On Wednesday, June 21st, 2023, Leader Valley had the privilege of hosting Sean Covey, New York Times best-selling author and President of FranklinCovey Education, for a morning of inspiration and encouragement. The event, held at Bien Venu in Cedar Falls, witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of Leader in Me educators, students, and community supporters.

The highlight of the event was Sean’s captivating keynote speech, followed by an engaging Q&A session, where he shared personal anecdotes about his father, Dr. Stephen Covey, the acclaimed author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Sean emphasized Dr. Covey’s remarkable qualities as both a public figure and a loving father. “As good as he was at being an author, a public speaker, and a public persona, he was a better father,” Sean fondly remarked.

During his address, Sean stressed the significance of education, acknowledging the huge responsibly teachers and educators undertake. He said, “The most important work we’re doing outside of our homes is the work we’re doing in schools. It is the noblest of professions.” His words resonated deeply with the audience, reaffirming the value of fostering leadership skills in students and the role of Leader in Me in this endeavor.

Sean also expressed his admiration for Leader Valley and its groundbreaking community model, which has inspired dozens of other communities to adopt a similar approach to implementing Leader in Me. He acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Leader Valley in fostering innovation within FranklinCovey Education, saying, “You all are doing the work better than we can do it.”

Leader Valley takes immense pride in its remarkable achievements, with six of its Leader in Me schools holding the prestigious Lighthouse School designation. While only 10% of Leader in Me schools worldwide receive this recognition, an impressive 24% of Leader Valley’s schools have been recognized as Lighthouse Schools. This statistic is a testament to the Cedar Valley’s commitment to developing future leaders through Leader in Me.

Sean Covey’s dedication to spreading the principles of Leader in Me is unwavering, with over 7,000 Leader in Me schools spanning across 50 countries. Reflecting on this global reach, Sean shared his vision, stating, “That’s my only intent. To take this to the world. To make this accessible to everyone. And that’s why I’m so excited by initiatives like Leader Valley’s.”

Leader Valley extends its deepest gratitude to Sean Covey for his invaluable insights, wisdom, and unwavering support. This event has not only strengthened the bonds within the Leader in Me community but has also inspired all attendees to continue nurturing leadership skills and empowering future generations.