Knowing Your Why

2020 – a new year, a new decade! The perfect season to reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re headed. In the day-to-day rush of checking things off a to-do list and moving full steam ahead, it’s easy to lose sight of why it all matters. Our busyness keeps us focused on “what’s next”, but we must be intentional on remembering “why me, why now?”  Simon Sinek does a great job sharing about Finding Your Why.

Why leave your business, your family, your responsibilities for 55 days to travel throughout Florida, the country and the world? Because we believe deeply in the future of Florida agriculture and natural resources. And we believe each of us has a responsibility to secure its future. 

As part of Class XI’s responsibility to do their part, they spent time in Tallahassee and the Panhandle exploring the leadership theme of resiliency. Resiliency is a key component of individual leaders and broader industries. In Seminar II, we saw first-hand the hardiness needed to survive in both the policy arena of Tallahassee and in the rural fishing communities of The Forgotten Coast.

 In her article, Why Resiliency is Necessary as a Leader , Amy Modglin outlines four key ideas related to resiliency. My favorite line in this article is “It is impossible to demonstrate resilience unless you have gone through difficult times.” If we remain focused on our “why” and understand difficult times build resilience (if we let them), then collectively we are a powerful force for agriculture and natural resources in our state.  

Another exciting development for 2020 is WLI is hiring a leadership programs coordinator to assist with program development and support the Alumni Association of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute (AAWLI). We have three strong candidates interviewing in the next two weeks: Jennifer Facenda, Anne Schwartz and Rebecca Lovett. We are offering videoconferencing to the seminar part of their interviews to all current class members and alumni.

Enjoy Seminar II’s Wedgworth Wire!