Day 4 of the EMpact Leadership Summit

Day 4 of the EMpact Leadership Summit was an exciting day of fitness training, learning to cook new healthy recipes and concluded with a relaxing pool party.

Since I have had such a drastic life change because of the 135 pounds that I have lost because of EMwomen programs, fitness training, and healthy eating, I was delighted to be a team leader in today’s sessions. We started the day off at 8 a.m. with a 5K walk/run around downtown Hot Springs. Eleven months ago, this would have been an impossibility for me, but I was so elated to coach the women and watch them complete the walk/run. It was so inspiring to see each young lady overcome their obstacles in completing the 5K, and watch them learn that walking enables them to stay fit and have fun in the process. After the 5K we learned how to properly stretch after working out to avoid injury and to improve flexibility.

Then it was time to teach the women a couple of recipes that have been a part of my life in the last 12 months – a great meal and dessert -- all under 10 grams of fat. First I showed them a favorite, low fat, low calorie dessert – Angel Lush Cake – an EMcafe recipe. We gave them the ingredients and showed them a completed cake, but then the hilarious, competitive opportunity was given them, as teams to use the same ingredients and create their own cake design. We gave them just a few minutes to accomplish their goals. And the results were amazing. One team created a beautiful cake volcano and one of the girls on that team explained their creation. She said, “It represents the potential that is inside of all of us, and if we allow it to come out, like lava, it will touch all those around us!” Others were done with design excellence and all looked so enticing. Then came the hilarious part. We said, “Now for the competition: each team gets to eat their creations, and race to see who can finish first!” Each team dove in – their cheeks were bulging as they aggressively devoured their cakes. What a fun mess they made –and the best part -- the entire cake was under 10 grams of fat!

Then it was time to show them how to prepare Catalina Chicken & Vegetable Kabobs – another EMcafe recipe. Once again, as teams, they assembled their kabobs on skewers and had them ready to grill for this evening’s meal. Believe me, they’ll never forget this meal and will be able to prepare it for their families at home.

Following the recipe segment, we enjoyed hearing the 2nd part of the “You Incorporated” session where Larry Wallace explained the importance of exercising extreme caution on posting comments and replies, in whatever venue or website, on the internet. He explained that they are defining their personal values and leadership abilities when they post and if negativity, immorality or questionable comments are made, it can harm them when employers or other significant superiors evaluate them for promotion, job acquisitions or any other future potential. This segment was especially eye opening to the ladies.

The day concluded with a little R&R at the beautiful home of John and Missy Gibson for a pool and karaoke party. At the party we enjoyed the kabobs that were made earlier in the day and enjoyed a time of relaxation in the pool and watching the ladies dance and have a great time with karaoke.

A special “shout out” goes to Angel Willis for teaching the girls about fitness and assisting with the 5K; Larry Wallace for teaching on “You Incorporated” your personal branding, Donna Wuerch and Allison Blevins for providing a great EMcafe lunch (turkey taco salad), and to the Gibsons’ for their hospitality in allowing this huge group to enjoy their home.

What a wonderful day it was! Everyday seems to be getting more and more exciting. We’re amazed at the great leadership potential that is in this great group of young women!

EMpacted by this great EMpact Leadership Summit….

Denise Gerrich