In the contemporary landscape of leadership development, the demand for transformational approaches is more pressing than ever. As organizations navigate the complexities posed by a rapidly evolving workforce, innovative strategies for leadership have emerged as a critical priority. At the forefront of this movement is Grow Leaders, a unique organization dedicated to nurturing leaders through transformative, customized learning experiences for growth and innovation. Founded with a vision deeply rooted in personal experience and a passion for education, Grow Leaders is redefining the paradigm of leadership in our diverse and dynamic world.
The journey of Grow Leaders is characterized by a rich personal narrative. With a background in a family business and a mother who dedicated her life to teaching, CEO and founder, Tamara Larson was instilled with the importance of a strong work ethic, a love for learning, and a commitment to community engagement from a young age. The onset of the pandemic, while it presented numerous challenges, served as a catalyst for change. Within this context of uncertainty, a commitment to mental health, diversity, and innovation became central to Grow Leaders’ mission. The organization aims to cultivate leadership qualities that embody resilience, adaptability and true inclusion.
Current Trends in Leadership Development
Today’s workplace is marked by an increasingly multi-generational workforce, composed of up to five generations actively engaging in various sectors. As organizations strive to harness the strengths of this diverse demographic, the demand for inclusive leadership practices has become crucial. Grow Leaders recognizes that fostering psychologically safe environments is essential for cultivating bold conversations and nurturing cultures of well-being. By meeting individuals where they are—professionally and personally—the organization ensures that clients’ unique needs and aspirations are reflected in its customized learning programs.
This approach signifies a significant shift in leadership development. Creating environments where diverse perspectives can be shared, and where different generations can learn from each other, is fundamental to fostering innovation. With Generation Z and Millennials composing up to 25% of today’s workforce and projected to exceed half in the coming decade, it is vital for organizations to incorporate their voices and experiences into leadership development. Grow Leaders facilitates intergenerational knowledge sharing, encouraging an environment where understanding and embracing diversity is not only promoted but celebrated.
Embracing Technology and Change
The rapid advancement of technology has transformed how organizations operate and engage with one another. In this era, where tools for learning, communication, and performance efficiency are abundant, organizations must adapt to harness these technologies effectively. Grow Leaders emphasizes the integration of ethical and customized technological resources to meet organizations where they currently are in their adoption journey. By collaborating with internal teams and utilizing various learning platforms, the organization empowers both large and small entities to create dynamic and engaging learning experiences.
Significant Achievements in 2023
The year 2023 has marked a significant milestone for Grow Leaders. Among its notable achievements is the founder’s participation in the Women’s Leadership for Peace Emerging Leaders Course at the United Nations in Geneva. Engaging with like-minded leaders from around the globe provided invaluable insights into the crucial role women play in human rights advocacy and peacebuilding initiatives. This experience has significantly influenced the organization’s programs, allowing it to integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and emphasize the importance of women’s representation in leadership roles.
Additionally, Tamara’s role as a cabinet member with Women United (United Way of Alberta Capital Region) highlights her commitment to creating equitable communities where all women can thrive. Working together with like-minded community leaders focuses on dismantling barriers and promoting inclusivity across various sectors, cementing the Grow Leaders’ reputation as a leader in social change.
Transformative Learning and Client Experience
At the heart of Grow Leaders’ mission is the belief that education is the most powerful driver of change. The organization’s customer experience strategy prioritizes the development of customized learning that addresses organizational gaps, particularly in strategic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts built on the foundation of psychological safety. By designing workshops and developing resources and tools in various formats, Grow Leaders gathers input from every member of the each organization to refine strategies for ongoing improvement, all while fostering a culture of well-being and creativity.
The results of this inclusive approach have been positive; organizations report enhanced employee engagement as individuals feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. This atmosphere fosters innovation and growth throughout the organization. The use of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals ensures clients have the necessary tools to measure success and identify impactful narratives beyond mere data.
Future Aspirations and Social Impact
As Grow Leaders looks towards the future, it aims to continue expanding its offerings and enhancing community engagement through the pioneering work of Learn Peace Canada, its affiliated nonprofit organization. By focusing on leadership development centered on human rights, global citizenship, and equity, Grow Leaders is dedicated to nurturing a generation of leaders equipped to address society’s pressing challenges working together to build long-term, sustainable cultures of positive peace in a world leaving no one behind.
The organization’s emphasis on sustainable practices, mentorship, and volunteerism aligns with a broader objective to build communities that advocate for peace and inclusivity. With the belief that investing in people is investing in the future, Grow Leaders is committed to creating lasting social impact.
Tamara C Larson, CEO/Founder
Tamara Larson is an educator, community leader, and mentor with a heart for servant leadership. Her work in the community focuses on growing leaders and strengthening communities with the end goal of creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable world with a place of belonging for all.
Growing up in a home with a family business in commercial excavation and occupational health and safety, she has developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit that is reflected in all that she does. Spending most of her career in the not-for-profit, arts, and education sectors, partnered with her entrepreneurial spirit, Tamara works with all stakeholders and organizations to build a community that reflects our diversity and is truly inclusive.
Tamara works with all learners, both young and young at heart, to create leadership development opportunities through service leadership and mentorship.
“We step up to offer unique and inspiring leadership development opportunities for all to step out and build strong, healthy communities where no one is left behind.”
Read More About Tamara
Similar Articles : SuccessKnocks
