Start Date: 2/24/2026 8:00 AM MST
End Date: 11/4/2026 3:00 PM MST
Location:
CO United States
Organization Name:
Independent Community Bankers of Colorado
Contact:
2026 ICBC LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
A UNIQUE HYBRID LEADERSHIP & CAREER DEVELOPMENT LEARNING EXPERIENCE!
What enables your team to succeed has far less to do with technical knowledge and much more to do with the professional poise they possess – skills such as self-awareness, project management, powerful conversations, team building, customer care and most important, authentic leadership.
This program has been developed to provide the skills training required to enable your team to become confident and professional representatives. This program can be the keystone that will assist them in moving into a management role or be stronger in their current position.
To accommodate busy schedules and travel constraints, the Leadership Development Program (LDP) combines in-person sessions with virtual sessions via Zoom. Virtual sessions will be 60 minutes and will occur from 10 –11 a.m. on select second Wednesdays of the month. In-person sessions will vary in length based on session topic and may include an overnight stay. The Leadership Conference will be a Thursday-Friday event at the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs to encourage families to join.
For specific dates and times, refer to the Session Highlights.
BANK CENTRIC PROJECT
Participants will be randomly assigned to a bank centric challenge group. Each group will be provided with a mentor to act as a sounding board and provide guidance as needed. The groups will present their methodology, research and recommendation at the graduation session. Groups will be provided with scheduled times to collaborate and may choose additional times to work together.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
The LDP is an excellent preparatory program for mid-level bank staff wishing to advance their careers. This is a program designed for those who aspire to broaden their understanding of the key success elements required to contribute to a successful banking organization. Consider sending two or more team members to strengthen your bank’s team.
PARTICIPANTS WILL GRADUATE KNOWING:
- core concepts of leadership and management;
- impact of advocacy in creating positive legislation;
- principles of project management;
- relationship-building through interpersonal communication;
- conflict resolution strategies;
- and how to think, plan and execute bank initiatives.
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
#1 Your Role in the Legislative Process (IN PERSON)
Banking is a competitive, ever-changing and challenging industry. Consumers are not as discerning as they could be and are likely unaware of the differences between regional and community banks, credit unions and banks and banks and fintech companies. Therefore, it’s critical that participants understand how the legislative process works and what role they play in creating a level playing field for community banks to best serve their customers. Join us for a dynamic day at the Capitol complete with a group tour! Start the day out with an overview of the ins and outs of state government presented by a member of the Legislative Council. Meet with ICBC’s seasoned lobbyist to discover how to advocate in person and by email. Top off the day by meeting with legislators and hearing from them on how best to engage.
Past participants rate this session, “an absolute not-to-be missed opportunity.”
DATE: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
TIME: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION: State Capitol Building
#2 Don’t Act Like a Leader, Be a Leader (VIRTUAL via Zoom)
This transformative experience challenges the outdated notion that leadership is about performance and posturing. Instead, it invites participants to embrace authenticity, vulnerability, and service as the true qualities of leadership. Through honest insights, engaging storytelling, and practical frameworks, Larry helps participants confront insecurities, isolation, and expectations that often cause us to "act" like leaders while providing a clear path to becoming one. This course will transform your mindset, increase your impact, and enable you to lead with purpose.
PRESENTER: Larry Williams, CEO, ExecutiveSense Consulting
DATE: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
LOCATION: Via Zoom
#3: The Challenge of Managing Projects and People/Project Connect (IN PERSON)
Managing projects and people is both an art and a science. Understanding the difference between process and task, roles and responsibilities and navigating the stress of leadership are critical keys to success. The concepts presented are simple. Implementing and consistently practicing the concepts is not. This session will provide participants with skills that they will use during the program to build their teams and meet their assigned bank-centric challenge head on!
PRESENTERS: Chris Myers, CEO, B:Side Capital and Author of the b:side way; CJ Juleff, CEO, CJ Juleff & Associates
DATE: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Lunch and breaks provided)
LOCATION: Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Denver Branch, 1020 16th Street, Denver
#4 Radical Collaboration (VIRTUAL via Zoom)
This session will help participants integrate essential skills for building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships and environments. Discover what’s standing in the way of productive and positive engagement. This workshop is built on and deepens the concepts described in the book "Radical Collaboration." The principles are applicable in both work and interpersonal relationships creating increased engagement, openness, accountability, awareness, and conflict resolution skills in all relationships.
PRESENTER: Noelle Oberg, licensed practitioner to facilitate The Human Element and Radical Collaboration
DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Via Zoom
#5 Leadership Conference (IN PERSON)
This conference will be a mid-way celebration and will include opportunities for fun for the whole family. This 2-day multi-topic conference will cover a variety of essential skills such principles of effective presentations and public speaking, stages of conflict and conflict resolution styles, and how personality preferences impact professional relationships. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with their project team to continue mastering their bank centric challenge. The conference is scheduled to be held at The Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park in Colorado Springs so families can join!
DATE: Thursday and Friday, June 25 & 26, 2026
TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday; 8:30 a.m. – 12noon on Friday
LOCATION: The Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park, 9494 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs
#6 Challenge Connect (VIRTUAL via Zoom)
During the month of July, participants will be encouraged to meet with their team, on their own, to work on their bank centric challenge. ICBC is available to assist participants with scheduling meet ups.
#7 Powerful Conversations and Connections (VIRTUAL via Zoom)
Communication is critical to the success of bank leaders and their organizations. Developing solid and positive relationships internally and externally is based on one’s ability to listen with curiosity. Cultivating connections is another key skill that many people avoid because of their own fears of rejection or perceived lack of skill. It’s paramount that bank leaders be able to connect with customers, industry leaders, community leaders and thought leaders both in person and via social media.
PRESENTER: CJ Juleff, CEO, CJ Juleff & Associates
DATE: Wednesday, August 12
TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Via Zoom
#8 ICBC’s 53rd Annual Convention* (IN PERSON)
ICBC’s Annual Convention is a dynamic opportunity to meet fellow bankers from across the state, learn from industry experts, attend ICBC's annual membership meeting, connect with vendors and discover the camaraderie of community banking. Registration fees for the convention will be waived for 2026 Leadership Development Program Participants. ICBC will register individuals who choose to attend. Participants are responsible for booking and paying for their travel and lodging.
DATE: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Friday, September 18, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION: The Hythe, 715 Lionshead Circle, Vail, Colorado
#9 Building a Personal Brand (VIRTUAL via Zoom)
What is your bank’s brand? Is it clearly defined? Does it speak to the community? Can it bring in new customers? What’s your role in establishing a quality brand for the bank? What’s your personal brand? Does your personal brand and the bank’s brand complement one another? Marketing the bank and marketing yourself require similar strategies.
PRESENTER: Chris Bates, CEO, Agora Eversole
DATE: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (NOTE additional 30 minutes)
LOCATION: Via Zoom
#10 Challenge Presentations and Graduation Celebration (IN PERSON)
The final session combines dynamic team presentations with a well-deserved celebration. Teams will have time to finalize their challenge presentations and then will take center stage. Teams will have 40 minutes to introduce their projects, share their collaborative strategies and provide their recommendations. Mentors will provide their perspectives of the team’s journey. Lunch will follow the presentations and include a graduation celebration. Note: Participants are encouraged to invite a spouse and a bank CEO or manager to join the celebration.
DATE: Wednesday, November 4
TIME: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION: TBD
COST
ICBC Members: $1,750 first registrant; $1,500 each additional registrant
Registration deadline: February 19, 2025. Written cancellation must be received in the ICBC office by Friday, February 14, 2025, and will be subject to a $150 cancellation fee. NO REFUNDS will be granted after Friday, February 14, 2025; however, a substitute may attend. ICBC reserves the right to cancel any program for which there is insufficient funds to cover the expense of the program. In the event of cancellation by ICBC you will be notified by either phone or email. Prepaid registration fees will be refunded.
Special Requests
If you have a dietary restriction, please let Maelynn Lewis, mlewis@icbcolo.org or 720.607.7937 know at your earliest convenience. Persons with disabilities who plan to attend and who may need auxiliary aids or services are requested to contact Maelynn Lewis, mlewis@icbcolo.org or 720.607.7937 at least 7 days in advance of events so appropriate arrangements can be made.
