GUEST OPINION: Tap into the young professional energy
A few weeks ago, the Business Record held a panel discussion with five young professionals on “What YPs Want.” After attending the event, I continue to be amazed at the effort my generation puts toward shaping themselves as leaders.
Chances are, you have heard that millennials are ambitious. It’s true. Young professionals in this community want to serve, and are chomping at the bit to make their community the best it can be.
That is one reason that the Greater Des Moines Young Professionals Connection started its “NEXT” series in 2014, and why a group of dedicated young professionals gather once a month to share best practices at the Emerging Leaders Collaborative. We want to learn. We want to grow. We want to make an impact today, tomorrow and in 20 years.
Young professionals realize we are incredibly lucky to live in a community that gives us opportunities. I often tell young newcomers that nearly any leader in this community will willingly get coffee with you. Our community has embraced the energy that exists among its young professionals. It has already paid dividends; Greater Des Moines is the fastest-growing metro in the Midwest, and that is in large part due to our ability to attract and retain young professionals.
This year, as board president for the Young Professionals of Iowa (YPIowa), I’ve seen the same drive in communities across the state. There is true Iowa Pride.
On Thursday, Sept. 22, and Friday, Sept. 23, we will cultivate that Iowa Pride with the YPIowa Conference. Thursday’s session will take place at the FFA Enrichment Center at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny and will feature Matt Beaudreau, speaking on how young professionals can bridge generational gaps. He has been a featured speaker at TEDx and has provided professional development training to more than 10,000 people across the U.S.
Other speakers include:
- Dr. Anthony Paustian, author, speaker and provost at DMACC’s West Campus;
- Jason Kiesau, speaker, trainer, author and leadership and talent development manager at Aureon;
- Thomas Eakin, founder of Brotherhood Trust and Love Connections and owner of BoomLife LLC;
- Sarah Noll Wilson, talent and development manager at ARAG.
On Friday, we’ll come back and discuss how we can apply what we have learned to improve our communities and state, now and in the future.
I am confident attendees will take away actionable steps to make a difference in their community and lasting connections with fellow emerging leaders
If you’re a young professional reading this, I hope you can join us. If not, I would love to talk with you about how you can get more involved with YPIowa and your local young professional organizations.
If you’re a boss or a manager, consider registering an emerging leader in your organization for the conference. And keep looking for opportunities to grow your emerging leaders. Your company, and our community, will benefit.
Kyle Oppenhuizen is the communications manager at the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the 2016 Board President of Young Professionals of Iowa.
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