The 2025 Global Leadership Summit II at Tempe Mission Palms in Arizona was a powerful gathering of top sales leaders, recruiters, and student leaders from Southwestern Advantage. Over three days, attendees engaged in elite training, leadership development, and networking to refine their skills and prepare for a successful summer.
Leadership Insights and Strategic Planning
The event provided a platform for sales leaders at all levels to discuss program updates, best practices, and strategies for growth. Organizational Field and Associate Sales Leaders contributed to discussions on PR, business expansion, recruiting, and leadership excellence. These sessions ensured that leaders were aligned with the company’s vision and equipped to drive success.
Developing First Years and Building Confidence
First Year participants were a key focus on the final day of the summit, receiving dedicated training on mindset, confidence, and professional development. Workshops covered overcoming fear, self-talk strategies, and insights from top-performing First Years. Special training sessions provided them with tailored guidance on sales techniques and product knowledge, ensuring they felt supported and prepared.
Beyond formal sessions, First Years benefited from mentorship and networking opportunities, including lunches and personal conferences (PCs) with experienced leaders. One First Year attendee, Titus Mikat, said, “I’ve never been surrounded by so many people my age who are motivated and committed to their personal development like me. It’s really cool and inspiring to be around.”
Keynotes and Expert Lessons from Alumni
Attendees gained invaluable insights from successful Southwestern Advantage alumni who shared how their experience translated into long-term career success. Sean Arthur, VP of Sales at Genesys, spoke about what it takes to be a top performer in any field. Sterling Reilly, co-founder and President of Townsend Kane, detailed how his time with SWA helped him build a real estate portfolio valued at over $250 million. Their stories reinforced the impact of the Southwestern Advantage program in shaping high-achieving professionals.
Team Building, Training, and Motivation
Attendees participated in morning team-building activities such as a sunrise hike to Hayden Butte and a scenic walk across the Tempe Town Pedestrian Bridge, fostering camaraderie and motivation.
The summit blended skill-building with experiential learning. Recruiters attended specialized training on team development, goal setting, and the latest Skwids updates. Sales leaders shared their personal recruiting experiences, offering perspectives on persistence and leadership.
Madi Reber, a third-year participant of the program, loved her experience at GLS II and shared, “We got to learn from leaders at Southwestern Advantage about topics like diversifying our skillsets, fostering stronger relationships as leaders, and creating confidence anchors by overcoming challenges.”
The three-day summit ended with an impactful part given by AJ Skalsky, a District Sales Leader, who challenged recruiters to choose courage over comfort. His words served as a powerful call to action, leaving attendees motivated to push past limitations and strive for excellence.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Global Leadership Summit II was more than just a conference—it was a launchpad for future success. With sharpened skills, strengthened connections, and renewed confidence, student leaders are poised to finish the recruiting season strong, building momentum for a summer of growth, while First Years are focused on preparing for their first time in the field, setting the stage for another season of excellence.
