Important Things to Know

• We'll be at a mountain resort and food options will be limited at some points during the event, so we might not be able to accommodate all dietary restrictions.
• The inn is historic, so it might not have some modern luxuries that might exist at urban hotels. The hotel rooms and our meeting spaces are spread among four floors and there is no elevator. We'll also be walking about 100 yards to the restaurant next door for our meals.
• Only one individual from each organization may attend except in special circumstances.
• Attire should be comfortable. We aren't trying to impress each other and there will be time for wandering the property and relaxing.

Expectations & Commitment

• Arriving into Asheville Regional Airport no later than 3:00 p.m. Wednesday and departing no earlier than 2:00 p.m. Friday.
• Leaving the rest of the world behind and being fully present from the time you land in Asheville until you depart.
• Completing all the thought leadership and engagement pre-work.
• Coming as yourself, actively participating in all activities, and being fully immersed in the experience. This may mean being comfortable getting uncomfortable.
• Being mindful that any discussions, ideas, and/or information shared at any point during the weekend may not be used for personal or individual organizational gain.