ICAN fills a unique space in the leadership development offerings in the marketplace. They fulfill their mission with integrity, and I trust when I send someone to an ICAN program, neither the individual nor I will be disappointed.
– Pamela Hernandez, Senior Vice President, Operations and Strategy,
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society
Defining Leadership for Men helped me attain a deeper level of self understanding, allowing me to better understand who I am at my core and how this shapes my leadership style. It affirmed my strengths as a leader while guiding me to better understand and appreciate where I might improve. Additionally, it provided me with opportunities to connect with other business leaders throughout the community and benefit from our shared experiences. I have been engaged with ICAN for nearly five years and would recommend ICAN programs for those seeking a transformative experience, as well as those working to develop inspired leadership in their organizations and communities.
– Scott Focht
ICAN has help to shape me into the woman I am today. I am a mother, a sister, a friend, a wife, an employee and a leader.
– April Jackson, Training Consultant, First National Bank
Defining Leadership for Men made me think about leadership in different ways and has made me a better leader.
– Doug Irwin, Resource Manager - Business Technology Development, Woodmen of the World
I just want to thank ICAN for all that you all have done. If it wasn't for the program, I wouldn't have my degree. Thank you again!
– Tammy Thomas, Women of Influence Scholarship recipient
What ICAN Alumni are Saying:
DEFINING LEADERSHIP
“There is a quote by Maya Angelou that embodies what Defining Leadership does for women. She said, ‘Surviving is important. Thriving is Elegant.’”
“Defining Leadership helped me to understand that in order to be a leader you do not need to be perfect, just in touch with yourself.”
“In my opinion, each session was extremely valuable. It was the combination of all that gave one the insight into your strengths and values and how to use them wisely.”
“Defining Leadership for Women helped me focus on getting to know myself…slowing down my mind and focusing on what’s important to me. I’ve never thought much about my future…where I want to be professionally in 5-10 years. I just assumed I’d be doing the same type of work. The series made me question my assumptions. I feel so motivated and much more comfortable with who I am.”
“It was by far the most unique leadership series I’ve been a part of.”
“Loved it! I would recommend this Series to anyone and everyone. A real career benefit in understanding yourself and how to increase your effectiveness as a leader.”
“A more real life approach to becoming a quality leader versus the text book approach.”
“I really enjoyed this series. It exceeded my expectations, and what I have learned will be with me for the rest of my life.”
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
“I gained valuable insight from the women who spoke. These successful women shared their knowledge and experience and serve as role models for me and every woman at the conference.”
“Seeing how other women have taken charge of their lives inspired me to improve myself and take some risks that I had been putting off.”
“I’m so glad I took one day out of my busy schedule to make time for bettering myself.”
“The breakout sessions were so interactive. The networking opportunities and session take-aways will provide value now and in the future.”
“It was a wonderful day – meeting new women, hearing their stories, learning, and laughing – thank you for making us feel important and special.”
“This conference provides so much tangible information. I was able to take what I learned from all of the speakers and use it as soon as I walked out the door. They presented real issues with practical solutions.
INFLUENCE
“I had the privilege to participate in INFLUENCE. The relationships and the program curriculum continue to be extremely important for both my personal and professional development.”
“I was in the first INFLUENCE class so many years ago, but I still use the knowledge and skills received and treasure the friendships made even to this day.”
“I recently received positive feedback from senior managers who commented on me being much more focused, clear, strong and balanced. They wanted to know how I got there and how to ‘package’ whatever it was. I smiled and said, ‘INFLUENCE, it changed my life.’”
“INFLUENCE added a needed dimension to my professional and personal life. It made me think through important life questions that most of us find it easier to simply skate past, and made me richer for the experience.”
“I have a greater awareness of other people’s motivations and styles, which helps me communicate more effectively. My personal style has expanded to be more about influencing skills and less about conflict management skills.”
“I will say I am a deeper, more authentic human being for going through Influence, and this prevails at work and in my personal life.”
“I am more conscious of my leadership style and am more aware of how to influence outcomes and ultimately the company.”
“I am becoming more comfortable with who I am and value what I offer to not only my job but my family and myself”
“I certainly understand myself better therefore can adjust my behavior to better fit the situation. I’m more understanding with my team and I am more able to provide them with direction and leadership in the way that is most effective for them.”
“I am more effective at work due to changes in my approach as a result of Influence. Emergenetics, for example, helped me to understand why I think and take action in certain areas. This understanding helped me to change ineffective habits.”
FOCUS
“The dialogue on various leadership topics was invigorating and created opportunities to expand your universe.”
“Learning more about the distinction between manager and leader has helped me tremendously to deal with a changing business environment due to global influence. As a result, I have taken my team to a new and better place.”
“My experience in Focus has given me a better understanding of who I am. My approach is now better planned, more value-added and results oriented.”
“Focus has been life changing for me. It is a significantly different approach to leadership molding.”
LEADERSHIP CIRCLES FOR MEN
“Having the opportunity to journal and share helped me to be more reflective and provided important internal insights.”
"The series is an excellent growth opportunity and is very rewarding for those looking to improve their self awareness."
"My circle really developed a bond over the course of the series."
LEADERSHIP MENTORING CIRCLES FOR WOMEN
"I loved getting to meet such a great group of diverse women who I suprisingly had more in common with than I expected."
"Meeting other professional leaders and reflecting with them about our experiences was really valuable."
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE SCHOLARSHIP
“I want to thank ICAN for all that you have done. If it wasn’t for the program, I wouldn’t have my degree.”
“This scholarship helps a group of very determined individuals. These are mothers who are driven by nature’s most basic need, to provide for their offspring… Our love for our children and our hopes for their future drives us to succeed. When we reach our goals, it positively impacts everyone around us – from our children to our communities. We truly understand what it means to struggle through financial and emotional hardships… and that someone reached out a hand to us.”
“I was fairly certain at age 38 that I would never be able to continue my education… when I saw the application for the ICAN scholarship, I wondered if I would at last have a chance to go back to college and complete my degree. It was an offer of hope that I grabbed with both hands.”
