With Class 55, the California Agricultural Leadership Program continues to evolve its structure, seminars, and learning tactics to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The first seminar for Class 55 reminded us that leadership is both an inward and outward journey. It will be a journey that builds connection, expands our perspectives, and inspires us to become the leaders we were meant to be to meet this moment of need in our industry and our communities.
“Leadership begins with self; you can’t give what you don’t have.” -Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, Dean, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
On a warm Fresno day in early October, twenty-four names were called to begin a shared journey. There was a quiet sense of anticipation and excitement in the air as we shook hands, exchanged introductions, and posed for headshots and a group photo. Then we took our first steps together, feeling a sense of pre-game jitters. We were all uncertain of where this path would lead, but already felt its pressure and promise.
Greeting us at the threshold of this experience was Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, who warmly welcomed us and began with an excellent narrative tour of Jordan College’s innovation in the field. He described his own leadership journey, and left us with profound advice: “Sometimes, if you care about an organization, you should be prepared to step into a leadership role- whether you feel ready to or not.”
Where is Class 55 headed on our leadership journey?
Our first day at Fresno State focused on how California Agricultural Leadership Program anchors our leadership journey in three interconnected concepts: the diamond model, stretch zone, and surroundership.
Dr. Peggy Perry (Class 9) provided us with an example of the diamond model in action and how we will move from current reality into future reality through both being and doing. The movement between current and future reality will require us to pass through the center of the diamond with love, trust, and courage.
Dr. Dane White led the class in a series of light-hearted exercises to demonstrate the ”Stretch Zone”, the balanced middle between comfort and panic. The stretch zone embraces discomfort as a catalyst for growth because true transformation cannot happen while in the comfort zone.
To demonstrate the concept of surroundership, Ms. Judy Sparacino (HF) facilitated an exercise requiring Cohort members to ”step-in” to the circle if a particular life experience was relevant to them. Surroundership, built on the five key tenants of curating diversity, fostering psychological safety, seeking constructive dissent, being comfortable with discomfort, and continuously paying attention will keep us grounded in the support of our fellow travelers turning this leadership journey.
Leading Authentically
The class also learned about leading authentically under the guidance of Sandy Klein, who helped us explore what qualities anchor us and how we can bring our best selves forward when adversity stretches us. As Sandy reminded us, “plastic flowers don’t grow.” We identified our aspirational virtues; the parts of ourselves we want to strengthen and make visible in our actions. As we reflected on the seminar later, we chose a virtue we hoped to embody during the program and promised to look for it in each other.
Strengthscope
Building on that foundation, Dr. Erin Gorter (Class 50) and Manpreet Bains (Class 43) led us through our Strengthscope profiles, helping us identify our “Significant Seven” strengths, the traits that energize and sustain us. Many of us found that our greatest insights came not from learning what we were best at, but from recognizing how those same strengths can work against us if overused. We considered that authentic leadership requires an understanding of where we draw energy from, where we expend it, and how we can lean on others whose strengths complement our own, “lesser strengths.”
Leadership and Self-Deception
Finally, Dr. Amanda Crump guided us as we looked inwards, through an analysis of the Arbinger Institute’s Leadership and Self-Deception. This session challenged us to confront the subtle ways an inward mindset can cloud our relationships and limit our growth. We explored specific examples from our professional and personal lives to diagnose breakable cycles of misperception. It was humbling at times to see our own cycles and behaviors reflected back through others’ eyes, but also empowering to see them named and defined.
Inauguration
The award ceremony and Class 55 inaugural reception were both humbling and inspiring. Walking through the threshold and across the stage in front of hundreds of alumni and industry leaders, we could feel the warmth and support of the Ag Leadership family surrounding us. Many of them reminded us that transformation is not easy. Pressure and discomfort are part of the process of growing in this program, but we will not be walking this path alone. From here we will continue to connect, collaborate and follow-up, ensuring no one is left behind as we start on this road together.
Looking Forward
Reflecting on our experience, we were awestruck and internally grateful for how much care and intentionality went into the creation of this inaugural seminar, and by how deeply open, authentic and warm the CALP core faculty and guest speakers were. After meeting the foundation staff, core faculty, volunteers and our fellow members of Class 55, we can already see that metaphor taking shape. Each of us is a diamond, carrying a unique story into this first chapter.
With fellows who represent every facet of agriculture—from field crops and water management to organic certification, winegrapes, and policyadvocacy—Class 55 has already begun practicing the learnings of the diamond model, stretching, and surroundership. On our last day together, several noted this commitment through themes of family, whether at home or within their organizations, recognizing that people matter, and that transformation begins within. We have only just begun to feel the intense pressure that will transform each of us, yet we are already reflecting one another’s brilliance. Class 55 leaves this first seminar inspired, grounded, and ready to put learning into action with each of us beginning to shine more brightly for the benefit of the industry we love. Together, we carry home the seeds of transformation and reminders to lead with authenticity, courage, and connection as we work to elevate California agriculture
“Here’s my advice for Class 55: buckle up!” -Bart Fisher (Class 5), 2025 Lifetime Leadership Award Recipient
