With the next Essential Class application deadline looming (Monday, June 15th), and the final recruiting reception scheduled for this Wednesday evening at Whole Foods I thought it only appropriate that I write a little bit about my experience as a member of the 2009 Leadership Austin Essential class.

Before being accepted into the class last year, which is sort of like applying to college (Big fat envelope = good, skinny envelope = bad. I should know I've received both kinds), I had heard consistently incredible things about the program. I was actually a little aprehensive after being accepted, because it had been positioned as such a great thing by several people that I have a whole lot of respect for. My concern was that this would be like a good movie that gets a lot of buzz and great reviews and everyone tells you that you just have to go see it. Then you end up being let down because it's been so built up. That was my fear going in, and fortunately that fear was never realized.

I'm not going to talk a whole lot about what actually happens in the class because the discovery of that is half the fun. Besides most of the experiences just can't be described. For those who know, no explanation is needed; for those who don't, no explanation is possible. You just have to trust that after doing this for 30 consecutive years Leadership Austin does darn near everything just right. In a nutshell though all of the activities are designed to help in three areas: Relationships, Issues and Skills.

For me the most amazing part of Leadership Austin is the quality of people they attract, and the impressive job they do in their selection process. It is an unbelievably humbling experience the first time you read through the bios of your fellow classmates. Perhaps more incredibly is that they've selected 30 classes like ours and the things Leadership Austin alumni go on to do afterwards is nothing short of awe inspiring.

The thing that absolutely makes the class is the quality of people. Hands down. The diversity of the class  is truly amazing, and I'm not even talking about the ethnic, age or socioeconomic type of diversity either (although they do a great job with that as well). I'm talking about the diversity of experience and interest. One of my biggest learnings from our whole class experience is the way we as individuals tend to live in silos. If you're a professional you may know lots of folks in the professional world, in your industry, and those who share similar interest and hobbies (think kids or running for example). However, there are so many of these different broad silos. Business, healthcare, education, government, arts, etc. etc., and often times there's not a lot of cross polination. Leadership Austin brings them ALL together. Out of our class of 54 people there's almost nothing, no matter how obscure, that somebody in just our class had some type of connection to. I can't think of another organization that brings this diversity of talent and leadership together into a single place, and has such a significant and lasting impact on all of them.

When Leadership Austin says "Igniting Passion," they're really not kidding. Certainly some of the reason I decided to leave a really good corporate job and go back to NetworkInAustin full time was because of what I learned and experienced through Leadership Austin. There are other word for it, but my passion was ignited for sure!

So here's the point. I can't endorse an organization more than I do Leadership Austin. They offer a huge range of programs that are all impressive. The flagship Essential class is a major committment, and is not for everyone, and if you're ready I highly encourage you to apply. Leadership Austin needs you, and you need Leadership Austin. They also have an Emerge program for budding leaders. This is a smaller committment, and a very valuable program for the right individuals. You can also get involved through Experience Austin or their Engage breakfast series which don't have a selection process to get into.

If you haven't already download an application now and RSVP for the Recruiting Reception on Wednesday: www.LeadershipAustin.org

Are you a Leadership Austin Alumni? I'd love to hear your thoughts on your experience. Comment away!

Happy Networking!

-Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com