Do you want to develop your leadership skills, get insights into your personality and learn how to make an impact in your local chamber? Then you must sign up for JCI UK's premier personal development event of the year - the LEAP academy on 30 August to 1 September. We already have over 20 delegates signed up and with registrations closing on 26 July, time is running out! To ensure you don't miss out you can get more information and book here: http://www.jciuk.org.uk/events/2013-08-30/728-jci-uk-leap-leadership-excellence-in-action-programme/

To give you a bit of a flavour of what to expect over the weekend we talk to two of last year's LEAP graduates who tell us about their experiences.

What is your name/chapter/role this year?
Dexter Dash / JCI London / Deputy President 

How has your experience at LEAP helped you in your role this year?
This year one of the focuses is preparing for presidency in 2014 (if voted in). In LEAP 2012 we discussed team analysis linked with skill sets. Being able to assess the inherent skill set helps to define our strengths and opportunities in the membership pool from which the 2014 JCI London Council will emerge. Additionally, the communication and personality typology modules have been that small reminder that has a massive impact

What stood out most in what you learned at LEAP?
Discovering ways to appreciate personality differences, because I have facilitated conflicting parties through to mutual agreement numerous times using methods I learned in LEAP

Why would you recommend LEAP to other members?
I would recommend LEAP as much for course content as for the people you met. 2012 had a lot of diversely talented people

Sum up your LEAP 2012 experience in one sentence...
Informative applicable fun.

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What is your name/chapter/role this year?
Mark Smith / JCI Sheffield / 1 of 2 Marketing Directors for 2013 in Sheffield.

How has your experience at LEAP helped you in your role this year?
In so many ways. As a relatively new JCI member, it was a good introduction into personal development opportunities, helping to set the scene in such a positive and empowering environment. Some of the issues covered I had covered a bit before, but it proved as a great refresher and was presented in a new way.

What stood out most in what you learned at LEAP?
Doing the insights profiling which was spot on for me! This has helped me appreciate how different members of my team approach things and what I can do as a manager and indeed a leader to further enhance how individuals and the team work together.

Why would you recommend LEAP to other members?
It's great value for money, it's inspiring, it's a unique opportunity to learn more about yourself and how you can become a better leader.

Sum up your LEAP 2012 experience in one sentence...
...totally amazeballs! Seriously, its opened my eyes more on what I can do to help bring out the best in people, based on their different styles.

Any questions?  Please contact delegate co-ordinator Sarah Beckwith (sarah.beckwith@jciuk.org.uk) or project leader Dan Senter (dan.senter@jcisheffield.org.uk).