This Friday, November 7, marks the tenth annual Live2Lead event hosted by David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY). Over the past decade, leaders have gathered at The Lodge in Skaneateles for this event focused on inspiration and professional growth.
Freund described the venue as a unique setting that combines tranquility with energy. “There’s something truly special about The Lodge. From the moment you arrive, it feels like stepping into a grand Adirondack retreat from another era — nestled beside a peaceful pond and centered around a roaring stone fireplace. It’s hard to explain how a place so serene can also be so energizing — but somehow, it is,” he said.
The event begins with attendees reconnecting over breakfast before transitioning to presentations from five speakers. Freund noted that although the speakers participate virtually, their impact remains strong due to high production quality. “At 9:30, I welcome the group, and we dive into the first of five dynamic speakers. Although the speakers are virtual, the production quality is so high that it feels as though they’re right there in the room with us,” he explained.
A highlight of Live2Lead is presenting the Transformational Leader of the Year Award before lunch. Freund shared his appreciation for this part of the program: “Just before lunch, we present the Transformational Leader of the Year Award — one of my favorite moments of the day. The stories behind the nominations are always deeply moving and remind us of what it truly means to be a servant leader.”
Lunch is prepared by The Lodge’s chef and followed by book giveaways related to featured speakers’ works. Attendees then return for two more presentations before concluding for discussions about key takeaways.
Freund emphasized how collective learning amplifies personal growth: “There’s something incredibly powerful about shared learning — it multiplies the impact of growth in ways that solo learning simply can’t.”
This year’s event sold out weeks in advance, according to Freund. He expressed gratitude for various contributors to Live2Lead’s success: “I’m grateful for John Maxwell and the Maxwell Leadership team, who conceived this life-changing event and make it available to us year after year.” He also thanked MACNY for its partnership since 2015.
In closing his message ahead of Friday’s gathering, Freund stated: “Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my reflections, to grow alongside me, and to be part of this ongoing journey of leadership and learning.”
