Columbia State Community College’s Office of Workforce and Continuing Education recently celebrated the completion of its fall 2025 cohort of the Leadership for Operational Excellence program with a reception recognizing the achievements and growth of the participants. The program equips new and emerging leaders with essential skills to excel and grow confidently in their roles.

“It has been wonderful bringing this program to life and seeing it succeed,” said Melody Murphy, former Columbia State Workforce and Continuing Education director. “These participants, as well as the ones from our previous cohorts, have grown and helped me grow so much over our time together. The thing I appreciate most about this program and what I think makes it so impactful is the diversity of thoughts and experiences that everyone brings. Change truly is the only constant, and through shared experiences, we can self-reflect and often shift perspectives.”

The Leadership for Operational Excellence program is designed to equip new and rising leaders with the skills and resources needed to succeed in a fast-paced and evolving workplace.

This cohort-based program combines real-world applications with expert-led sessions, giving participants practical tools for leadership and operational excellence. Through a structured curriculum, participants gain insights into key leadership strategies, communication skills, employee engagement and operational management.

Topics covered include leadership styles, generations and teams, employee engagement and productivity, communication and leading your team, business finance and budgets, presentation skills and networking as well as delivering outcomes and managing change — all geared toward preparing participants to lead with a new perspective and confidence.

“Leadership for Operational Excellence gives the current and next generation of industry leaders the opportunity to accelerate their career growth and vastly enhances their value to their employers,” said Dr. Shane Hall, Columbia State vice president of the Williamson Campus and community engagement. “They come into the program with a passion to learn and exercise their potential, and they leave with the education and tangible skills to lead.”

The fall 2025 cohort participants included Bill Williams, Gandhi Valliappan, Ian Golden, Radhu Shankar Gowri, Bharathwajan Raghavan, Sai Venkata Punnarao Gudivada, Kelli Johnson, Swapna Sandela and Dwight Jones.

Valliappan, of Tractor Supply Company, spoke about his ideals on what it means to be a good workplace leader.

“I believe leadership is about enabling people to succeed together — creating an environment where collaboration and learning drive progress,” Valliappan said. “I aim to build teams that learn continuously, strive collectively, and win through shared growth. Together we learn. Together we strive. Together we win. Success is our collective evolution — earned through learning and strengthened by teamwork. When people feel safe to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and stretch their thinking, innovation becomes natural and sustainable.”

Williams, Columbia State multimedia coordinator and the first Columbia State staff member to be a cohort participant, also spoke on his take on how the program influenced his outlook on what being a leader means.

“True leadership means ever learning from the journey, lifting others with compassion and lighting the path toward a brighter future,” Williams said. “I believe a leader should be forever learning, from themselves and others. My goal as a leader is to motivate, coach and empower others while guiding them toward growth and confidence. I believe in inspiring through action — in doing, not just directing. My father taught me to roll up my sleeves, work alongside others, and model the contribution I expect from my team.”

To close out the reception, Murphy gave the participants and attendees words of affirmation and motivation.

“As we continue, let's remember that leadership is a choice we make and strive to cultivate a culture of authentic leadership that inspires, empowers and fosters growth for all,” she said. “So, let’s go do good.”

For more information about the Leadership for Operational Excellence program or the Columbia State Office of Workforce and Continuing Education, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Workforce, or email WorkforceDev@ColumbiaState.edu.