Professional Development for Current and Aspiring Broadcast Leaders
Created to assist NBA members in developing current and future station and industry leaders, the NBA is proud to present our first ever Leadership Masterclass.
Being a leader doesn’t require a job title that says so. This course is designed for anyone currently in a leadership role OR anyone who aspires to be, from any station department. While this class was developed and is offered by the Radio Advertising Bureau, the Leadership Masterclass is for current and future leaders at radio and television stations. This is not a sales class and the content is not about radio.
The RAB Leadership Masterclass is a transformative experience aimed at empowering and equipping today’s managers and developing tomorrow’s leaders. Its exclusive, small-class format, offered only a few times yearly, provides a unique opportunity to connect and build a supportive network among their peers. Graduates of the LMC join the prestigious ranks of elite media management professionals.
Attendees will delve into a wide range of subjects designed to improve their leadership skills and provide actionable insights, along with practical tools they can immediately implement.
Course Topics
Management vs. Leadership: Setting Standards
We explore the common shortfall in organizations of having wishes instead of standards, helping participants grasp the distinction between management and leadership and when to apply each approach.
Recruiting, Hiring, and De-Hiring
This session introduces a robust, seven-step process for recruiting and releasing staff, emphasizing strategic hiring and employee retention.
Managing Through Massive and Constant Change
Participants develop an understanding of their organization’s stages and learn strategies to leverage these phases for optimal growth.
Problem-Solving
This module focuses on rapidly addressing and resolving organizational challenges through hands-on learning exercises.
The Art and Heart of Coaching
Distinct from training or managing, this portion teaches the nuances of coaching and how to excel in this role.
Yes, You Are A Public Speaker
Despite its common fear factor, public speaking is an essential skill. Attendees will discover techniques to master this art.
Impactful Communication: Your Words Matter
Effective communication tactics are discussed, including impactful word choice and terms to avoid.
What Now? What Next?
This session addresses the industry’s rapid evolution, offering strategies to prepare leaders for what lies ahead.
Understanding and Managing Personality Types
Further experiential learning helps participants recognize the four distinct personality styles and adapt their leadership accordingly.
Eligibility Requirements
- The Masterclass is limited to 50 attendees
- Each dues-paying Station Employment Unit (SEU) in good standing can submit up to TWO employees to attend.
- Owners and station managers are eligible to attend as participants, and count as part of the two employees per SEU.
- Participants must commit to the full two days of training and obtain approval from their manager to do so. This is not open to those who wish to attend only part of the time or are unsure if they can receive approval to attend. Your participation requires a commitment to attend from start to finish.
Schedule & Location
The Leadership Masterclass will be held April 13 – 15, 2025 in Kearney, NE.
Crowne Plaza Hotel
707 Talmadge St.
Kearney, NE 68845
Sunday, April 13
6 PM Welcome Reception and Dinner
Monday, April 14
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM – 5 PM Instruction (lunch included)
6 PM Dinner
Tuesday, April 15
7:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM – 4 PM Instruction (lunch included)
Cost
- Cost to participate is just $100 per attendee. The NBA is significantly underwriting the costs of this opportunity, including scheduled breakfasts, lunches, dinners and hotel accomodations for registrants.
- Registrations will be accepted on a first come basis until the class is full. At that time a wait list will be established. Payment must be made to the NBA once your registration is received and confirmed, due no later than March 12. Beginning March 13, we will open unpaid seats to any registrants on the waiting list.
Reservation Requirements and Deadline
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements outlined above:
- Before registering, you must obtain approval to attend from your manager, who must email Linda Meuret at linda@ne-ba.org stating why they want you to attend in 200 words or less.
- Complete and submit the online form via the link below. No handwritten or emailed registrations will be accepted.
- The form includes space for you to state in 200 words or less why you would like to attend the class.
- Reservations and payment must be received no later than March 12, 2025.
*This button will only be active during designated application periods
About Our Class Leader
Jeff Schmidt likes to start with why, and Jeff’s why is: To Inspire engage, educate, equip, and empower people to believe in themselves, have confidence in their abilities, and achieve even greater levels of success – however they define success.
While his mother wanted him to become a preacher or a lawyer, Jeff became a salesperson with the Midwest Family Broadcast Group. Jeff has been “on the air”, on the streets as a successful seller, and has spent years inspiring teams as sales manager. Jeff has navigated the complexities of working for small independently owned companies, survived the tumultuous occasions of ownership changes, and excelled in the corporate arena. He rose through the ranks as sales manager, market manager, and regional vice president and has served in various sales roles and organizations in his 30+ years in radio.
As Senior Vice President of Professional Development, Jeff oversees the professional development group across all Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) training services and works with the industry’s leadership to continue to provide a professional development practice positioned to serve an evolving industry sales force focused on digital, solution based integrated marketing and sales efforts.
Jeff’s passion is to help you get better. He lives his personal mission statement: Think BIG and make BIG things happen.
