2023 Leaders of Tomorrow

The Leaders of Tomorrow: RTDNA’s Young Professional Retreat gathers some of the brightest young minds in broadcast and digital journalism who one day will lead this industry to new heights. This mountain retreat will bring together talented journalists, teach and train them to develop and grow leadership skills and challenge them to think critically about the future of the profession and how they can help move it forward.

Leaders of Tomorrow is designed to be 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 about how you can leave your mark on the journalism world — and a new team of peers who will help you for the rest of your career.

Leaders of Tomorrow is designed for young professionals or people relatively new to management roles. If you're an established leader, check out our LEAD: Leadership, Exploration and Discovery program!

What Participants Had to Say About Their Experience

“RTDNA's Leaders of Tomorrow retreat was an honestly transformational experience. Before I attended, I just plain didn't know what I didn't know -- about effective leadership, being honest with yourself, how to communicate with different types of people in a healthy and productive way, the vital importance that building and maintaining strong relationships plays in building a successful team. It was eye opening, and I can't recommend the experience and the team at RTDNA that made the retreat happen enough.” - Tom Rickert, Assistant Brand Manager, KYW Newsradio, Philadelphia

“This is not your typical stuffy conference room seminar. This retreat is an opportunity to go in-depth on important topics facing the industry while getting to know fellow journalists in a fun, idyllic setting.” - Mary Davies, News Producer, NBC New York

"As someone who has served as a newsroom leader already for about five years, I was skeptical going into the retreat -- 'How much will I really learn here?' I got my answer early: A LOT. RTDNA developed a fantastic program that offered time for growth, introspection, and a whole lot of fun. Leaders of Tomorrow also connected me with more than a dozen people who were fascinating, funny, and quickly became friends. My only complaint is I wish it lasted longer!" - Lane Kimble

Participant Expectations

Leaders of Tomorrow brings together emerging leaders and young professionals colleagues to work together to find their leadership potential and future in journalism. 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. Monday and departing no earlier than 2:00 p.m. Wednesday.
• 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.