On a cold and blustery January day, Goldie Scholars gathered at 311 S. Wacker with Mentors and other stakeholders from The Goldie Initiative for the second annual Goldie Scholar Retreat. The Goldie Initiative provides Goldie Scholars the opportunity to participate in a customized Leadership Development Series throughout the academic year.
Based on feedback from the first session in the three-part series – a Consensus Building Workshop – the program was designed to give Scholars ample opportunity to connect with all or many of the mentors in a meaningful way. The focus of the day was on relationship building and, on the elements essential to building TRUST – the foundation of any relationship.
Goldie Mentors meet about Facilitation Techniques in preparation for the Goldie Scholar Retreat.
After a brief introduction on facilitation techniques with program facilitator Sharon Krohn, Goldie Mentors joined Scholars for a facilitated networking lunch on “Developing Relationships for Business Development and Career Growth.” Mentors and Scholars were strategically placed at tables and, after introductions, were given business cases focused on relationship-building to react to. Mentors shared stories related to the topic posed, and after group discussion, each table shared out their findings and next steps.
Goldie Scholar Gabriele Katilius (standing with mic) presents her findings to the group at the Goldie Scholar Retreat.
After a successful facilitated lunch session and a networking break, Goldie Scholars reconvened for a panel, discussion and group exercises focused on building trust. With guidance from the “13 Elements of High Trust Leaders” from Stephen Covey’s bestselling book The Speed of Trust, panelists focused on key attributes that have helped their careers. A few Goldie Mentors served as panelists, including Nicole Pecoulas of Barings, Paul Boneham of Bentall Kennedy, Jen Sweeney of Millbrook Real Estate Company, Holly McQuestion of Wintrust Financial and Robin Rieck of Norcon. The Goldie Scholar Retreat concluded with a closing circle, then the Scholars enjoyed a festive meal together at a local restaurant. View more photos here.
Goldie Mentors served as panelists on the topic of “Relation-building and Trust.”