The Leader Collaboratory of New Ulm is a hands-on, high-impact leadership experience designed for managers, supervisors, shift leads, and emerging leaders who want real tools, real clarity, and real results.

Led by Ann Vote, a dynamic speaker and culture coach known for her energy, relatability, and real-world approach, the Leader Collaboratory transforms everyday leadership challenges into practical, actionable solutions. Ann brings leadership to life through storytelling, interaction, and strategies that stick long after the session ends.

Sessions for the 2026-2027 Program will be held on the third Wednesday of the month:

September 16 | The Confident Leader: From Intention to Influence
October 21| The Motivation Mindset
November 18 | Building Trust Through Communication
December 16 | Lead Forward: Your 2027 Vision + Action Plan
January 20 | Build a Culture People Want to Stay In
February 17 | Difficult Conversations Made Doable
March 17 | Leading through Change
April 21 | Sustainable Leadership: Leading Without Burning Out

Series Registration Closes September 4th 

💼 Collaboratory Series Participant

Best value & highest impact

Designed for leaders who are ready to grow consistently and lead with intention, the full series experience goes beyond individual sessions to create lasting transformation. As a Series Participant, you’ll attend all 8 sessions while building momentum, accountability, and connection along the way.

Includes:

• Full access to 8 sessions from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Extended peer connection before and after each session
• Deeper discussion, expanded tools, and real-time implementation support
• A consistent network of fellow leaders growing alongside you
• The Leader Collaboratory Workbook

Ideal for leaders and teams who want lasting growth, stronger alignment, and a meaningful return on investment.

Investment: Chamber Members – $640 // Non-Members – $740

➡️The Leader Collaboratory of New Ulm: Session Breakdown

September 16 | The Confident Leader: From Intention to Influence

Topic: Foundational Leadership Skills
Focus: Great leadership starts from within. In this session, participants will build the foundation of confident, intentional leadership by learning to trust themselves, own their value, and lead with clarity. Through guided reflection and practical tools, leaders will identify their strengths, assess their current workplace culture, and uncover the internal barriers that may be holding them back. Walk away with a stronger sense of self, a clearer leadership approach, and the confidence to lead with purpose and influence.

Takeaway: Personal leadership audit, action steps to lead with intention and trust. 
Outcomes: Improved self-awareness, stronger leadership presence and influence, long-term mindset shift.

October 21 | The Motivation Mindset

Topic: Employee Motivation & Engagement
Focus: Learn what truly motivates today’s workforce and how to use simple, effective strategies to increase engagement. Discover how to connect individual drivers to team goals so employees feel seen, valued, and inspired to bring their best each day.

Takeaways: Personnel evaluation, motivation checklist, engagement conversation starters.
Outcomes: Boosted morale, improved productivity, better team connection.

November 18 | Building Trust Through Communication

Topic: Communication & Feedback
Focus: Build communication habits that foster clarity, trust, and growth. Learn how to give and receive feedback in ways that build connection instead of tension. Discover how intentional communication can boost team morale, reduce misunderstandings, and create a culture where people feel heard and valued.

Takeaways: Feedback script, communication clarity tool.
Outcomes: Better communication, stronger relationships, culture transformation.

December 16 | Lead Forward: Your 2027 Vision + Action Plan

Topic: Vision & Goal Setting
Focus: Step out of the daily grind and into intentional leadership. This interactive session is designed to help you reflect on where you are, clarify where you want to go, and create a focused, actionable plan for the year ahead. Through guided brainstorming and strategic prompts, you’ll define meaningful personal and professional goals—and, more importantly, map out how you will achieve them. Walk away with clarity, direction, and the confidence to lead your next chapter on purpose.

Takeaways: Personal & professional goal map, IMPACT planning tool.
Outcomes: Clear, aligned vision for the year ahead, confidence in how to lead, stronger follow-through on goals and priorities.

January 20 | Build a Culture People Want to Stay In

Topic: Building Team Culture
Focus: Explore the building blocks of a thriving workplace culture. Learn how to lead with values and shape an environment where people feel they belong and want to stay. Discover how small, intentional actions by leaders at every level can create a ripple effect that strengthens connection, trust, and team pride.

Takeaways: Culture audit tool, 4-week action plan.
Outcomes: Improved team morale, culture transformation, better retention.

February 17 | Difficult Conversations Made Doable

Topic: Conflict Resolution
Focus: Gain confidence navigating tough conversations and resolving tensions before they escalate. This session helps leaders approach conflict with curiosity instead of fear, using clear frameworks that promote honesty, respect, and resolution. You’ll learn how to address issues directly—without defensiveness—so your team can move forward with greater trust and collaboration. 

Takeaways: Conflict response plan, conversation frameworks.
Outcomes: Healthier communication, reduced tension, stronger team dynamics.

March 17 | Leading Through Change

Topic: Managing Change
Focus: Help teams navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Learn how to communicate change in ways that build buy-in and reduce resistance. You’ll explore the mindset and messaging leaders need to create stability in seasons of transition—and discover how to lead others with calm, clarity, and credibility. 

Takeaways: Change assessment, change styles tool.
Outcomes: Increased adaptability, reduced resistance, productive change management.

April 21 | Sustainable Leadership: Leading Without Burning Out

Topic: Leader Effectiveness & Energy Management
Focus: Leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you sustain it. In this session, participants will explore how to lead with consistency, clarity, and energy without sacrificing their well-being. Learn how to recognize early signs of burnout, set boundaries that support both you and your team, and build simple habits that create long-term leadership success. Walk away with a renewed sense of control, focus, and the tools to lead in a way that is both impactful and sustainable.

Takeaways: Personal energy & leadership sustainability audit, boundary-setting framework, leadership habits for consistency and focus.
Outcomes: Increased energy, focus, and leadership clarity, reduced burnout and reactive leadership patterns, stronger ability to lead self while leading others.

Click here for more information about the Leader Collaboratory!