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Young Industry Leaders

Upcoming Virtual Session - Building Your Leadership Flywheel: Creating Momentum Through Consistent Action

FEDA Young Industry Leaders are invited to take part in an upcoming virtual session from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25. This session will build on the flywheel effect concept presented by Jim Collins at the 2025 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference and help participants apply it to their individual leadership development. For those attending the 2026 conference, the session provides a foundational framework for Verne Harnish’s keynote, which will tie Collins’ teachings to the four critical areas of people, strategy, execution, and cash.

During this interactive program, participants will map a personal leadership flywheel by identifying the habits, strengths, relationships, and experiences that reinforce one another to generate long-term leadership momentum. They’ll also have the opportunity to connect with fellow Young Industry Leaders through small-group discussions that will leave them with practical strategies they can continue developing after the session ends.

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Mission

Formed to help identify and develop the talent within the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, FEDA’s Young Industry Leaders (YIL) seeks to engage distributor and manufacturer professionals who are growing into or already serving in leadership roles by offering leadership development training and opportunities to network with other young industry professionals.
 

History

YIL was founded by the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association (FEDA) in 2018. As outlined in the Association’s strategic plan, one of FEDA’s highest priorities is to elevate the status of young professionals within the Association and beyond. YIL serves as a vehicle to solicit feedback and guidance from this key demographic as well as to ensure YIL participants have an opportunity to play a more active role in shaping FEDA’s future.
 

Program Overview

YIL seeks to carry out its mission by organizing the following:

  • On-site leadership development retreats hosted by FEDA manufacturer members.

  • More activities at the FEDA annual conference designed to increase the attendance of young industry leaders and foster a greater sense of connection and belonging.

  • Use recruitment efforts and meetings as a vehicle to encourage diversity in association leadership and involvement.
     

Participants

Young Industry Leaders are nominated by the principals in FEDA member dealerships, distributors, and manufacturers. They should serve in a variety of leadership roles within their companies, and must meet the following criteria to participate in YIL’s Leadership Development Program:

  • Serve in a full-time role within a FEDA-member organization

  • Manage people or manage a process

  • Make strategic decisions

  • Collaborate well with others
     

How to Participate

Industry professionals interested in participating in FEDA’s Young Industry Leaders Development Program must be nominated by the principal in their dealership, distribution, or manufacturing company and meet the following criteria:

  • Serve in a full-time role within a FEDA-member organization

  • Be responsible for managing people or a process

  • Have the authority to make strategic decisions

  • Play an active role in problem-solving and conflict management

  • Be a team player

Nomination Form Word PDF Online Form
Application Form Word PDF Online Form

Once the nomination form is filled out by the nominee’s employer, he or she is then required to fill out an application form and return both forms to the FEDA office for review. Upon completion, FEDA’s Communication Manager Tim O’Connor will contact the applicant.