Empowering Outstanding Young Leaders to Elevate Their Success.
CLIMB (Chamber Leadership Initiative: Mentoring for Business) is a comprehensive nine-month program that fosters inclusive leadership skills, enhances business acumen and innovation, and cultivates personal and professional growth, empowering young professionals to ascend to new heights of leadership and success in their organizations and communities.
Program Pillars
Industry Immersion:
- What: Explore businesses and industries crucial to the Greater Rochester economy, gaining invaluable insights into their operations.
- Why: Understand the interconnectedness of different industries and bolster your business acumen for strategic decision-making.
- How: Embark on tours of diverse businesses and learn from industry leaders who will share their insights during engaging panel discussions.
Innovative Thinking Workshops:
- What: Participate in workshops to ignite curiosity, foster collaboration, and encourage entrepreneurial thinking.
- Why: Learn to harness new technologies and creative problem-solving techniques effectively.
- How: Embrace experiential learning to navigate potential pitfalls and drive innovation positively.
Personal and Professional Development:
- What: Dedicated sessions to self-awareness and emotional intelligence, honing your communication and leadership skills.
- Why: Understand your unique strengths and characteristics to lead effectively.
- How: Learn strategies for effective communication, collaboration, and self-management.
One-to-One Mentoring:
- What: Engage in meaningful dialogues with experienced mentors to tackle specific leadership challenges.
- Why: Gain invaluable insights, experiences, and advice tailored to your needs.
- How: Receive guidance and innovative perspectives to navigate complex situations successfully.
Learning Objectives
- Gain Practical Industry Insights and Business Acumen
- Enhance Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving
- Strengthen Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
- Develop Inclusive Leadership Skills
“Through the CLIMB program, I was given a more realistic gauge of my strengths and weaknesses. I was able to see how other leaders in the community handle and tackle their companies, especially in adverse circumstances, all with differing and unique styles. I have since been able to adapt my style and tried new tactics of leading and managing.”
Chelsea Conway, CEO, Beam Mack Sales & Service (CLIMB '17-18)
(Former Greater Rochester Chamber FLAC Co-Chair, 2021 Greater Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award Finalist)
“Through the CLIMB Program, I learned a lot about myself and how I can become a better leader. I also enoyed the great networking with my peers to get an understanding of opportunities and challenges that young leaders are facing in the workplace. This program was valuable to bring a group of peers together and build actual relationships.”
Brandon Underwood, Buyer/Employee Owner, Once Again Nut Butter (CLIMB '21-22)
"It was a privilege to go through the CLIMB Program! Met really amazing peers, learned about really great Rochester businesses and programs, had direct access to thought-leaders and entrepreneurs, and gained perspective and resources as to how to be a better leader and colleague. At certain points, it pushed me outside of my comfort zone, which was challenging but welcomed. Would definitely recommend!"
Mary Nicholas, Senior Product Marketing Manager, GreenSpark Solar (CLIMB '21-22)
Are you ready to CLIMB?
The CLIMB program accepts motivated young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 in the Greater Rochester region who share a common desire to enhance their leadership skills, expand their networks, and make meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities.
Do you or a young leader you know display the qualities of:
Leadership
Curiosity
Resilience
Integrity
Impact
Applications Opens: Monday, May 13
Application Closes: Wednesday, July 31
The CLIMB Program has a tuition of $2,250 for Greater Rochester Chamber members and $2,950 for non-members. Financial assistance is available. For more information, please contact CLIMB@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.
For questions, email CLIMB@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.