Year over year, Flourish is proud to be part of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Connect Program—a ten-month experience that brings emerging leaders together to learn, grow, and give back to the Rocket City. This year, Flourish Account Manager Gracie is representing our team as a member of Connect Class 28.
Throughout the program, she’ll be sharing her perspective and monthly reflections to highlight what she’s learning and how each experience is shaping her as a leader.
So with that, let’s jump in!
Our Opening Retreat began at City Hall with lunch, introductions, and an overview of the program. The highlight was a name game where each of us paired an adjective with our first name, a difficult yet effective way to start learning 50+ new faces. Later, we hit the streets of downtown Huntsville for a scavenger hunt, which turned out to be the perfect mix of competition, teamwork, and connection. Alumni reminded us that the more we invest now, the greater the impact will be, which is advice I’m keeping top of mind as the year unfolds.
Day two focused on self-awareness and understanding others. Jillian Miles Massey shared insights on communication, followed by a personality exercise that grouped us by style and showed how our differences complement one another. The most powerful moment came during the “step forward” game, where we acknowledged the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape who we are. It was challenging, but it created an immediate bond within the class. We also formed our small groups and learned about our service projects, which I’m ecstatic to share more about!
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of Connect Class 28. Over the months ahead, I look forward to building meaningful relationships, gaining new perspectives, and discovering even more about my community!