A Strong Start to 2026: January Class Day with the LEAD Institute

The LEAD Institute Class of 2026 kicked off the new year with an energizing and impactful January Class Day—one that perfectly blended meaningful learning, thoughtful conversation, and genuine connection.



We were thrilled to welcome back a long-time friend of the LEAD Institute, Cathy Posner of Transition Coaching and Consulting. Cathy guided the class through a powerful and timely workshop, Important Career Conversations: Critical & Crucial Conversations. Designed to resonate with leaders at every stage of their journey, the session encouraged participants to think deeply, speak intentionally, and engage in dialogue that truly matters. The conversations sparked during this workshop carried throughout the day and set the tone for everything that followed.

Despite the snowy winter backdrop, the atmosphere inside the Medina County Career Center South Campus was warm and inviting. Thanks to the generous support of Antoinette’s Coffee, participants stayed cozy and caffeinated while taking in the winter views from indoors—a perfect setting for reflection and connection.

Lunch brought everyone together over comfort food at its finest. Eclectic Edibles provided all the fixings for a baked potato bar, creating a relaxed and enjoyable midday break. A special thank-you goes to Lisa Lebowitz of Potentialize LLC for sponsoring lunch and for spending the afternoon with the class. Lisa led two engaging and insightful workshops—Cultivating Relationships Through Networking and Creating Your Personal Brand. These sessions were full of energy, practical takeaways, and lively discussion, leaving participants with tools they can immediately apply both personally and professionally.

The day wouldn’t have been complete without the support of our incredible community. Thank you to the Medina County Career Center South Campus for hosting us, to classmate Lori Krug for providing a delicious afternoon snack, and to classmate George Roth for organizing a post-class happy hour that allowed connections to continue beyond the classroom.

January Class Day was a wonderful reminder of what makes the LEAD Institute so special: engaged learners, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of community. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward as the Class of 2026 continues its leadership journey together.