Andrea Bolin
MLCV’s Chief of Staff, NLDC Committee Chair
“I don’t say I have expertise; it’s just making sure the right people are on the team, building on their strengths.” When Andrea Bolin, MLCV’s Chief of Staff and Chair of the National Leadership Development Conference (NLDC), was asked what her expertise is in her role as Chair, she was swift in her redirection, ensuring it’s not about her — but about recognizing skillsets, and communication, and learning styles of others. This awareness and consideration are a leading component of the NLDC curriculum, reflecting Servant Leadership.
We sat down with Andrea to discuss the conference and learn more about her perspective on Servant Leadership.
Question #1: What about being NLDC Committee Chair do you love?
Answer #1: I love so much about being part of the committee. We are a group of people who love to plan an event to help other tribes, communities, and organizations be better as Servant Leaders. Everyone on the committee has that drive and passion. The team that brings this together evolves yearly with several new members. The charge to be innovative, ever-changing, and creative is fun to watch. The committee challenges me to be better each year, seek out others who want to help, bring the team to a new level each year, and deliver on excellence.
Question #2: What is a day like working for the NLDC Committee?
Answer #2: It is a lot of work! Each team member has their expertise, making up an important part of the team. We ensure we balance from an Insights perspective (a little yellow-heavy for a reason). It allows all of us to maximize what we bring in our work. Each phase of the event – from planning to execution – differs for each committee member. Some must hit their to-do list before January 1; some don’t until June with execution. Mine is based on the support, coaching, and decision-making process necessary to execute the plan.
Question #3: What challenges do you find with planning the NLDC?
NLDC 2022, Andrea Bolin
Answer #3: The biggest challenge – or responsibility - is creating a better experience for attendees than the previous year. The speakers are already done from the year before, except for one or two. But, the experience, which is probably about 50% of the conference’s purpose, is a big responsibility for all of us. How do we do it bigger, better, and differently?
Question #4: What about the NLDC do you cherish?
Answer #4: When I have other tribes come up and hug me, thank me, and say what a change the conference has made for them, their teams, organizations, and tribal operations. It brings great pride that we are the team who brought the right tools, resources, and inspiration to the room.
Question #5: Can you share any favorite memories from the NLDC?
Answer #5: I have so many memories, from Morris Morrison, Eric Chester, Mark Schroenbrach, Holly Hoffman, and Tim Furlong, to Ian Leonard bringing out the best in all of us. Every year we have standout speakers who leave us all with the best message. When we can make people laugh, experience what they should bring back to the workplace, and engage as they do, those memories stay with me. I don’t know of a conference where you laugh more than our participants do.
Question #6: What about working with MLCV do you love and why?
Answer #6: I am fortunate to work for a leader who is honest with me. That honesty is what makes me know I am making a difference. It makes me stronger, tougher, and better.
Andrea Bolin and husband
Question #7: What does Servant Leadership mean to you?
Answer #7: Servant leadership is all about relationships and how you are bettering others. Whether it’s just getting to know people to help them succeed in ways they didn’t think they could or providing tools and resources they didn’t know were available. Servant Leadership is also helping those that need someone to listen and a shoulder to cry on or to help someone celebrate, helping them understand that their first before our business is first. And we need to exemplify that every day. It’s all about how we build those relationships positively and constructively because, in the end, it will build your business, which we’re seeing and still seeing.
From our conversations with Andrea, it was clear that the NLDC and its teachings have become a part of her. Wholly, that’s the wish of the event. As the 2023 NLDC ends, we encourage everyone to reflect on their Servant Leadership journey.
For those who couldn’t attend the NLDC 2023, watch for upcoming conference dates and details by following the NLDC Facebook Page.
This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Senior Communications Strategist. Hannah is a storyteller and is responsible for capturing great moments within MLCV’s portfolio.