LEAD Institute Class of 2026:

Building Critical Thinking, Empathy, and Perspective 

February’s LEAD session focused on the internal work required to lead others effectively.

The day began with Dr. Ed Meyer, Ph.D., Physics Professor at Baldwin Wallace University and longtime LEAD partner. Through a series of hands-on, brain-teasing challenges, participants were pushed to think differently, collaborate intentionally, and remain steady in the face of frustration. His central message — “Don’t Steal Their Struggle” — emphasized that capable leaders resist the urge to immediately solve problems for others. Instead, they create space for growth, knowing that resilience and sound judgment are forged through experience.

The focus then shifted to Your Leadership Edge, honing in on the art of energizing others and working across factions. Participants wrestled with a key reality of leadership: progress rarely happens in perfect agreement. Real momentum is built when leaders can unify differing voices, bridge divides, and create forward motion where friction exists.

From there, Kyle White brought the conversation into the realities of the modern workplace. With candid discussion and practical insight, participants explored how empathy and perspective shape culture — and how leaders set the tone when difficult behaviors, including workplace bullying, surface. The message was clear: culture isn’t accidental. It’s modeled.

By the end of the day, the class had been stretched mentally, pushed beyond their comfort zones, and reminded that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about how you show up when the pressure is on.