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For someone who has always been eager to raise her hand and speak up, one of Sharray Reid’s proudest moments in BNP Grow came when she chose not to.

During the program’s final session, she found herself resisting the urge to jump into the conversation. Instead, she focused on listening to the different perspectives being shared and creating space for others to contribute. It was a small moment, but it was one that reflected how much she had grown over the course of the five-session leadership development experience.

“This program has helped me so much,” Sharray says. “I’ve been able to take things from here and apply them directly at work while figuring out my next step as a leader.”

Sharray enrolled in BNP Grow to strengthen her communication skills and prepare for the next stage of her career at Tops Friendly Markets. At the same time, she was taking on greater responsibilities at work and interviewing for a promotion.

The program provided a strong foundation for that growth, helping her better understand herself, her colleagues and the leadership skills needed to transition from supervisor to manager.

While previous training had focused on public speaking and group collaboration, BNP Grow challenged her to develop a deeper level of self-awareness. Through sessions focused on communication, leadership styles and workplace dynamics, she gained tools she applied immediately on the job.

“I came into the program hoping to develop my communication skills,” Sharray says. “One of the biggest things I learned was to listen more and talk less.”

That lesson quickly translated to the workplace. As she stepped into new responsibilities, she became more intentional about listening to colleagues, seeking different viewpoints and adapting her communication style to better support her team.

The peer learning experiences throughout the program also left a lasting impression. Surrounded by fellow professionals from different industries and backgrounds, Sharray discovered that many workplace challenges are shared across organizations. Conversations with fellow participants offered new perspectives on communication and how to motivate others.

As Sharray was completing the program, she learned she had been officially promoted to Receiving Manager. While she knows there is still much to learn, she views BNP Grow as an important step toward her long-term goal of reaching the executive level.

“If someone wants to develop themselves as a leader, this is the perfect place to do it,” she says. “I’m not just a leader at work – I’m a leader in my community as well.”