CCAL’s Lunch with Leaders Program: Leadership conversations impacting the next generation

CCAL’s Lunch with Leaders program brings together an experienced senior leader and a small group of 6 - 8 students in the context of a business lunch with conversations addressing challenges, successes and leadership lessons. It is about the power of conversation and – more importantly – how conversation helps shape and inform the students’ own leadership identity.

Each lunch is unique in that the conversation is shaped by the leaders’ experience and the questions the students ask, kick off the conversation. Students see how a leader treats people, grapples with challenging issues, listens to different perspectives and perhaps evolves their thinking with the insights shared by others. It is in these lunches - hearing the wisdom, insight and experiences of the leader – that these students are empowered to think and reflect on their own leadership development and begin to shape their own perspective of what makes a leader.

Consider what this 4^th year BComm student had to say about his experience:

We often have preconceived notions that leaders can be unemotional or stern, but this program showed that I can relate to them. Many leaders expressed vulnerability, which made me realize that even those in top executive roles experience obstacles and challenges that they had to overcome. I think the Lunch with Leaders program humanizes the leaders.  I felt encouraged and motivated after coming out of the program and have gained a new outlook on what it truly means to be a leader.

An MBA student also shared with us her experience:

I initially decided to attend these lunches out of curiosity, but immediately realized how valuable the informal lunch setting would be. The chance to ask candid questions and enjoy purpose driven conversation in an intimate group was extremely impactful. These leaders willingly provide advice that will inspire you. The lunch I attended has driven me to work harder and with greater purpose.

The experiences of these two students, is just a glimpse into the impact that these lunches have on our students and how pivotal they can be in a student’s leadership development and growth.

This year we were on target toward the ambitious goal of holding 88 lunches as we work towards ensuring that by the time a student has reached 4^th year, they would have the opportunity to participate in one of the lunches. Although we did not reach this goal before COVID-19 hit, for the 230+ students (some returning for more than one conversation) who were able to attend a lunch, this experience has been pivotal as they develop their own leadership identity. 

We had the privilege of 41 senior leaders generously giving their time to share their experiences, insights and wisdom with our students. We would like say a simple but heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to these leaders for taking time out of their day and for helping build the next generation of business leaders.