Session 2 of Leadership Louisa centered on one of the most essential, and sometimes uncomfortable, aspects of leadership: giving and receiving feedback. Participants spent the day sharing personal experiences, reflecting on how feedback has shaped their growth, and learning how intentional communication can strengthen both individuals and organizations.
Feedback is a critical tool in leadership. It requires not only honesty, but self-awareness. Leaders must understand how they show up in their roles, how their actions impact others, and how open they are to learning from different perspectives. Through the guidance of the program and InnerWill, the class was encouraged to slow down and reflect on their strengths, blind spots, and the motivations that drive their actions. The session created space for thoughtful dialogue and meaningful personal insight.
This session was hosted at Everleigh Vineyards, nestled within the rolling hills of Louisa County and just a short drive from Lake Anna, Richmond, Charlottesville, and Fredericksburg. The beautiful and peaceful setting provided the perfect environment to pause, reflect, and engage in purposeful conversation about leadership.
A delicious lunch was generously sponsored by Dillard Alarm Company. President and CEO, Troy Dillard, provided a brief overview of Dillard Alarm and shared about his deep roots in Louisa County. He also spoke about his role as President of Lake Anna Rescue, highlighting the organization’s important service to the community. Lake Anna Rescue is one of the Community Action Project (CAP) partner organizations for the Leadership Louisa Class of 2025, offering participants the opportunity to support and strengthen a vital local nonprofit.
The class also heard from one guest speaker Chad Foster with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), a founding sponsor of Leadership Louisa and a participant in the Leadership Louisa Class of 2025. Chad shared insight into REC’s presence and impact in Louisa County, as well as his personal testimony about participating in the program. He spoke about the relationships formed, the leadership growth that comes from intentional engagement, and the lasting value of investing in yourself and your community. He reminded the class that Leadership Louisa is truly what you make of it, you must show up fully and put in the effort to receive the greatest benefit from the experience.
Our guest speakers also included a panel of representatives from Clark Technologies, a company with deep roots in Virginia and operations throughout both the eastern and western regions of the United States. The panel shared insight into Clark’s mission and vision, emphasizing their commitment to building strong, connected communities in the areas where they operate. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions about Clark’s leadership approach and how the company continues to support both the community and businesses in Louisa County. The panel emphasized that strong communities are built by individuals who are genuinely passionate about fostering meaningful connections and cultivating relationships that deepen trust and strengthen the community as a whole.
This session also marked an exciting milestone: participants learned which groups they were assigned to and which community organizations they will partner with for their Community Action Projects (CAP). These projects allow participants to apply what they are learning in real-world settings and make a tangible impact across Louisa County.
The day concluded with a tour of Everleigh Vineyards and its operations in Louisa County. Owner Barbara Evers, a member of the Leadership Louisa Class of 2024, shared her journey and vision for the vineyard. Her commitment to service and community engagement reflects her deep roots in leadership throughout Louisa County, and her example reinforced the very principles of intentional leadership discussed throughout the session.
Sessions like this demonstrate how businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders are interconnected through the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Louisa. These partnerships strengthen local organizations, foster meaningful relationships, and create opportunities for collaboration that benefit the entire community. Leadership Louisa continues to serve as a bridge — connecting business, service, and civic engagement in ways that build a stronger Louisa County.
Session 2 reminded us that growth begins with reflection, that feedback is a gift, and that the strongest leaders are those who remain open, grounded, and willing to learn — not just from success, but from each other.
