The GCSAA Women’s Leadership Academy, Nov. 12-14, 2024, is focused on providing women in the turfgrass industry with education, mentoring and networking enabling participants to unleash their potential, empower their future and become inspirational leaders.
by Amanda Fontaine, Ledges Golf Club, Superintendent
This year’s event, held in Lawrence Kansas at GCSAA Headquarters, was something I looked forward to, especially after last year’s incredible experience. While last year was amazing, it was also overwhelming—there was so much to take in, and the concepts we explored about personal growth and connecting with others were challenging to fully grasp in one go. This year, I felt more prepared, knowing I already had a foundation to build upon, which allowed me to dive deeper into the teachings.
The event kicked off with a fireside chat featuring Suzy Whaley, former PGA President and current President of Golf Nation. Suzy emphasized the importance of being your own biggest champion. She reminded us that self-promotion isn’t bragging—it’s about valuing and sharing your worth. This was a revelation for many attendees, as self-promotion often feels uncomfortable. Her message set the tone for the week: get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Beyond the educational sessions, there was ample time for networking with presenters, fellow attendees, and GCSAA staff. These interactions were just as valuable as the formal presentations. Reconnecting with familiar faces and forming new relationships with people from across the industry created lasting connections that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
On Wednesday, Amy Leslie, CEO of Perspective Consulting, introduced us to the Predictive Index, a behavioral assessment tool. She explained how understanding ourselves through this lens helps us better understand how others perceive us, which in turn informs how we approach situations. A key takeaway was her advice to “meet people where they are, not where you want them to be.” Leslie also shared her own journey of proving herself through consistent work and expertise before earning opportunities to lead. This resonated deeply with many in the room, especially those early in their careers.
“Meet people where they are, not where you want them to be” was a repeated phrase.
That afternoon, Melissa Arthur, a leadership coach, helped us tackle the challenge of silencing our inner critic—the voice that tells us we’re not good enough. She shared strategies for overcoming self-doubt, including setting clear, attainable goals and building a supportive network to help achieve them.
Thursday began with a fireside chat featuring Rear Admiral Jacquelyn “Jackie” McClelland. She spoke candidly about her journey in the Navy during a time when women faced significant challenges, especially from officers who didn’t want them there. Her persistence and determination to prove her worth, even when it meant being "annoying," led her to become a Rear Admiral. She emphasized the importance of finding mentors, building trust with your team, and recognizing the champions who are already in your corner. Jackie’s humility and insight were inspiring, and her message about resilience and trust struck a chord with everyone in the room.
I had the privilege of meeting Jackie before this event at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, where she orchestrated a flyover by Naval aircraft piloted by women. In that brief encounter, her character stood out. On July 4th, she gifted an American flag patch from her uniform to a colleague celebrating her first Independence Day as an American—a gesture of her kindness and leadership.
The afternoon was filled with breakout sessions, which proved to be the most impactful part of the event for me. Meeting new attendees with diverse perspectives allowed us to learn from each other’s experiences. Grouping by behavioral styles helped me better understand my own tendencies and how I’m perceived by others. The discussions reinforced that while we all have preferred styles, adaptability and emotional intelligence are key to connecting with others and leading effectively.
Later, Kee Dunning, a clinical counselor, and Stacey Stellflug, a healthcare researcher, led a session on de-escalating tense situations. They provided practical strategies, called “Kee Concepts,” for managing conflict in everyday life and the workplace. They closed with affirmations, reminding us of our inherent worth and capabilities.
The event concluded with Rhett Evans, CEO of GCSAA, encouraging us to continue “leading out.” One unique aspect of this event is the application process, which asks not only what you hope to learn but also how you plan to share that knowledge with others. This focus on teaching and lifting others underscores a core principle of leadership: the best leaders grow leaders around them, creating better environments for everyone.
This year’s event was transformative, and I’m leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to applying these lessons in my personal and professional life.