In the News

At Roaring Fork Leadership, we believe that leadership is not just a title, but a journey of growth, connection, and positive impact. That journey continues with each new Academy class, and we’re excited to announce that applications for RFL Academy 2026 are now open! For nearly 37 years, RFL Academy has empowered individuals from all walks of life to develop essential leadership skills, strengthen their community connections, and inspire change. Our graduates lead with purpose, build resilient teams, and create lasting impact. Now, it’s time to find the next cohort of passionate, driven individuals who are ready to make their mark. [...]

At Roaring Fork Leadership, we celebrate organizations that demonstrate leadership through service to their community. This month, we’re excited to highlight the Roaring Fork Cricket League (RFCL), an innovative project selected as one of RFL Academy’s Civic Impact Projects. The Roaring Fork Cricket League aims to bring the globally popular sport of cricket to the Roaring Fork Valley, enhancing cultural exchange and community cohesion. With a diverse population of international residents and visitors, the Valley is an ideal place for cricket to serve as a bridge between cultures. The project will involve securing community support, recruiting players, obtaining sponsorships, procuring equipment, [...]

Leadership + Luck: The Role of Fortune in Effective Leadership Great leaders often share stories of resilience, vision, and hard work. But what about luck? Is leadership purely about skill and strategy, or does luck play a crucial role? At Roaring Fork Leadership, we believe that while leadership is built on competence and character, luck can act as a powerful catalyst for success—if leaders know how to recognize and harness it. Luck: A Hidden Factor in Leadership Success Many successful leaders credit part of their journey to being in the right place at the right time. However, luck in leadership isn’t [...]

Join Us on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library ELEVATE is more than just an event—it's a movement designed to uplift and connect women across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. Whether at home, in the workplace, or within the community, ELEVATE provides a space for women to embrace their unique strengths, nurture their well-being, and feel inspired to lead meaningful change. Why Attend? Connection & Community: Build meaningful relationships, share stories, and find a sense of belonging in a supportive community of women who uplift each other. Empowerment & Growth: Gain tools and confidence to [...]

At Roaring Fork Leadership, we believe that leadership isn’t just about influence or authority - it’s about creating meaningful impact and inspiring others to do the same. Every year, our Academy brings together passionate individuals who are ready to grow, learn, and lead with purpose. They come from all walks of life, united by a shared commitment to bettering themselves and the communities they serve. But leadership development should never be limited by financial circumstances. That’s why we’re launching our Pay It Forward campaign as we approach the Academy 2025 graduation and look towards Academy 2026. Our goal? To raise funds [...]

At Roaring Fork Leadership, we celebrate organizations that demonstrate leadership through service to their community. This month, we’re excited to highlight Headquarters, a dedicated organization selected as one of RFL Academy’s Civic Impact Projects. Headquarters Civic Impact Project is focused on working to transform the community’s approach to mental health from crisis-focused to prevention-centered. Headquarters promotes mental well-being through the Four Quarters of Mental Fitness—social, emotional, physical, and financial health—empowering people to recognize pain points and build resilience before challenges escalate into crises. With tools like the Mental Fitness Toolbox, HeadQuiz, and Mental Fitness Coaches, Headquarters makes support accessible to everyone, anywhere. [...]

Harnessing Emotional Intelligence with Back Pocket Questions Conflict and discomfort are inevitable parts of relationships, whether at work or in personal life. These moments can be challenging, but they also provide an opportunity for growth and connection—if approached thoughtfully. That’s where back pocket questions come into play. What Are Back Pocket Questions? Think of back pocket questions as tools for your interpersonal toolkit. These are intentional, open-ended questions designed to guide conversations toward understanding and collaboration. They’re especially helpful when emotions run high, offering a way to keep discussions constructive instead of reactive. How Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness Play a Role [...]

As the new year begins, leaders in our region from Aspen to Parachute have a unique opportunity to reflect on their leadership journeys and set meaningful goals for the year ahead. Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s also about personal growth and cultivating a sense of belonging within your team and community. To help you start the year right, here are seven potential leadership resolutions to consider: Enhance Communication Skills In our diverse and dynamic region, effective communication is vital. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, a municipal team, building trust within a family, or a small business, commit to improving [...]

As the year draws to a close and the holidays bring us together, we find ourselves reflecting on the remarkable power of community and leadership - two values that remain at the heart of Roaring Fork Leadership (RFL).   Leadership is not just about taking action; it’s about creating connections, strengthening bonds, and inspiring others to build a better future. It is in moments of shared purpose and collective growth that we find hope—hope for what we can accomplish together.   In 2024, we witnessed the extraordinary ways leadership can unite us and transform our communities. Thanks to our donors, alumni, partners, and [...]

Thanks to our incredible community, this year’s Colorado Gives Day was a success! Together, we raised almost $7,000 between November 1st and December 10th to support scholarships, our current programs, and exciting new opportunities in 2025.  We also want to extend a special thank you to those who participated in the recurring gift match. Your ongoing commitment ensures that we can continue empowering leaders year-round.  Your support makes a real difference for our small, but mighty, organization.  Your generosity makes leadership development accessible to more individuals through scholarships while sustaining and expanding our programs. As Margaret Cousins said, “Appreciation can change [...]