Developing
the Future of Industry Leadership
By Nicole Beal

In just
four short years, ARDA LEAPS has built a reputation for being the industry’s
top leadership development program. The mission statement of LEAPS is: “To
develop and educate through a well-rounded and multi-faceted curriculum, future
leaders committed to serving ARDA and the shared vacation ownership industry.”
The program has evolved through each
year of its existence, and the possibilities for what a participant can do with
the experience are endless. A variety of
skill-building activities and experiences offer mutually beneficial rewards to
both the individual and his/her organization and then the industry overall.
Graduates of the program have
created results that speak for themselves, using their unique projects, fresh
ideas and inspiration to fuel change in a variety of sectors throughout
vacation ownership.
An individual’s leadership
attributes are developed and enhanced in this program through working with
other industry up-and-comers to create the future of ARDA. While everyone comes
to the program with their own expertise, working together provides a glimpse
into each division of timeshare and vacation ownership. At every turn, the LEAPS
program immerses the participant in thoughtful and rich representations of the
industry.
With this knowledge and leadership
comes progression from the LEAPS participants. They are given tools that allow
them to unleash previously untapped potential within their organizations and
throughout the broader industry. Participants have secured elevated positions
and promotions as a result of their participation, while their organizations
have realized the benefit of expanded education and training, fresh ideas, and
renewed motivation as an outcome of the program. Progression as an after-effect
of LEAPS is felt at an individual, organizational and even industry-wide level.
Serving on committees, speaking at
ARDA World and regional conferences, contributing to industry publications,
hosting webinars, and promoting groups such as WIN and TIYP are just some of
the ways that LEAPS participants and graduates can serve.
For more information about the
program, please contact Darla Zanini, RRP, EVP of the AIF (dzanini@arda.org) or
see www.arda.org/leaps. Perhaps you could be selected for next year’s class!
See the full story here!