2024 Leadership Academy - Thursday, February 22 and Friday, February 23

Welcome Leadership Academy Class of 2024! 

Sure, some people are born leaders. But the truth is, most are made.

There’s a lot to being a leader. And Mainstreet Leadership Academy is here to help you on your leadership path.

Whether you want to advance as a REALTOR® volunteer, be a better leader in your community, or walk a different path requiring you to leverage your own strengths as well as those of others, the Leadership Academy is for you.

For the past six years, Mainstreet Leadership Academy has brought together national, regional and local speakers to help empower our Mainstreet Family. Some offer practical tips, others inspire you, but all will help you to see new opportunities and realize your potential.

So let’s get started on your future, better version of yourself, Mainstreet Leadership Academy 2024 student!

2:45-3:15 p.m. | It’s All About Communication, Ya’ll

Speaker: Mabél Guzmán

Our industry is facing unprecedented challenges. Class-action lawsuits. DOJ vs. NAR. Threats to our MLS system of cooperation and compensation. Consumers are reading about it, too. After all its faults and missteps, NAR is gearing up to fight back with new messaging and marketing. Here’s a sneak peek!

3:15-4 p.m. | Creating a Standout Value Prop

Speaker: Victoria Gillespie

In the competitive world of real estate, standing out is crucial, and it all begins with a unique value proposition. What elements are important in this process? How can you captivate potential customers turning them into committed clients, especially considering the recent shifts in the perception of the REALTOR® brand.

4-4:30 p.m. | Diffusing Diversity Throughout Mainstreet

Speakers: Leslie Levy & Kate Sax

DE&I. Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. What do these words mean in our society and association today? And more importantly, what are we doing to put actions behind the words – to match implementation with intention? Mainstreet’s top DE&I leaders have a candid discussion.

4:30-5 p.m. | Improv Comedy Can Help You Be a Better Leader

Speakers: Margaret Hicks & John Gormley

At some point in every leader’s journey, you come to the realization that you can’t do it alone. You’ll get way more accomplished through collaboration and teamwork. Improv comedy can teach us a lot about working with others. Yes, and!

5-7 p.m. | Off-site reception

Day 2 - Friday, February 23

8:30-9 a.m. | Breakfast

9-9:15 a.m. | What Did We Learn Yesterday? What’s Up Today?

Speakers: Brooke Hunt, Tim Ryan, & John Gormley

9:15-9:45 a.m. | How to Lead With Strength!

Speaker: Kim McCoy

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. But why waste time trying to shore up your weaknesses when it’s so much easier to just build on your strengths? StrengthsFinder unlocks your top five strengths. Once you know what they are, you can begin to really capitalize on them. Want to be a better version of yourself? Here’s how!

9:45-10:15 a.m. | Advocacy in Action: What It Means for You and Your Clients

Moderator: Brooke Hunt

Mainstreet’s local Government Affairs Directors, from the South to the North, talk about the issues that affect private-property rights and the cost of homeownership in Chicagoland and why you should care.

10:30-11 a.m. Illinois REALTORS: Your State Association Working for You

Speaker: Matt Silver

President of Illinois REALTORS® shares key initiatives, metrics and goals of your 50,000-member state association. You might be surprised just how effective, influential and powerful the Illinois REALTORS® family really is.

11-11:30 a.m. | Helpful Hacks for Landing Volunteer Roles

Speakers: Carrie Little & Tim Ryan

We know it’s confusing. The deadlines and processes for applying to local, state and national committees are different. And they keep changing. Hear from two local leaders who’ve made it to the big-time. They’ll share their secrets to help you pursue your volunteer dreams.

11:30 a.m.-noon | Mainstreet Allied Partners Panel

Moderator: Brooke Hunt

A big part of Mainstreet’s success in recent years has been its partnerships with multicultural organizations. ASARP, NAHREP, AREAA, The Alliance, Dearborn Realtist. Women’s Council. And now there’s a new one forming in Mainstreet’s back yard – you’ll have to attend to find out!

Noon-12:30 p.m. | Lunch

12:30-12:45 p.m. | Where Do We Go From Here?

Speakers: Brooke Hunt & Connie Vavra

After two half-days of thinking about what leadership means to you, what are some possible paths you might take? Double down on your real estate career, volunteer in your community, get involved in government? Perhaps it’s more than one path.

12:45-1 p.m. | Closing Comments: What Were Your Ah-ha! Moments?

Speakers: Brooke Hunt, Tim Ryan, John Gormley & Connie Vavra

Moderator

Speakers