Exemplify Leadership

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Carl Bowden will be transferring his work to Allen, Gibbs & Houlik (AGH) to continue leadership coaching while being a part of a larger team. See Carl’s message below for more information:

“The path has changed, but the mission stays the same.

Over the past 5 years, I have been on a business building adventure that has allowed me to live to my greatest passions of leadership development while tapping into my passion for the outdoors by leading outdoor leadership retreats. These past 5 years I have learned more than I could have imagined, I have been connected with some of the most exceptional leaders of Wichita, and I have developed some amazing friendships along the journey.

Building a business is no joke and it will take you on the wildest roller coaster ride of your life with peaks, valleys, twists, and turns that will throw your emotions in all kinds of uncomfortable situations. There are successes that you never thought in your life you would achieve and low points where you feel like you will never be able to get out of the pit that you got yourself in. Running a business takes grit, perseverance, passion, a clear vision, and the right relationships to help you trek the mountain you are committing to climb. However, on our adventure in life, we must be adaptable. We must remember who we are and listen to what we are called to do. But here is the tricky part, when we are called, will we answer?

I answered the call. At the beginning of June I took on a role as a Consultant with Allen, Gibbs & Houlik in the Organizational Development and Family Business Services department. This role has allowed me to continue to do what I am most passionate about by serving others through coaching, peer groups, masterminds, and outdoor leadership retreats. If I had not actively been involved in the community and put relationships as a priority in business this opportunity would have never come about. Thanks to Daniel White for seeing the potential in me and inviting me to come on board with AGH.

My time with Exemplify Leadership has been some of the most exciting years of my life. A time of adventure, a time for connection, and a time for myself to help realize my potential. However, during this time, something was missing. What was it? It was a team.

We can’t go on the journey alone. It takes a committed team to help us achieve the overall mission we are working on. For too long, I was operating as a one man show with limited help along my adventure. However, if I wanted to make a big impact, I needed an established team that could walk along the adventure with me. I found that team at AGH.

This is the beginning of a new adventure. An adventure that took me down a path that I did not expect to go down, but a path I was meant to follow. Did I answer the call, yes! Just because we go on a new path in life, does not mean that others we met along the journey have to go away. Each of you reading this post has made a huge impact on my life and I will forever be grateful for you joining me on the journey. This isn’t the end of my leadership journey, this is only the beginning.”

Genuinely,

Carl

For more information on the leadership coaching services that Carl will be providing, please reach out to www.aghlc.com or email Carl at [email protected].

“Always act in the client’s interest. Focus on the client’s success.” This is a phrase that all too often, business professionals get confused with.

I recently had a conversation with a high level executive of a multi-million dollar accounting firm in Wichita, and this was the advice that he shared with me. In this conversation I was reminded that oftentimes business professionals get caught up in their own self interest (myself included). This is one of the most dangerous places to be in business. And far too often, we all get caught up in this trap of serving the self instead of serving others.

In the midst of this conversation, I was reminded of another leader that had taught me an important lesson. A few years back, I had a conversation with a prominent political leader in Wichita that had asked me a question that often gets overlooked and taken for granted in business today. He asked me, “How can I help you?” Here’s the key word, HELP! Business is all about helping others. It’s about making life easier for those we serve.

Both of these leaders taught me important lessons that I will never forget. They are lessons that I am continually reminded of and continually work at. Lessons that have taught me that it really is all about serving and helping others. We must always act in the interest of the client, rather than our own self interests.

I share this as a reminder to all those who are reading to always put service above self. We are not all perfect, we make mistakes. And we are continually working to improve upon this lesson. Just remember to keep taking the next step. You’ll be surprised by how far you have come.

Keep taking the next step, keep serving, and keep helping others in the challenges and problems they face! We need more people that truly have a heart to help and serve!

Your founder, coach, and friend,

Carl

Want an office space that actively supports you and your goals in business? Frustrated with the lack of support and community in your current office space? Look no further! The Commerce Club helps provide a space that supports you, your goals, and provides you with a thriving community of professionals in Wichita.

One of the greatest things about The Commerce Club is that you get a dedicated coach to help you navigate and make progress towards your goals as an added benefit for being a member. Exemplify Leadership hosts 2 masterminds or peer accountability groups a month for members to grow and connect with each other. Interested in learning more about about the Commerce Club and attending an upcoming mastermind, visit www.exemplifyleadership.com to register! Want to learn more about the Commerce Club? Visit www.commerceclubwichita.com.

Want to become a certified leader and join a supportive group for a lifetime?

Embark on a transformative 6-month journey designed to elevate your leadership capabilities through a structured, immersive experience, Exemplify’s “Mapping Out Your Leadership Adventure Certification.” This program integrates five progressive steps, each aligned with a core leadership course, complemented by interactive workshops, mastermind sessions, copies of books from famous leaders around the world and reflective journaling. You will receive an EXEMPLIFY CERTIFIED LEADER certificate and have lifetime access to our Be the Example general membership community! 🏆

The Problems We Solve:
1. Lack of Clear Vision: Many leaders struggle with the “end in mind”—an authentic, inspiring vision that guides every decision. Without this clarity, it’s easy to feel directionless, overwhelmed, or burnt out. We help you define this vision so you’re leading with purpose and passion.

2. Undefined Personal Leadership Style: Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Understanding who you are, what drives you, and how you naturally lead is crucial to building influence and impact. This certification empowers you to uncover and refine your unique leadership style, amplifying your natural strengths.

3. Stalled Growth and Stagnation: The path to growth can be elusive, especially when roadblocks or doubts keep you from taking action. We provide a structured yet flexible approach to help you apply what you learn, ensuring consistent progress and measurable results.

4. Struggles with Implementation and Accountability: Great ideas and intentions are just the start—action is where transformation happens. With actionable plans, waypoints, and measurable outcomes, we hold you accountable to real, meaningful change every step of the way.

5. Burnout and Lack of Support: Leadership can be isolating, and burnout is real. Our program not only equips you with techniques to fuel yourself sustainably but also surrounds you with a cohort of peers who understand, support, and uplift you.

Here’s our program structure:

Duration: 6 months

Workshops: Two 4-hour sessions per month with lunches provided

Private Facebook Group: To keep in touch between sessions with your cohort members

Mastermind Sessions: An accountability group with your cohort to help you complete your goals.

Reflective Practice: Personalized leadership journal with cohort-specific writing prompts

Ready to take the next step on your leadership adventure and become a certified leader? We start in July! Apply today! Follow this link to submit your application:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAOgSHiZ-vlAfIq8lAXtOrnYH23bEMYFGoBR2PvKG5-70_mg/viewform

For more information, visit www.exemplifyleadership.com/services.