Barbara Rapaport, a foundational leader for the Chamber’s talent development programs, is embracing her last year as a facilitator for the Chamber’s Leading Edge and Leadership Advantage cohorts. Rapaport has served as a leadership coach and consultant and has been involved in building up the next generation of leaders through the Grand Rapids Chamber for the past 15 years.
“Through intentional listening, thoughtful curriculum design, and brilliant facilitation, Barbara Rapaport has transformed hundreds of leaders in our community to truly believe that ‘the answer in the room’ is often within ourselves,” says Mel Trombley, Director of Leadership Programs at the Chamber. “These cohorts have been an incredible asset to our Chamber Leadership Programs and the growth of talent in our region. While Barbara’s facilitation of cohorts has come to an end, I’m thankful she will continue to make impact as an executive coach, thought leader, and friend.”
Barbara has appreciated every moment of being involved with the Chamber has gotten nearly as much out of the experience as her participants have. While she will no longer be coaching through the Chamber after 2022, she will continue to serve as a coach through her consulting firm, Real-Time Perspectives.
“The most wonderful thing I’ve experienced in partnering with the Chamber can be summed up in one word: wholeheartedness,” says Rapaport. “I define this as exhibiting unconditional and enthusiastic support, without any reservations. I have been touched, over and over again, by the respect, care, and compassion that has been bestowed upon me by Chamber program participants, staff, and community trustees.”
“These individuals have known me at my most vulnerable, through the ups and downs of ten major surgeries, yet have always selflessly cheered me on without ever determining that I no longer could add value. They simply never gave up on me. Their stubborn belief in my capacity to be a difference in the world enabled me to come back from each medical challenge. And every single time I was fortunate to continue doing what I love most – walking alongside people in their quest to live wholeheartedly and joyfully, as their true selves. My gratitude extends to the hundreds of you with whom I have been lucky enough to be connected to, in some way, for the last fifteen years.”
The final cohorts of Barbara’s programs in 2022 are open for registration and have a handful of spots remaining.
Leading Edge is focused on developing the skills of women leaders in the workplace and has two cohorts in 2022: Cohort 1 every other Thursday between March 3 to April 28, and Cohort 2 every other Wednesday between September 14 and November 9. Learn more here.
Leadership Advantage is an intensive skills-based executive leadership coaching program and has only one cohort in 2022 hosted every other Tuesday from August 9 to November 29. Learn more here.
Check out the entire lineup of the Chamber’s talent development programs here.
