Program Overview & Purpose:

Leadership Livingston is an annual leadership development experience that runs from October through May, focused on cultivating civic-minded leaders throughout the Greater Livingston region. The program equips participants with a deeper understanding of the institutions, sectors, and systems that shape the community’s quality of life. Through a broad range of leadership topics, participants enhance both their personal and professional skills. The program delivers lasting value not only to the individuals involved, but also to their employers and the broader community.

Participant Benefits:

Participants attend full-day sessions once a month over the course of six months. Each workshop is designed to strengthen leadership capabilities while providing an insider’s look at the people and places that power the region. Sessions include guided community tours and opportunities to engage with leaders from local industries, government, and nonprofits. Topics include leadership strengths, diversity and inclusion, natural resources, education, workforce development, public services, and more. Graduates walk away with a clearer understanding of how economic development, community well-being, and civic engagement intersect to shape the region’s future.

Ideal Candidates:

Leadership Livingston welcomes both established and emerging leaders who are eager to make a meaningful impact in their community. Ideal candidates have a demonstrated commitment to community involvement—or a strong interest in getting involved. The program strives for a diverse cohort, drawing participants from a wide range of industries and sectors including education, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government, arts, nonprofits, and beyond.

Employer Benefits:

Employers who support their team members in participating show a strong commitment to both employee growth and community investment. In addition to enhancing their team’s leadership abilities, sponsoring organizations are recognized as forward-thinking employers who value talent development and regional progress.

Program Content:

Each month, participants will come together for interactive sessions that focus on developing leadership skills through shared experiences, insights from local leaders, and expert guidance from the program facilitator. The curriculum includes self-assessment tools like StrengthsFinder and DiSC to foster greater self-awareness. Participants will also explore topics such as effective time management, personal renewal, and strategies for building positive organizational culture. Other key areas of focus include employee engagement, conflict resolution, coaching techniques, active listening, assertive communication, mentoring, and delegation. These sessions are designed to provide practical tools that participants can apply immediately in both professional and community leadership roles.

Program Facilitator: Caryn Bedford, SPHR, CPC

Caryn Bedford brings over 25 years of expertise in leadership and career development. As the founder of her own consulting practice, she supports a diverse range of organizations with human resources consulting, training, and professional coaching. Caryn’s leadership background spans roles in a statewide insurance association, a multi-state vocational rehabilitation agency, a municipal retirement organization, and a public university’s career services department.

She holds a master’s degree in university administration with a focus on career development from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Michigan University. In addition, she is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and holds certifications in DiSC and The 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team. Caryn has also earned a certificate in leadership from the University of Michigan, further reinforcing her expertise in developing tomorrow’s leaders.

Questions? Please contact the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce at 810.227.5086.