A Lunch with Local Leaders

Last Thursday the Professional Development Committee held its annual “Lunch with Leaders” event at the Greater Des Moines Partnership and had another great turnout. This event brings in community leaders from many different fields (including insurance, non-profit, venture capital, and entrepreneurs) together with our YPC membership for an informal lunch hour. It is a great opportunity to visit and learn from a few leaders in the Des Moines area who have seen success in their careers.

Networking Opportunities

Attendees were able to informally network with our guests and each other as everyone arrived and then were seated. Each leader took a moment to introduce themselves to the group and then rotated though the tables of YPs three or four times each to allow for a variety of interactions. At my table, I visited with an insurance executive and gained some insight into a slightly different side of the field in which I work. Our next leader spoke of the changing scenery in higher education and the current thoughts of education versus experience as we progress in our careers. Finally, a non-profit CEO spoke of his journey and we shared stories of how giving back through volunteering can have personal and professional fulfillment.

Almost without fail, every leader I have spoken with at such events the past few years is excited about working with YPC and our members. They are always open to meeting for coffee in the following weeks and helping guide us to those leadership positions down the road if we so choose. Just another way that YPC provides unique events for its membership. If you missed out on this opportunity, keep an eye open for the Professional Development Committee’s “Mentors and Mulligans” golf outing in July as we again bring in leaders for an evening round of golf and networking. 

 

Lucus Scott
Professional Development Committee