CLASSROOM REFLECTION

Masters Reflection

“Masters of Joy” really has a ring to it.

And honestly,  we earned it.

Joy isn’t naïve. It’s resilience. It’s connection. It’s finding reasons to celebrate while still doing hard work. In a lot of ways, it perfectly captures the spirit of our cohort.

Our final Master’s Class session brought me full circle, as Leadership Montana experiences tend to do (and not just because I cried at both). Over the course of the program, we talked a lot about leadership as service, authenticity, courage, and connection. In our final session, those ideas became deeply personal.

We shared our leadership journey stories—not just the highlights, but the moments, challenges, and people that shaped how we lead today. There was vulnerability in that room, but also an incredible amount of trust.

One of the moments that will stick with me most was reading the blue cards our classmates wrote for us before the closing circle. Jen Davis reminded us to believe them—to trust the positive things others see in us, even when it’s hard. That hit me harder than I expected. Leadership can sometimes feel lonely, and it’s easy to carry doubt quietly. This experience reminded me to carry encouragement loudly.

Graduating alongside the Flagship class was also a powerful reminder that leadership comes in so many forms, personalities, and paths. Receiving our plaques with our core values on them felt grounding. Those values weren’t chosen lightly. They reflect who we are at our best—and who we hope to continue being in our communities.

I left Helena feeling more confident, more supported, and deeply grateful. The Master’s program did more than sharpen leadership skills. It created space for reflection, honesty, encouragement, and growth. Most importantly, it reminded me that leadership does not have to be lonely.

Here’s to the Master’s Class of 2026—the Masters of Joy.

See you at the Ringling reunion. I’ll bring the candy.