As the days are winding down to the hosting of the annual leadership conference, held in Atlanta, and broadcast worldwide, budding and experienced Grenadians leaders are being encouraged to be a part of this phenomenal and life-changing event.

The conference will feature Dr Mae Jemison, the first woman of colour to go into space, along with eight other speakers, who will share their experiences and journeys with like-minded young leaders. The conference is themed, “Lead Yourself” and will be broadcast live on 4th May 2018.

In an effort to gain even more momentum among Grenadians for the upcoming conference, a media launch was held on Wednesday 18th, April 2018 at the Trade Centre Annex. There, Mr Ian Blanchard, Managing Director of the Caribbean Institute of Leadership and Coaching, reiterated what being a leader means. “Being a leader means that I must take responsibility for my actions,” and, “the opportunities are there if we are willing to take responsibility for ourselves, for our mindsets and perspectives and for our actions.”

According to him, this one-day event is for leaders to learn from other leaders. He believes that too many times, leaders stop learning, therefore, in leader cast this year, the focus is on leading oneself. “Leadercast St George’s 2018, is another opportunity for leaders to step back, get off the treadmill and learn,” as “everything we do, every movement that succeeds or fails, leadership plays an integral part.”

Speaking a bit more about the purpose of the conference, Mr Blanchard went on to say that it is meant to get the average person thinking about being good leaders while creating an engagement in the conversation about leadership. Through this conference, he said, he has seen persons transform their lives to the point of changing careers.

Giving their testimonials after participating in previous conferences, were two young ladies – Ms Afia Joseph, Managing Director of Glenelg and Mrs. Salisha St Bernard, CEO at SP’s International. Both women confirmed that there is a need for such events in Grenada and charged other leaders to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.

According to Mrs. St Bernard, “as a young leader, one must be a student of life.” She reiterated the need for improving oneself, which, according to her, this can inspire and drive leaders of today and tomorrow.

“As a young leader, I know that I did not have everything I needed to be the best leader that I could be,” said Ms Joseph. However, being a participant of the conference, she was able to seek the necessary assistance in order to become a better person. “It’s important for young leaders, entrepreneurs, aspiring business persons [and] managers to really get on board with the training that is available in the caribbean – the training that is available in Grenada right now for us to develop ourselves as leaders,” Ms Joseph added.

She went on to encourage persons to join in so they too can develop on their weaknesses and inspire others to change.