Be a Leader
The Mission43 Leaders Fellowship is a specially selected group of veterans, military spouses, and currently serving military members who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and actively seek personal and professional growth. Our goal is to unleash the potential of these individuals, and the group, by investing in their leadership skills, growing their network, and increasing their ability to positively impact Idaho.
Free to those who are selected, Mission43’s investment in the Fellows comes with the expectation that each individual, and the group, has much more to accomplish in life.
Meet the Current Cohort
Phases of the program
The Fellowship begins with an internal focus and the notion that we must be able to lead ourselves first, both physically and mentally, before we can lead others. The program then shifts to the external and Fellows interact directly with some of Idaho’s most successful leaders to discover what values and attributes made them successful. Finally, the Fellows focus on the future by establishing personal goals and working as a network to support each other and hold each other accountable toward that success.
Phase I: Lead Yourself First
LEAD YOURSELF FIRST SEMINAR WITH MIKE ERWIN
This two-day workshop is led by Mike Erwin, CEO of the Character & Leadership Center and author of Lead Yourself First, and explores the notion that one of the most impactful actions a leader can take is to create time for solitude. This is exceptionally timely because people are busier and more distracted than ever. This seminar isn’t about theory, it’s packed with action-oriented steps and strategies to fortify character, enhance clarity, and strike emotional balance. Additionally, it’s the first chance to get to know each other over the course of a few days, break bread together, and have some fun with a friendly (and challenging) physical competition in Sun Valley, Idaho.
- Cohort 5 (2023-2024) Dates: May 3rd-5th, 2023
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL PREPARATION
In order to grow closer as a cohort and prepare for the physical and mental challenges of the Phase II Wilderness Immersion, the Fellows voluntarily train together on a monthly basis between June and August. Previous M43 Fellows are involved to help you prepare, get expert tips on gear and packing, and put in a few miles together on terrain replicating what will be seen in the Sawtooth Mountains during Phase II.
- Cohort 5 (2023-2024) Dates: June – August 2023 (voluntary)
Phase II: Wilderness Immersion
During this phase, we get fully immersed in the austere and beautiful Sawtooth National Forest for a 3-night, 30-mile backpacking experience. The cohort is split into small teams led by previous Fellows, and throughout each day’s trek facilitated conversations are conducted that open up an array of perspectives on leadership and create an opportunity for self-reflection. The trust and bonds developed from this experience are enhanced by this incredible Idaho setting that is absent of everyday distraction (including cell coverage).
This is not a “retreat.” For some individuals the physical aspect of Phase II can be daunting. For others, it will be mentally challenging to be on a team of people of all different abilities and array of personalities. In all cases, this Wilderness Immersion is worthwhile for those who are committed to self-development.
The completion of Phase II is a mandatory obligation of each individual in the Fellowship. Prior to applying, consideration must be made for the time requirement and any physical preparation needed.
- Cohort 5 (2023-2024) Dates: August 31st – September 3rd, 2023 (Labor Day Weekend)
- Location: Sawtooth National Wilderness
Phase III: The Leadership Experience
During Phase III, the cohort meets monthly with impactful and experienced leaders from different segments of the Idaho economy. These leaders discuss the values they have consistently relied on throughout their careers and provide insight into their success. These are individuals that Mission43 Fellows typically would not have access to and provides an opportunity to interact directly with them in a small group setting. Guests have included Bill Whitacre (former CEO of Simplot), Tommy Ahlquist (CEO of Ball Ventures Ahlquist), Todd Lindsey (Entrepreneur), Roger Quarles (Executive Director of J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation), Lisa Grow (CEO of Idaho Power), and Muffy Davis (Paralympic gold medalist and Idaho State Representative).
In addition, during this phase Fellows from previous cohorts are increasingly engaged with the current cohort to accelerate the growth of the M43 Leaders Fellowship network.
- Cohort 5 (2023-2024) Dates: Monthly half-day sessions (12:00pm – 5:00pm) are scheduled from October 2023 through March 2024.
- Location: Various locations throughout the Treasure Valley
PHASE IV: LEADERS FELLOWSHIP FORWARD
Phase IV is focused on looking towards the future, establishing goals, and supporting each other in the Leaders Fellowship network. The goal of the overall program is to make Idaho a better place because of the collective leadership of this group, and towards that end, each Fellow will develop and present what they are doing as leaders to make a positive impact on our state. This may be focused on growing a business, starting a non-profit, or earning a promotion. It’s powerful to be part of a network that will not only hold you accountable, but will also support each other towards success.
- Cohort 5 (2023-2024) Dates: April 19th-21st, 2024
Commitment
The Mission43 Leaders Fellowship is not a gift, it is an investment into developing Idahoan leaders. Fellows are expected to actively participate in all phases of the program and are obligated to utilize their enhanced leadership skills to provide value to our communities.
TIME
Sessions are conducted once per month which requires time away from work and family. Every session date is provided above so that before you apply you can begin to deconflict your schedule in advance. We respect the time you commit to this and take great responsibility in providing incredible value in return.
EMPLOYERS
The Fellowship is a professional leadership development program and Fellows are encouraged to work with their employer to compensate time away. A letter of acceptance is provided to each Fellow to give to employers.
BEYOND THE ONE YEAR
The formal phases of the program lasts one year, but previous Fellows are frequently intergrated into the current cohort’s programming. Alumni are also invited to Continuous Learning sessions so they can continue to have access to impactful opportunities to grow.
Meet The Fellows
The Fellows come from a wide range of backgrounds. From native Idahoans who left to serve on Active Duty to military spouses who now call Idaho home. Each brings a unique perspective but all share the common trait of being individuals of character who have great potential in what lies ahead.
How often is Leaders Fellowship program ran?
A cohort is selected once a year.
I don’t live in Idaho. Can I apply?
Fellows have been selected who currently do not live in Idaho, so we do recommend applying. Consideration will be made for your professional timeline and goals to be in Idaho.
I don’t live in the Boise area. Is there a virtual option?
There is no virtual option to be part of the program. We believe the face-to-face interaction is crucial to the development and strength of the group. However, if you are located outside of the local area Mission43 will cover travel and lodging as part of our investment in your experience.
How much does the Fellowship cost?
The Fellowship, like Mission43, is fully funded by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation and is free to the military spouses and veterans who are selected. The Fellowship is not a gift, but an investment in creating an experience that reflects the potential of this group.
What are the dates for the next cohort?
The dates are listed for each session in the phase descriptions above. We ask that you carefully consider the dates and time requirement to be a M43 Leaders Fellow before applying.
How competitive is the selection process?
It’s highly competitive and the quality of the individuals applying is humbling. However, don’t let this discourage you! We can’t emphasize enough that if you put time and thought into your answers, you will absolutely be competitive. We’ve conducted hundreds of interviews the past few years and you can immediately sense those who are excited about the opportunity and will be great contributors to the larger group.
What is the selection process?
Once you submit your application you will receive a confirmation email to let you know we have received it. During the first week of March a selection committee will review every application to determine who will move on to the second phase for a phone or video interview. Those interviews will be conducted the third week of March. Finally, all applicants will be informed of the selection results no later than March 31.
How do I apply?
Apply using the online form that is found on this webpage below. It will only be open for submission during a two-month window between January 1 – February 28.
Who can apply?
Mission43 members that are a military spouse (current or former), currently serving military, or prior service military.