Leadership Journey: Reflections on Year One at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Our first year concluded at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, bringing us full circle to where much of our storytelling began. Returning to this campus where we connected as a cohort of raw, uncertain leaders through vulnerability felt deeply meaningful. Now, months later, we were back to tackle our biggest challenge yet: mastering the art of influence through persuasion in both team leadership and media engagement.
Dr. Sara Daubert opened our eyes to a fundamental truth: motivation isn't just a feeling – it's the internal force that drives individuals toward their goals. As leaders, we learned that when team members struggle, it's rarely about carelessness or defiance. More often, we simply haven't understood what motivates them or created the right environment for their success.
Then came the Leadership Reaction Course with Lt. Col. Mark Swiney at Camp San Luis Obispo. As we tackled physical and mental challenges, we found ourselves asking: How much have we truly grown? Can we lead effectively, and do we know when to step back and follow? Between the laughs and exhausted groans, we reassured the cadets that while we might not nail the obstacle courses, we sure knew how to grow food!
At Talley Vineyards, Brian Talley (30) hosted us for a barbecue that brought together current fellows, alumni and prospective applicants. This tradition, which began with Class 2, reminded us that leadership isn't just about individual growth – it's about building and nurturing a community, the CALF community.
Media training with professors Richard Gearhart and Patti Piburn shifted our entire perspective on public engagement. They taught us to see media interactions as opportunities, not obstacles. The golden rule? It's not what you say, it’s how you say it. Through compelling storytelling and authentic energy, we can effectively champion agriculture. As they put it, the energy you give is the energy you get.
Our "Shark Tank" presentations brought it all together. Judged by Cara Crye Wright (39) and Dr. Robert Flores (HF), we pitched our ideas with passion and precision. The same exercise that would have terrified us months ago now felt like an exciting showcase of how far we'd come in confidence, stance and presentation skills.
As we close this chapter, one lesson echoes loudly: never underestimate the transformative power of saying "yes" to something wildly outside your comfort zone. Our growth as leaders is already evident – a testament to the power of embracing challenge and opportunity. For Class 54, the conclusion of year one is just the beginning of our leadership journey.
Sincerely, Class 54
| 
