MISSION43 LEADERS FELLOWSHIP

The Mission43 Leaders Fellowship is a specially selected group of veterans, military spouses, and currently serving military members who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and actively seek personal and professional growth. The yearlong commitment is designed to unleash the potential of selected Fellows by investing in their leadership skills and increasing their ability to positively impact Idaho.

The Fellowship is a mutually beneficial investment: All expenses (including travel) are covered by Mission43 for those selected. In turn, acceptance into the Fellowship requires an individual commitment to the scheduled annual events (listed below) and a willingness to expand beyond one’s personal and professional “comfort zones.”

COHORT VI INFORMATION (mAY ‘24-APRIL ‘25)

The Fellowship begins with an internal focus and the notion that we must be able to lead ourselves first, both physically and mentally, before we can lead others. The program then shifts to the external and Fellows interact directly with some of Idaho’s most successful leaders to discover what values and attributes made them successful. Finally, the Fellows focus on the future by establishing personal goals and working as a network to support each other and hold each other accountable towards that success.

PHASE I: LEAD YOURSELF FIRST

This three-day workshop is led by Mike Erwin, CEO of the Character & Leadership Center and author of Lead Yourself First, and explores the notion that one of the most impactful actions a leader can take is to create time for solitude. This is exceptionally timely because people are busier and more distracted than ever. This seminar isn’t about theory, it’s packed with action-oriented steps and strategies to fortify character, enhance clarity, and strike emotional balance. Additionally, it’s the first chance to get to know each other over the course of a few days, break bread together, and have some fun with a friendly (and challenging) physical competition in Sun Valley, Idaho.

COHORT VI PHASE 1: Wednesday, May 8th - Friday, May 10th, 2024
LOCATION: Ketchum, Idaho
- This phase includes facilitated travel and two overnight periods for all Fellows
- Phase 1 participation is mandatory for continuance of the Fellowship

PHASE II: Wilderness Immersion

During this phase, Fellows are fully immersed in the austere and remote wilderness areas of Idaho. The cohort, divided into small teams led by previous Fellows, backpack anywhere between 15 and 35 miles over the three-day period. Throughout the deliberate effort to afford Fellows solitude, the trek includes numerous facilitated conversations that invariably open an array of perspectives on leadership, vulnerability, and self-reflection. The trust and bonds developed from this experience are enhanced by the incredible Idaho settings that are absent of everyday distractions (including cellphone service).

This is not a “retreat.” For some individuals the physical aspect of Phase II can be daunting. For others, it will be mentally challenging to be on a team of people with varied backgrounds, experience levels, and personalities. In all cases, the Wilderness Immersion is worthwhile for those who are committed to self-development.

COHORT VI PHASE 2: Thursday, August 29th - Sunday, September 1st, 2024
LOCATION: Sawtooth National Wilderness, White Cloud Wilderness Area, Frank Church Wilderness
- This phase includes facilitated travel and three overnight periods of all Fellows
- Phase 2 participation is mandatory for continuance of the Fellowship

PHASE III: THE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

The cohort meets for monthly, half day sessions. Each intimate, small group session features highly accomplished and experienced leaders from different segments of the Idaho economy. These leaders discuss the values they have consistently relied on throughout their careers and provide insight into their success. Guests have included Bill Whitacre (former CEO of Simplot), Tommy Ahlquist (CEO of Ball Ventures Ahlquist), Todd Lindsey (Entrepreneur), Roger Quarles (Executive Director of J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation), Lisa Grow (CEO of Idaho Power), and Muffy Davis (Paralympic gold medalist and Idaho State Representative).

COHORT VI PHASE 3: 12pm-5pm
- 2024: Friday, October 11th; Friday, November 8th; Friday, December 13th
- 2025: Friday, January 10th; Friday, February 7th; Friday, March 7th
LOCATION: Various locations throughout the Treasure Valley
- This phase includes facilitated travel and overnight periods for Fellows living outside of the Boise-area

PHASE IV: the FELLOWSHIP FORWARD

Phase IV is focused on looking towards the future, establishing goals, and supporting each other in the Leaders Fellowship network. The goal of the overall program is to make Idaho a better place because of the collective leadership of this group, and towards that end, each Fellow will develop and present what they are doing as leaders to make a positive impact on our state. This may be focused on growing a business, starting a non-profit, or earning a promotion. It’s powerful to be part of a network that will not only hold you accountable, but will also support each other towards success.

COHORT VI PHASE 4: Thursday, April 17th - Friday, April 18th, 2025
LOCATION: Payette County, Southwest Idaho
- This phase includes facilitated travel and one overnight period for all Fellows

Frequently asked questions

Mission43 members that are a military spouse (current or former), currently serving military, or prior service military.

Apply using the online form, found on this webpage between January 1st - March 1st, 2024

Applications are accepted between January 1st and March 1st, 2024. All applications have personally identifiable information redacted before they are reviewed by a selection committee. If an application is selected for advancement, applicants will be notified (March 6th-7th, 2024) and will schedule an interview during the period of March 18th-20th, 2024. All applicants will receive notification of their selection status by March 31st, 2024.

It’s highly competitive and the quality of the individuals applying is humbling. However, don’t let this discourage you! We can’t emphasize enough that if you put time and thought into your answers, you will absolutely be competitive. We’ve conducted hundreds of interviews the past few years and you can immediately sense those who are excited about the opportunity and will be great contributors to the larger group.

The dates are listed for each session in the phase descriptions above. We ask that you carefully consider the dates and time requirement to be a M43 Leaders Fellow before applying.

The Fellowship, like Mission43, is fully funded by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation and is free to the military spouses and veterans who are selected. The Fellowship is not a gift, but an investment in creating an experience that reflects the potential of this group.

There is no virtual option to be part of the program. We believe the face-to-face interaction is crucial to the development and strength of the group. However, if you are located outside of the local area Mission43 will cover travel and lodging as part of our investment in your experience.

Fellows have been selected who currently do not live in Idaho, so we do recommend applying. Consideration will be made for your professional timeline and goals to be in Idaho.

A cohort is selected once a year.

The dates are known and there is time to prepare for the Wilderness Immersion. You will do this as a team so completing this is entirely possible when you work together, however showing up prepared is an individual responsibility.

All Fellows are associated with military service in some way, but don’t live a life defined by it. This Fellowship is about what is to come in the future, so those with that mindset are in good company. Military spouses are equally considered to be part of the program (like all of Mission43) and have consistently been some of the most accomplished Fellows!

MEET THE fELLOWS

The Fellows come from a wide range of backgrounds. From native Idahoans who left to serve on Active Duty to military spouses who now call Idaho home. Each brings a unique perspective but all share the common trait of being individuals of character who have great potential and a desire to positively impact our communities.

Meet The Fellows