“It’s rare to have a structured opportunity to pause and reflect on what it means to be a leader and how each of us as individuals in the class are growing and developing our leadership skills. The time in Leadership Montana has offered an opportunity to do just that. ”

“The people in Leadership Montana have all had a decidedly different life than mine. We all have different interests and beliefs. Yet many of us have been able to build a meaningful connection with each other, even if we disagree on things.”

“I have the tools now to really listen to people who disagree with me, in a way that seeks to understand instead of persuade.”

“Diversity of opinion is healthy – divisiveness is not. Leadership Montana enables people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to share a common experience in an atmosphere of courtesy and respect.”

"I have shared the last year with a very diverse group of people. . . . We gathered and united, and this is the very reason why I know that with the continuance of Leadership Montana, we as a state can grow and embrace future Montanans to become great leaders.”

“Leadership Montana has shown that simply listening to the viewpoint of others, even if it differs from your own, can serve as a catalyst to facilitate an open and productive dialogue that leads to collective problem solving and stronger relationships.”

“I’ve always been proud to be a Montanan, but the Leadership Montana experience has made me want to work harder, do more, and have a bigger impact in our state – to make Montana proud of me.”

“This course provided me the time to deepen understanding of the strengths and barriers facing individuals and Montana as a whole. The experience brings diverse people together and as a result, puts faces and names to perspectives....”

"Leadership Montana has been and continues to be an invaluable partner in my life. Through the program I have been able to develop meaningful relationships and leadership skills that are unparalleled."

“Seeing firsthand the individuals and families working hard at their ranch, business or job and what they are doing and facing in their communities has made all the issues more real to me.”

“With the additional knowledge of each of the geographic areas we visited and the professions represented from the tours, panelists and speakers, we are able to make better decisions for our own benefit as well as the communities we serve.”

"People have recognized a change in me, they have seen a spark, that something is different, a different attitude. [My classmates] are 37 people I really needed in my life, and I didn't know it . . . I cannot say enough good things about Leadership Montana."

“There is no doubt that my family, community and business has benefited beyond words from what I have learned.... I will spend the rest of my career and my life helping the citizens of the State of Montana, my family, friends, and employees have and create better lives.”