2026 Watauga Leadership Institute Week 2: Lead Yourself, Authenticity
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 2 programming, building on the momentum from the Kickoff Retreat and focusing on self-leadership and authentic leadership practices.
The day began with the Challenge Cohort session, “What Does It Mean to Lead Yourself?” led by Dr. Jim Street where participants explored self-awareness, personal values, and how these foundations inform effective leadership. Participants then traveled to local organizations to learn directly from leaders in action:
Stop 1: Hampton Inn
When Self-Awareness and Boundaries Meet from Alan Rasmussen, LCMHCA, Owner of It Can Start Here
Stop 2: Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services
Learning to Lead, then Learning to Lead Again from Chuck Eyler, President, Southeast Mountains Branch
Stop 3: The Care Collective
Holistic Leadership from Megan Ward, Owner
Back at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, the Development cohort participated in a discussion on authenticity in leadership, emphasizing alignment between values, actions, and impact.
"In the Development cohort today, we are talking about understanding leadership," said Street. "The goal is for each person to define leadership for themselves—that is the essence of authentic leadership. It's about being true to your values, and leading from those values."
Thank you to F.A.R.M. Cafe and Chick-fil-A for providing lunches during the day!
The Watauga Leadership Institute is a program of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, reinforcing a commitment to workforce developme and long-term community impact. The Institute is made possible through its sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, SkyLine/SkyBest, LifeStore Bank and Insurance, and Carolina West Wireless.