It has been said that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. That is an excellent description of the driving force behind the NETAR Leadership Academy. 

For the second straight year, I have had the privilege of taking part in the Academy. Once again, I am reminded of the impact this program has on those who choose to invest in their own growth. 

The Leadership Academy is much more than a series of classes. It challenges participants to step outside their comfort zones, examine their strengths and weaknesses, sharpen their communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to serve our industry and our communities. Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to think differently, consider new perspectives, and grow as leaders. 

One of the most rewarding parts of the Academy is the relationships formed along the way. What begins as a group of Realtors® from different backgrounds quickly becomes a network of trusted colleagues and friends. Those connections often continue long after graduation. They create lasting bonds that strengthen our association and our profession. 

This year’s graduates showed a genuine commitment to learning, collaboration, and service. They accepted personal growth challenges, took part in meaningful discussions, and embraced chances to stretch beyond what felt comfortable. Their willingness to give their time and talents to help others reflects exactly the kind of leadership our industry needs. 

Leadership is not about titles or recognition. It is about being willing to work alongside others, even when the work is hard, and helping to create positive change. The participants in this program have shown they have that willingness and the desire to make a lasting impact. 

While the success of the Academy belongs to the graduates, special recognition goes to Colby Hurd. Colby reimagined and rebuilt the Leadership Academy curriculum. He created a program that is engaging, relevant, and effective. Beyond building the course itself, he has dedicated countless hours to teaching, mentoring, and supporting each participant’s success. 

Colby recently shared that he, too, has grown through the experience of leading the Academy. Here is how he summed it up in a message to this year’s participants: “What started as a challenge outside of my comfort zone has become one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. Over the past two years, I have learned and grown more than I ever imagined while helping future leaders better understand our association, the three-way agreement, advocacy, governance, and the importance of ensuring the continued success of our Realtor® family. 

“I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s class and the commitment they have shown to strengthening our profession and supporting our association. 

“Thank you to everyone who made this program possible, and thank you to the members who chose to invest their time and energy in becoming future leaders. The future of NETAR is bright because of people like you.” 

That sentiment speaks to the true spirit of leadership. It recognizes that growth is a lifelong journey and that we often learn as much from those we lead as they learn from us. Colby’s passion, commitment, and vision have played a tremendous role in making the past two years so successful. 

Thank you, Colby, for the leadership, vision, and countless hours you invested in creating an experience that is already leaving a lasting mark on NETAR and its future leaders. 

As we celebrate another graduating class, I, too, want to congratulate each participant for their dedication and achievement. It has truly been a privilege to learn alongside these emerging leaders. I am excited to see how they continue to serve, inspire, and help shape the future of our association and our profession.