2026 Watauga Leadership Institute Week 4: Winning Teams
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 4 programming on Thursday, March 5, building on the momentum from the Week 3 focusing on Understanding Community and Thyself.
The Challenge Cohort began with the session, “Dr. Street Takes Us Down Other Roads” led by Dr. Jim Street. Thus far, the cohort has leaned into understanding themselves. Now, they begin to discuss leading others.
Stop 1 - Community Banks: The Center of It All
Hal Hood, Watauga Market President - Lifestore Bank
Hal’s journey may appear to be typical (raised in Boone and went to App State) but his Boonerang experience is unique. Coming back to the area from NYC proved challenging and he transitioned careers from hospitality to banking. He is now part of the heavily community focused team at Lifestore, and the cohort learned more about this journey, the team, and the community approach he and his colleagues use in their daily work.
Stop 2 - WYN: Consistency & Evolution for Our Youth
Jennifer Warren, Executive Director - Western Youth Network
The strength of WYN is the passion and commitment shown by each member of the WYN family: volunteer, board member, donor and staff person. The organization is united in the belief that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and the cohort is invited to work together to “raise a community!
Stop 3 - There's No Such Thing As Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen
Tina Houston, Owner/Founder Reid’s Cafe & Catering | Betty’s Biscuits | The Beacon | Pearl’s Kitchen
“If you want something done, ask someone who is busy.” The cohort learned from Tina, who embodies this while focusing on impacting her community and elevating her staff to be the best team they can be.
Back at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce office, the Development cohort gathered for a full day centered on one of the most essential skills in a leader's toolkit: coaching your people. The day opened with the group's signature 'What's Different' reflection before exploring the distinction between leading and coaching and whether the two are truly separate at all. Just as a great coach knows when to push, when to encourage, and when to simply get out of the way, the group unpacked the practical frameworks that make those judgment calls possible.
"Today is the three for one special," said Dr. Jim Street. "The group learns a new skill, coaching, they get free coaching, and get to work toward goals that are personal or professional, and the cohort develops a stronger sense of community by having these conversations."
The afternoon shifted into what the agenda aptly called Locker Room Talks, examining how communication sits at the core of effective coaching. From navigating critical conversations with your team to building a feedback loop for yourself as a leader, the cohort worked through the kinds of discussions that bring out the best in the people around you. The day closed with a reminder as the curriculum deepens: do not forget the strengths you already bring to the table. Facilitated by Dr. Street of Ridgeline Leadership, it was another session that left the group with both tools and perspective to carry forward.
Taco... Thursday! Thank you to Coyote Kitchen and Los Arcoiris for providing lunches.
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.