.jpg?sfvrsn=9882c0b1_0&MaxWidth=236&MaxHeight=90&ScaleUp=false&Quality=High&Method=ResizeFitToAreaArguments&Signature=5463D506848E2491E740793656E01C17DFC79083 "Fort Worth Logo"){kind=logo}
Experience a transformative educational journey with TXCPA Fort Worth's 2025 Leadership Development Program—an exclusive opportunity to build essential leadership skills. Whether you aim to lead within TXCPA or contribute to another organization in our community, this program is designed to enhance your leadership effectiveness. Led by President-Elect Josh Willson alongside Kim Knox Lewis, our president, and board members Stephanie Buduhan, Sandra Bembenek, and Rachel Glasser, the 2025 program offers a dynamic and enriching experience. Elevate your leadership potential and create a lasting impact within and beyond our community.
This program is for:
Connection
- Connection to fellow CPAs
- Connection to chapter’s resources and leadership
Education
- Overview of the structure of the profession and TXCPA governance
- How member resources can be used to develop skills and knowledge
- Soft skill training in public speaking, networking, and knowledge of personal strengths
Development
- Individual skill development
- Incubator for TXCPA Fort Worth leaders
Applications are closed.
Program Dates
JUNE 27 - APPLICATION DEADLINE
Thursday and Friday
July 24 and 25, 2025
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, August 22, 2025
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Participation Requirements
- be a CPA, or a Candidate member with a CPA sponsor
- be a TXCPA Fort Worth member, and
- commit to use your best efforts to fulfill program requirements, which are:
- attend July 24 and 25, 2025 program retreat
- attend August 22 Kimbell Art Museum tour
- participate in a 2025-2026 Chapter community service campaign and/or speak at a school as part of November's CPA month
- attend one meeting of the governance body of the Chapter on November 18, 2025
Fee: Waived (The Board of Directors has waived this program fee for 2025)
Delivery method: group live
CPE: 11 credits awarded
Level: update
Prerequisites/advance preparation: no prerequisites and no advance preparation required
Contact: Jennifer Davis jdavis@tx.cpa
Location: Inn on Lake Granbury, lodging and meals are included.
Speakers and Topics
Dede Williams Vann | CliftonStrengths
CliftonStrengths focuses on your greatest opportunities for development and success, rather than only on your weaknesses. Learn how to use your CliftonStrengths report and learning resources to tackle your work using your talents.
Philip Dodd | CliftonStrengths
This session will explore practical ways to apply your strengths at work, improve collaboration, and increase personal and professional effectiveness. Instead of focusing on fixing weaknesses, you'll gain insight into how your top strengths can be your biggest asset.
Sandra Bembenek | Networking Workshop
Work through some key networking issues such as identifying viable prospects; what to do after meeting someone at an event; how much time and energy should be spent on networking; how to turn a prospect into a client; how to “close the deal" and more.
Stephanie Buduhan | Boosting Success, Banishing Stress, and Mastering Work/Life Bliss!
By celebrating your success and avoiding stress, you can enhance your productivity and work/life balance. Health is the key to financial and professional success. Participants of this course will also learn effective ways to cope with workplace stress by describing stress triggers and coping mechanisms.
Kim Knox Lewis | Public Speaking
Polish your presentation skills with Kim’s tips for success. Even introverts must sometimes speak at company meetings or present with confidence to clients. Participants are qualified to join the Chapter’s Speakers Bureau.
Chris Lucas | Leadership Without Authority
Chris will lead an interactive panel discussion on how to communicate with influence and lead effectively—regardless of your title. Chapter leaders will explore strategies for managing projects, motivating teams, and stepping into leadership with confidence, even without formal authority.
Josh Willson| King of the Scene
Josh, our Chapter president-elect, will lead and guide the retreat. He’ll participate in key sessions, sharing insights and fostering collaboration. Throughout the retreat, Josh looks forward to connecting personally with participants, building relationships, and setting the tone for a successful year ahead.
Jennifer Davis| How the Profession is Organized
Knowing how the CPA profession is structured can help you identify personal growth and leadership opportunities. Chapter Executive Director, Jennifer Davis, will show you where to match your interests and your commitment level.
Mark Rich | A Museum Tour From An Accountant’s Perspective
CPAs often look at the world through a different lens. This session delivers insight into one of Fort Worth's most notable institutions, the Kimbell Art Museum. Event date is Friday, August 16, 2024.
Learning Objectives
Clifton Strengths
1. Learn what makes you unique
2. Create strength based goals
3. Reframe your weaknesses
4. Use strengths focused resources
Public Speaking
1. Identify ways to assess your audience
2. Recognize the importance of practice and preparation
3. Identify some tips and hints
Leading Without Authority
1. Gain insight into your personal leadership style
2. Define leadership characteristics and qualities that encourage people to respond
3. Discuss ways to establish and maintain personal credibility
4. Describe personal accountability and why it’s essential to leadership
Boosting Success, Banishing Stress, and Mastering Work/Life Bliss!
1. Describe stress triggers
2. Review science behind stress reduction
3. Identify coping mechanisms
How the Profession is Organized
1. Learn about organizations that support the accounting profession
2. Identify factors to consider when choosing a volunteer opportunity
Networking: Mingle Like You Mean It
1. Learn how to set your goals for success
2. Identify questions for better conversations
3. Understand the importance of a follow up system