leadership development – Extension Foundation

For 2021, the eXtension Foundation’s Impact Collaborative program is hosting a series available to eXtension Foundation member institutions. This series is led by Karl Bradley, Leadership Development Specialist, eXtension Foundation.

Last year we all pivoted quickly as we redefined how to accomplish our work almost exclusively in shared virtual spaces. The topics in this series are a result of our work with individuals & teams from across Cooperative Extension wondering: What does effective leadership look like when we no longer have the ability to put a hand on a shoulder? How do we reduce friction, confusion & underperformance for individuals, teams and organizations?

March 24, 2PM ET
Rev-up the Trust!
It’s not time that builds trust, it’s our behaviors. Learn what you can do to keep it from eroding and create an environment where trust can thrive!

June 23, 2PM ET
Rev-up the Communication!
It’s hard to imagine anyone leaving an organization because they were over-communicated to. In this session we’ll discuss how we never actually get clarity, we’re always seeking it.

September 22, 2PM ET
Rev-up the Focus!
Deciding what not to do is just as important as deciding what to do. Being “busy” is the easy choice. Learn the secret to doing the right things!

December 15, 2PM ET
Rev-up the Change!
We’re all experiencing change at a pace humans have never experienced before. This can lead to confusion when it seems like the “transition” phase never ends. Learn to help everyone navigate the chaos together!

About the Impact Collaborative

The Impact Collaborative is a bundle of services and events funded by and for our members. With the Impact Collaborative, we help Extension program or project teams succeed or fail faster for increased learning toward implementation. Our network in and outside of Extension helps strengthen projects and programs in unique ways, returning to you even stronger. It consists of the Impact Collaborative Project Summit, Innovation Skill Building Experience, Innovation Facilitator Training & Leadership Development. Since 2019, the Impact Collaborative has served over 6,500 Extension professionals. Over $5.7 million in grant funding has gone to Extension projects that have incubated in this program. Find out more about our 2021 events here!

About Karl Bradley

Joining the eXtension Foundation in 2020, Karl currently serves the eight New Technologies in Agriculture & Education teams and assists with the 1890s Extension Leadership Academy as Leadership Development Specialist. He also supports the Impact Collaborative by leading the national network of over 150 Innovation Facilitators. He brings expertise in leadership development & training, strategic thinking, public speaking, team building & community engagement to serve the Cooperative Extension system.

The eXtension Foundation is pleased to announce that Master Sergeant Karl Bradley, United States Air Force, will be serving as eXtension’s Leadership Development Fellow. Karl will be working closely with the Impact Collaborative program and its trained Innovation Facilitators from across Extension by offering professional development opportunities and engagements around leadership. Karl joins eXtension through the Skillbridge program offered by the Department of Defense for active duty service members that are separating or retiring from the military. This program provides an opportunity for service members to intern with organizations in the civilian workforce to gain new skills, training, and assist with their transition. Karl Bradley

With over 20 years’ experience creating strong, values-aligned partnerships internationally while serving in the U.S. Air Force, Karl’s energetic transformational leadership style is infectious. The ability to help inspire others find their “why” while connecting passion to profession underlines his favorite role…coach. He has a lifelong enthusiasm for agricultural leadership growth to help take organizations past what the science of management says is possible.

Originally from Branson, Missouri, he holds degrees in education from Arizona State University & The University of Northern Colorado. He has led teams ranging from 5 to 250 & held leadership positions in public relations, event planning, fundraising, finance, human resources, corporate training & procurement. As a collaborative consultant, he secured partnerships across 49 states & 13 countries garnering millions in sponsorships.

His areas of expertise include strategic thinking, leadership development & training, public speaking, team building, community engagement & ideation.