iLEAD V Day One Debrief: Where Learning to Lead Begins and Markers that Smell Like Fruit

by Samantha Barker, video conferencing manager - August 21, 2025

Day one of iLEAD kicked off with energy and anticipation at the C.A. Vines 4-H Center. We dove into leadership styles and characteristics, guided by insights from our administrators and colleagues. Curiosity buzzed around the results of our KAI Inventory, taken the week prior, and a newfound love of scented markers.

Our first activity involved decorating small cardboard boxes, which turned out to be more than just a creative icebreaker. Each box represents our individual leadership journey and will serve as a personal vault throughout the year, filled with notes of encouragement, gratitude, and growth from fellow participants. It was a meaningful start, even if the cherry marker stole the spotlight.

Dr. Deacue Fields, vice president for agriculture at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, welcomed us with reflections on the importance of leadership within the organization, distinguishing leadership from management, and offered encouragement for the journey ahead. Dr. John Anderson, director of the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, followed with a powerful discussion on leadership traits and their impact on the future of extension, reinforcing that our participation in iLEAD is both valued and supported.

We tested our teamwork with exercises like building the University of Arkansas System's leadership tree and tackling Division of Agriculture trivia. Taylor Knox, program associate for the ExCEL Leadership Program, led a lively session on leadership styles, including a game-show-inspired activity that made learning both effective and entertaining.

Dr. Megan Seibel from Virginia Tech facilitated our KAI Inventory session, helping us understand how our problem-solving styles differ and how those differences can strengthen collaboration. Naturally, this involved another round of scented marker use. Why not make learning smell like fruit? We wrapped up the day by sharing our “Me Sheets,” filled with photos and fun facts that helped us get to know each other beyond our job titles.

Meeting in person for the first time was not only productive but refreshingly fun. As we learned more about one another, we began building the kind of connections that will support collaboration across departments and throughout the Division of Agriculture and Extension. The biggest takeaway was that effective leadership begins with self-awareness, understanding of others, and finding meaning in even the simplest exercises. And yes, the scented markers will be back.