THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Hi Friends,

It’s that wonderful time of the year when our newest students begin their leadership journey in the Flagship class. Last week, I attended the opening session in Big Sky, and I felt so fortunate to be there. From the classmates to the trainers and the staff to our alumni who visited for community conversations, the magic was alive in the room!

Ten years ago, I was in the same room starting my LMT journey, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to follow along now with my “first class”. Do you remember the magic from your Flagship? Do you have a favorite memory? What have you learned along your own leadership journey? If there is something you’d like to share with the class, send me a note, and I’ll be sure to do so next month. And if you happen to be in the area of one of our class locations, please drop by to say hello to welcome our new students, and deliver your thoughts in person. Our connections to each other make us stronger and our lives more full.

Speaking of journeys, I’ve been planning and preparing for a personal one, a trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. I’m captivated by mountains, and the opportunity to be amongst the highest in the world brings me a wild amount of excitement and honestly a bit of nervousness too. Can I do it? Am I ready? What does breathing above 15,000ft really feel like? Aside from the physical, I am most intrigued by what the experience will add to my leadership journey. What will it teach me about myself, my leadership path, and my role in this life? Only the trail will tell.

If you read this on September 30, I will be trekking from Dingboche to Lobuche, with views of Lobuje East Peak at 20,075 feet and the formidable north face of Taweche, visiting the Everest Memorial along the way and parallel to the famous Khumbu Glacier, that runs off Mount Everest. Two days later, I’ll reach the goal of Base Camp. Please send me your positive energy and oxygen-rich vibes, I will need them all. I look forward to sharing stories from the trail when I return.

Until then…lead on!

Kelly Heaton
President & CEO
Class of 2014, Masters 2019
kelly@leadershipmontana.org