The Food Systems Leadership Institute (FSLI) offers leadership development to upper-level leaders in higher education, government, and industry to prepare them to meet the leadership challenges and opportunities of the future. The FSLI experience develops or reinforces a series of core leadership competencies identified by a team of top-level leaders including university presidents and chancellors and leaders from industry and the non-profit sector who understand the requirements of food systems leadership.

FSLI leadership development is driven by three objectives:

    -Enhance individual leadership performance, to improve the effectiveness of the individual in any leadership role;

    -Develop skills and knowledge required to lead organizational change, in one’s own organization as well as larger systems; and

    -Broaden food systems perspectives, to provide a vision for change toward broader, more interdisciplinary and collaborative food systems.

The two-year FSLI experience includes three week-long residential sessions, personal leadership coaching, mentoring, individual leadership projects, personal devlopment plan and distance learning activities.  Upon completion of the program, FSLI Fellows will be able to achieve a series of leadership and food system goals.

Who Should Attend -- The FSLI is designed for experienced leaders. Our Fellows include leaders from various sectors, including education, industry, and government. Participant’s titles include program or division directors, provosts/vice presidents, experienced department heads/chairs, deans and associate deans, and others working in leadership of administrative capacities.

Residential Sessions- The FSLI hosts three week-long residential sessions that weave together the program objectives using case studies, simulations, conversations with leaders and subject-matter experts, and other executive-education styled learning. The residential sessions are intensive, maximize the valuable time of the participants, but they also include opportunities for networking and team-building among the Fellows. Sessions are hosted by FSLI partner institutions: North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

A series of leadership assessment instruments are incorporated into the sessions, including a “360 assessment” and other research-based instruments that enhance the leader’s self understanding and performance. A personal development plan is developed with input from the Fellow’s mentor and personal leadership coach.

Personal Leadership Coaching Sessions- All FSLI Fellows have regular access to an experienced executive coach who is certified in all the leadership instruments they complete and discuss during the residential sessions. Coaching provides Fellows with individualized, one-on-one attention and the opportunity to discuss their strengths, weaknesses, or leadership challenges with a trained, confidential advisor.
 

Mentoring- Mentoring is a vital part of leadership development. Each FSLI fellow will work with one or more mentors who can assist with the development of particular leadership goals, objectives, and skills. The mentoring portion of the FSLI provides fellows with ongoing expert guidance in the development of specific skills, the opportunity to gain exposure to higher level administrative responsibilities or strategic functions, and the chance to build a relationship with another dynamic professional. The mentor may also participate in the design and implementation of the Fellow’s individual leadership project.


Leadership Projects- Each Fellow will undertake an individual leadership project that has direct relevance to their professional careers and ambitions. Projects are an opportunity for Fellows to take ownership of their leadership development experience by designing a project that fits their personal goals and objectives. Projects may incorporate personal leadership, organizational change, and food systems components, based upon the interests of the Fellow. FSLI staff encourages Fellows to work with their Mentors, Leadership Coach, other Fellows, and others to make their project a robust learning experience and an opportunity to demonstrate professional growth.  Some example projects can be viewed here.

Personal Development Plans (PDP)– During the first residential session each Fellow will begin creation of an PDP which identifies personal goals and activities they wish to pursue. The PDP is a dynamic document that Fellows may change and update as ideas and skills are discussed and practiced over the course of the FSLI experience.

Distance Learning- Between residential sessions conference calls are scheduled to include a variety of speakers and topics dedicated to leadership, organizations, and food systems. Fellows are asked to participate on two calls per session, however it is expected that the topics and speakers will lead to Fellows participating in more than the minimum required calls.  

Optional Activities- FSLI Fellows will be invited to a number of meetings or conferences, including the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Annual Meeting and the W.K. Kellogg Food and Society Networking Conference. Additional opportunities may be identified during the course of the FSLI experience.