Graduates Celebrate New Leadership Path

The Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn hosted a special ceremony where 23 new leaders received their plaques. Among them was the chamber’s president, Andrea Fulks, who praised the program for its strong turnout and meaningful impact. She joined the course to learn what future participants experience, so she could improve the next cohort. H. A. Y. D. E. N. stands for Harnessing Your Strengths, Achieving Effective Communication, Yearning for Innovation, Driving Results Through People, Elevating Your Leadership, and Navigating Difficult Conversations. Fulks worked with local consultant Michael Wolsten to design this six‑month curriculum that blends classroom learning with real‑world projects. Each session tackles a key leadership skill and invites community figures to share insights.Fulks had previously attended a different leadership class in 2019 but felt the new program offered deeper focus on leading rather than just visiting businesses. She wanted participants to revisit overlooked skills and apply them directly to their work. Waste Management’s operations manager, Chelsea Warrington, also took part and was elected class president. In her new role she aimed to strengthen relationships, connect with the community, and grow as a leader. The course helped her recognize her strengths—people‑care, data analysis, and system building—and highlighted the need to improve in tough conversations. She learned that challenging talks can be handled with care and growth mindset. Wolsten noted Warrington’s transformation from a nervous speaker to confident leader. He praised the program’s success, citing positive feedback and stronger networking among participants. The next H. A. Y. D. E. N. cohort will begin in October, accepting only 30 people. For details, visit www. haydenchamber. org or call 208‑762‑1185.