The Leadership Tampa Class of 2026 gathered on October 1st for its first official program day: Day of Belonging. It was a day filled with challenge, vulnerability, and inspiration. Participants were oriented as to why this journey matters not only for leadership but for the future of a vibrant and prosperous Tampa Bay community.
The Power of Place
The morning session began at 8am in Ybor City, a historic district of Tampa. The Leadership class learned how the historic social clubs provided more than camaraderie, and in the case of El Centro Asturiano, they were lifelines that offered healthcare, education, banks, cemetery and a sense of belonging for immigrants who built Tampa’s cultural fabric. Today, this venue would host the best class ever and walking through these spaces, members reinforced the idea that belonging has always been essential to thriving communities.
Lessons in Leadership and Inclusion
The bulk of the day centered on inclusive leadership, demystifying the taboo and identifying it as a business imperative. The facilitated session invited the class to wrestle with real-world scenarios around cultural intelligence, inclusive leadership, and microaggressions. In small groups, members discussed challenges such as communication across cultures, supporting refugee resettlement, and addressing inequities in workplace dynamics.
What made the session powerful was not only the scenarios themselves, but the honesty of the reflections. Class members shared personal experiences of belonging and exclusion, talked about the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, and even named past examples of poor leadership that taught them “what not to do.” In the words of one participant: “Would you want to work for yourself?” A simple but profound question that sparked meaningful dialogue about accountability and grace.
The conversations underscored that belonging is lived out daily in the ways leaders listen, create space for others, and model respect.
Experiencing Belonging Together
The class didn’t just talk about belonging, they experienced it. Through interactive exercises, participants explored social identities and how those identities shape perspectives. In one exercise, stepping into a circle to acknowledge hidden parts of themselves created a powerful moment of vulnerability that quickly turned into connection.
Another highlight was the discussion around unconscious bias. Many were surprised by results from the Implicit Association Test, sparking honest dialogue about blind spots and the responsibility leaders must surface and address them.
Panel on Inclusive Leadership
A highlight of the day was a panel discussion featuring leaders Nancy Faggianelli with Carlton Fields (law), Ashlley Butler with Ice Cold Air (service), and Chris Claytor with Beck Group (construction). They shared how intentional inclusion strengthens both people and performance. Panelists spoke candidly about mentoring underrepresented talent, building community partnerships, and embedding equity into organizational culture.
One story stood out: a law firm that made history by hiring one of the first women lawyers in Florida in the 1960s, who went on to serve more than 60 years and earn national recognition. Another panelist described a long-standing partnership between a major construction company and a small minority-owned firm that began nearly two decades ago and continues to thrive today.
The discussion underscored that inclusive leadership is more than the right thing to do, it is also a strategic advantage that drives innovation, retention, and long-term business growth.
3-2-1 Reflection
- 3 Things Learned: Belonging has always been at the heart of Tampa’s growth; inclusive leadership drives both culture and business success; and identity, both visible and hidden, shapes how individuals experience the world.
- 2 Questions Still Unanswered: How can the class move beyond awareness to measurable impact? How can participants hold themselves accountable for building inclusive spaces in their own organizations?
- 1 Way Forward: By leaning into active listening and mentorship across differences, the class can continue to elevate voices and build true belonging.
Closing Thought
Day of Belonging demonstrated that leadership is not about being in charge of people, instead, it is about leading the people in your charge. As one classmate put it, “Vulnerability is connection.” The day closed with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the LT’26 class and a renewed commitment to building spaces where everyone feels they belong.