Leadership Retreat 

Leadership South County Class VI Kicks Off with Transformative Retreat 

The South County Chambers of Commerce is thrilled to kick off another year of leadership development with Class VI of Leadership South County. This remarkable group of 19 participants embarks on a transformative journey spanning the next ten months—a program designed to challenge, inspire, and empower our region's future leaders. 

Led by the expert facilitators at CultureStoke and Bee Kind Consulting Co., Leadership South County is more than just a program—it’s an investment in the future of our community. Each year, participants dive deep into critical topics affecting our region, forging connections and building skills that will leave a legacy for years to come. 

The South County Chambers of Commerce proudly launched the Leadership South County Class VI program with an immersive two-day retreat in Santa Margarita on February 8-9, 2025. Designed and led by Marty Imes and Wes Love of CultureStoke, this retreat set the foundation for a year of leadership development, collaboration, and personal growth. 

A Diverse Cohort of Future Leaders 

This year’s class is made up of 19 professionals from a wide range of industries, including small business owners, public employees, nonprofit leaders, and executive management. By bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, Leadership South County fosters a unique environment where participants can learn from one another, expand their perspectives, and build meaningful connections. 

Unplugging to Focus on Leadership Growth 

The retreat followed CultureStoke’s "Me, We, Community" curriculum, which challenges participants to reflect on their personal leadership styles, explore how past experiences shape their professional lives, and develop tools to lead with intention. 

By stepping away from their daily routines and unplugging from digital distractions, participants leaned into vulnerable and insightful conversations, helping to establish trust and camaraderie among classmates. The serene setting of Santa Margarita provided the perfect backdrop for deep reflection, long walks without worrying about time, and moments of recharging. 

A Warm Welcome and Unforgettable Hospitality 

The weekend began with an inspiring welcome message from South County Chambers of Commerce CEO Jeff Chambers, setting the stage for a retreat filled with meaningful discussions and self-discovery. 

A significant highlight of the retreat was the exceptional hospitality provided by Jocelyn Brennan of HRM Corp, with culinary expert Jay Peet crafting delicious meals that brought the group together around the table. The act of sharing meals and conversation helped strengthen relationships and reinforce the program’s emphasis on collaboration and community. 

Additionally, CultureStoke’s Ligia Zavala and South County Chambers Board Director Anthony Salas played a crucial role in making the weekend a success, serving as the hospitality team to ensure everything ran smoothly. 

What’s Next for Leadership South County Class VI? 

This retreat is just the beginning. Over the next nine months, participants will engage in monthly Leadership Development Days, featuring: 

• Interactive workshops on effective communication, performance management, and leading through change 

• Behind-the-scenes tours of key industries and community sectors in South County 

• Panel discussions with local leaders in business, government, arts, and environmental sustainability 

• Opportunities to collaborate on real-world challenges and civic initiatives 

By the end of the program, participants will emerge as stronger, more confident leaders, equipped with the skills and networks needed to drive meaningful impact in their organizations and the broader community. 

Join the Next Leadership South County Class! 

If you're passionate about leadership, personal growth, and making a difference in South County, we invite you to learn more about the Leadership South County program! 

Interested in joining next year’s class? Contact us at leadership@southcountychambers.com for more details on applications. 

Know someone who would be a great fit? Nominate a colleague or friend and help shape the future of leadership in our community. 

We can’t wait to see the incredible journey ahead for Leadership South County Class VI—stay tuned for updates on their progress throughout the year! 

Created, edited and formatted for the web by Rebecca Briggs Baker