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September 17, 2025
As a senior Contract Administrator in Fayette County, Georgia, I work with administering every aspect of a contract—whether it’s a contract to procure dirt roads, fire trucks, police cars, grass mowings, or anything else for the county. When our procurement office found itself short-staffed last year, I knew it was the perfect time to invest in my leadership skills.
That's when I discovered the Edge program at the NIGP Leadership Summit. Little did I know that this opportunity would transform my professional perspective and open new opportunities to get involved with NIGP.
Finding My Leadership Edge
Having attended the Leadership Summit once before, I already understood the critical importance of strong leadership and effective communication. Still, this year’s Edge program was unlike any leadership or professional development experience I'd encountered before.
We began meeting online in November, which was great for connecting procurement professionals from across the country. What struck me immediately was the collaborative spirit, which was distinctly different from my previous experience working in computer science. The private sector tends to be quite siloed, and the public sector is the complete opposite. Procurement people are very giving and open to sharing. They truly care about others in this field, which makes for a very welcoming environment.
I really liked how we broke into small teams that met virtually before the summit. Our small group, shout out to the "Bid Wizards," became a tight-knit team. We started meeting every week and would talk about everything from professional challenges to local weather updates and personal stuff. When we finally met in person at the summit, it felt like reuniting with long-lost family members.
Something I found particularly useful with the program was a session on self-awareness. Our facilitator had us do an exercise that forced us to really look at our personal traits and values. We started with 50 traits and then gradually narrowed them down to our top five core values. It was surprisingly challenging—how do you choose between integrity, family, and personal growth? I didn’t want to get rid of any of them! But the process forced me to really think about what matters most to me—what I value and who I am.
I also enjoyed learning more about perception—how we see ourselves, how we think others see us, and how others actually perceive us. There's a fascinating "blind spot" where others might recognize leadership potential in us that we don't see in ourselves. Edge gave us space to work with our colleagues to identify our blind spots without judgment.
Making Career-Long Connections
Networking was another incredible benefit. I made it a point to follow up with new contacts immediately, sending emails while our conversations were still fresh. This approach helped me build meaningful connections across different counties and states. I've already consulted with colleagues about onboarding programs, procurement templates, and certification opportunities.
The interaction between the Edge participants and the Academy group—who are more seasoned leaders from various organizations—was an awesome idea. I enjoyed watching these experienced leaders work and understand their problem-solving process. I can’t think of another time I’ve been in the room with executives as they worked with their peers to brainstorm and solve problems.
Advice for New Edge Participants
If you’re considering the Edge program, my first piece of advice is to do it! This program will give you the understanding you need about yourself to take the next step, whatever that is. The skills I've gained extend far beyond my current role, helping me communicate more effectively, understand myself better, and support my team more meaningfully.
At Edge and elsewhere, I also advise emailing the people you meet immediately. I like to send an email with a short recap of what we discussed while it’s fresh in my mind. That way, when we are all back to work the following week, we can pick up where we left off and we’ll both remember why we had exchanged information in the first place.
For anyone hesitant about investing in leadership development, I can confidently say: take the leap. These programs offer more than just professional skills – they provide a framework for understanding yourself, your team, and your potential.
As I continue to grow in my role and potentially move towards an assistant director position, I'm grateful for the connections, insights, and personal growth I gained by participating in the Edge program at NIGP Leadership Summit. It has reminded me to never stop learning because knowledge is something you can always take with you no matter where you go. So never stop learning and continue to grow and develop who you are as a leader.
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