The following is a collection of in-person and online education events, as well as other networking and advocacy opportunities that provide content that can help develop leadership potential. These have been designated as FLD Spotlight Opportunities, and can be of great value to FLD members seeking to grow as a leader in the banking industry. Check back to stay updated for new opportunities.
Last Update: February 20, 2025
Professional / Leadership Development Courses
Professional / Leadership Development Webinars
Advocacy / Networking Events
Blogs, Podcasts and More

Professional / Leadership Development Courses
IBA Leadership Development Program
Begins March 10
The Indiana Bankers Association in partnership with a world-class faculty has tailored a program that will have an immediate, positive impact on attendees and the banks that sponsor them. This series of four sessions, spaced over an eight-month period, is intense and demanding. It is designed for future bank leaders who are motivated and eager to reach full potential. An ambition to excel is a requisite for this series, as is the desire to face and learn from challenges. At the conclusion of the eight-month program, participants will be poised to contribute significantly to the bank’s future, as well as contribute positively to the bank’s work environment by building and maintaining influential relationships with employees and supervisors.
FLD Leadership Conference
July 9-10
Save the date and plan to attend the 2025 FLD Leadership Conference. More details will be coming soon!

Professional / Leadership Development Webinars
Check back soon for more updates.

Advocacy / Networking Events
FLD Day at the Statehouse
March 5
The FLD Day at the Statehouse is dedicated to giving a voice to emerging bank leaders in the political process. It is a prime opportunity to get to know legislators and learn firsthand about the IBA's grassroots advocacy efforts. Though IBA is active politically through lobbying and PAC support, IBA’s most effective advocacy takes place at the grassroots level, when bankers meet face-to-face with lawmakers to express industry views. Members of the Indiana General Assembly welcome the opportunity to hear directly from their banking constituents, and they appreciate the effort you make to visit them during the legislative session. FLD Day at the Statehouse is your opportunity to become politically engaged, and unlock your potential as an industry advocate. The tentative agenda will include informative insights from the IBA Government Relations team, meetings with House and Senate banking committee leaders, time dedicated for visits with your own state lawmakers and a look inside the Indiana Statehouse.
FLD Networking Reception at Mega Conference
May 28
Mark your calendars for the FLD's Mega Networking Reception on May 28. This reception, sponsored by Krieg DeVault LLP, will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. EDT at Social Cantina in downtown Indianapolis. This event is open to all FLD members as well as Mega Conference attendees who are interested in learning more about Future Leadership Division membership and its networking opportunities. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet and establish new relationships with the FLD Advisory Board, FLD members and other bankers interested in growing as banking professionals in the state of Indiana. There is no charge to attend. Please RSVP for this event by contacting Josh Myers by May 23.
IBA Annual Washington Trip
October 5-7
Save the date and plan to attend the 2025 IBA Annual Washington Trip. More details will be coming soon!.

FLD Focus Feature Guest Columns
FLD Focus Feature (August 2024) - Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders: A Vision for Indiana Banking
Guest Column by Benjamin Bochnowski
FLD Focus Feature (June 2024) - Three Ideas to Grow Your Leadership Success
Guest Column by Evan Gottschalk
FLD Focus Feature (April 2024) - Three Key Principals for Effective Leadership
Guest Column by Jennifer Gibson
FLD Focus Feature (February 2024) - Managing Millennials, from a Millennial
Guest Column by Michael J. Clampitt
FLD Focus Feature (December 2023) - Talent for Today
Guest Column by Annette Russell
FLD Focus Feature (August 2023) - How Do Leaders in Banking Manage Today’s Ever-Changing Environment?
Guest Column by Mark E. Bruin
FLD Focus Feature (April 2023) - Leadership Life Lessons by a 40-year Banker
Guest Column by Jamie R. Shinabarger
FLD Focus Feature (February 2023) - How Pinocchio Taught me to be a Better Banker, Leader, Husband and Father
Guest Column by Brock C. Goggins
FLD Focus Feature (November 2022) - Lessons Learned in Leadership
Guest Column by Ben Joergens
FLD Focus Feature (August 2022) - Strategic Mindset: An Essential for All Leaders
Guest Column by Michael A. Evans
FLD Focus Feature (May 2022) - Expectations and Tools for Leading to Success
Guest Column by Jacqueline M. Ruge-Perkins
FLD Focus Feature (April 2022) - A Slogan? No, a Tenet
Guest Column by Matthew W. Howrey
FLD Focus Feature (March 2022) - Essence of Leadership
Guest Column by Mark A. Schroeder
FLD Focus Feature (February 2022) - How to Be the Best Leader You Can Be…
Guest Column by Garry D. Kleer
FLD Focus Feature (January 2022) - Leadership – What’s Your Story?
Guest Column by Jon-Myckle D. Price
FLD Focus Feature (October 2021) - Lead, Follow or Get out of the Way
Guest Column by John M. Kennedy
FLD Focus Feature (September 2021) - Lessons Learned in Leadership
Guest Column by Michael K. Bauer
FLD Focus Feature (August 2021) - Working with Others
Guest Column by Ryan M. Warner
FLD Focus Feature (July 2021) - Leaders Throw Starfish Instead of Stepping on Them
Guest Column by W. Steven Kidwell
FLD Focus Feature (June 2021) - What is the Best Habit
Guest Column by Kent Liechty
FLD Focus Feature (May 2021) - What Type of Leader Do You Want to Be?
Guest Column by Shane Pilarski
FLD Focus Feature (April 2021) - Go Ahead, Lead
Guest Column by Larry W. Myers
FLD Focus Feature (March 2021) - How IBA Involvement Impacts Development and Leadership
Guest Column by Michael S. Zahn
FLD Focus Feature (February 2021) - Your Greatest Resource is Each Other
Guest Column by Emily Boardman
FLD Focus Feature (January 2021) - New Priorities in the Pandemic Paradigm of Leadership
Guest Column by Juli Lynch, Ph.D.
FLD Focus Feature (December 2020) - Leadership Lessons from Winnie the Pooh
Guest Column by Karen Gregerson
FLD Focus Feature (October 2020) - Embracing Your Leadership Example
Guest Column by William W. Harrod
FLD Focus Feature (September 2020) - Three Keys to Great Leadership
Guest Column by Lisa Arnold
FLD Focus Feature (August 2020) - Seeking Opportunities To Develop Leadership
Guest Column by Lucas White
FLD Focus Feature (July 2020) - What Does True Leadership Look Like?
Guest Column by Melodie K. Yarnell