When Nikki Gehl, Director of Sales at Ornua Ingredients North America, enrolled in the Fox Cities Chamber’s Leader Lab, it wasn’t for a promotion or a certificate, it was to become a better, more intentional leader.
“I was inspired to join the Leader Lab program by a desire to strengthen my leadership capabilities,” Gehl shared. “I saw the program as an opportunity to learn tips, gain new perspectives, and cultivate new skills.”
The Chamber’s Leader Lab program was started last year in collaboration with BetterCulture, and is a professional development program designed to cultivate leadership and culture-focused skills among professionals in the Fox Cities region, at any stage in their career development. Through a series of workshops, self-guided study, and networking opportunities, participants engage in activities that enhance their leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and personal growth. The program aims to empower individuals to take on greater leadership roles within their organizations, the broader community, and their own lives. Since its inception last year, more than 80 area professionals have gone through the program.
What Gehl discovered over the course of the program went far beyond theory. Through honest conversations, shared experiences, and in-depth reflection, she found herself reshaping how she thinks about leadership, both within her team and across her organization.
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” Gehl said. “It’s about asking the right questions, listening, and motivating and empowering others.”
As director of sales at her company, Gehl understands the importance of connecting with people beyond performance metrics. “One of the most important insights I took away from Leader Lab was the impact leaders have in shaping their team,” she said. “When employees feel appreciated, not just for what they achieve, but for who they are and what they uniquely contribute, it creates a ripple effect of loyalty, motivation, and excellence. Leader Lab gave me tools and ideas for how to validate and celebrate people.”
One standout moment for Gehl was a session centered on building a culture of mutual pride. “It made me realize that great leaders don’t just set direction…they actively shape environments where people feel seen, valued, and motivated,” she said. “When employees feel proud to say, ‘I work here,’ and sense that the company genuinely values them, that’s when culture becomes a force multiplier. That concept really changed how I think about recognition and engagement for the long term.”
Gehl also valued the cross-industry collaboration that Leader Lab encourages. “Connecting with peers from other industries in the community broadened my perspective on leadership,” she noted. “While each company has its own nuances, many leadership principles are universal. I really enjoyed meeting people in the community and learning from their experiences.”
Her experience in the program did push her boundaries, but that only made her experience stronger. “One challenge I faced during the program was stepping out of my comfort zone to engage in vulnerable, honest conversations with people I had just met,” Gehl said. “But the class size was a great balance, small enough to feel intimate and build trust, yet diverse enough to offer a range of perspectives to learn from.”
Reflecting on her growth, Gehl emphasized how much more aware she’s become of what effective leadership really looks like. “Leader Lab was insightful and reflective,” she said. “I left not just with new tools and insights, but with a clearer understanding of what makes a great leader and how to apply those lessons.”
To those considering the program, Gehl offers this advice: “Take the leap. Whether it sharpens the skills you already have or pushes you to explore new perspectives outside your comfort zone, the growth is real. Each class and module offers practical ways to apply what you’ve learned.”
She also credits the experience to the program’s skilled facilitation. “Aimee Herrick, Director of Events and Emerging Talent at the Fox Cities Chamber, was a fantastic class moderator—she made the sessions engaging and fun, encouraged thoughtful discussion, and really created a space for growth.”
For Nikki Gehl, Leader Lab offered more than just professional development, it was an opportunity to reflect, grow, and gain clarity around the kind of leader she wants to be. With new tools, fresh insights, and meaningful connections, she’s bringing what she learned back to her team, and continuing to lead with intention.
The Chamber is currently looking for the next cohort of Leader Lab participants. The next session begins August 13, and classes are available both in Calumet County, and at the Fox Cities Chamber. For more information, click here.