University of Windsor students are invited to explore “followership” at the 2023 Lancer Leadership Conference, on campus Feb. 3 and 4.

The conference promises interactive activities to explore and reflect upon followership strategies.

On Friday night, attendees will see the documentary The Seeds of Vandana Shiva. Vandana Shiva is an eco-activist and founding director of the Research Foundation for Science, Technology, and Ecology.

On Saturday, alumnus Linden Crain (BComm 2022), who topped the polls for Amherstburg town councillor in the October 2022 election, shares his vision of leadership in a keynote address. The Lancer Leadership conference comes full circle: Crain attended during his student career.

“I am always excited to participate in the Lancer Leadership Conference because it celebrates the achievements of university alumni while also providing students with an opportunity to engage with industry experts, researchers, and educators as they continue to follow their plans for the future,” he says.

“During my own experience at the conference, I was able to build new relationships throughout Windsor-Essex and hear inspiring stories from UWindsor community champions. This is an event you do not want to miss.”

The conference also offers a lunchtime meal and interactive poster session hosted by the Lancer Leadership Ambassador Team. In the afternoon sessions, students will participate in interactive games to explore their own strategies and characteristics as followers.

Tim Brunet, co-ordinator of outstanding scholars and student leadership programs, calls the theme timely.

“Many leadership frameworks talk about how to lead groups,” he says. “However, in an age of social media, ad hoc meritocracies, and globalization, we need to understand the costs and opportunities in following institutions, their leaders, and the activists who yearn for change.”

Registration is free — sign up today.

—Jeannette Vanier