About Us

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Program Components

Leadership

We guide sessions that strengthen the participants’ knowledge of leadership. You’ll hear from current leaders and receive training on successful leadership behaviors.

South Dakota History

Participants will learn all that our state offers, our rich history, and the leaders that contributed before and today to our growth and development.

Topical Discussions

Participants will engage in conversations with speakers and fellow participants on current and relevant topics that impact our state. Planned activities provide participants with the chance to explore the cause and effect of relevant local issues.

Networking & Relationship Building

Participants form meaningful relationships and build professional networks with classmates during each program weekend. These relationships have proven to be one of the most significant benefits of the Leadership South Dakota experience.

John T. Meyer is a seasoned leader who is passionate about inspiring others to be their best selves. With more than 15 years of experience in leadership roles, John has learned on the job by taking risks, making mistakes, and challenging himself and his teams to improve every day.

Currently, John is the Executive Director of Leadership South Dakota, where he is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in South Dakota. In addition to his work with Leadership SD, John is also the founder of January, a coaching company where he helps founders grow and scale their businesses.

John is perhaps best known for co-founding Lemonly in 2011, a design firm that has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Netflix, Marriott, Major League Baseball, and Google. As CEO of Lemonly, John fostered a strong company culture that gained regional and national attention, making it one of the best places to work in the Midwest.

When he’s not working, John enjoys spending time with his wife Paige Pearson Meyer and being a proud girl dad to Margot and Liv. He’s also an avid runner, traveler, and always on the lookout for the next big idea.