Calgary (Rural Roots Canada) – Building a successful leadership and team-building workshop is about putting the right blocks in place to build a base.

There is no better example of this than Shanyn Silinski’s workshop, Foundations of Teamwork, Brick by Brick, one of the many workshops to be held at the upcoming Advancing Women in Agriculture West Conference, March 16 – 18 at the Hyatt Downtown in Calgary.

The unique session will utilize Lego as the building blocks for the lessons. 

Silinski, a Senior Strategic Partner at Olds College, says she has seen firsthand the power of Lego in team-building workshops after holding similar workshops for companies like Brandt and John Deere.

“It’s amazing how much you can learn about a team when you strip everything down to something as simple as Lego. People relax, have fun, and suddenly, they work together in ways you wouldn’t expect.”

“I’ve always been a Lego person—my son, Luke, and I have been building with them for years,” Silinski says.

Silinsky’s approach to the Lego challenge is designed to push people out of their comfort zones. “We mix up the teams randomly—rolling dice or spinning a wheel—and that’s how the groups are formed. It takes away the usual dynamics and forces people to adapt,” she explained.

“What’s incredible is that 99% of the time, the person everyone thought would be the leader isn’t the one who takes charge. It’s a real eye-opener for both the team and the leaders.”

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Silinsky’s personal experience with leadership, and what it takes to develop it, has shaped her perspective on the power of play. “I know from my own work that leadership isn’t just about being at the top. It’s about understanding people, seeing strengths where they might not be obvious, and creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable enough to contribute,” she said. “When you get people to be creative, like with Lego, you see a different side of them. It’s amazing how much they can surprise themselves.”

The inspiration behind Salinsky’s workshop at AWC West also draws from her work with her son, Luke, and his AgTech Steam project.

“Luke’s project is all about showing young people, whether they’re in rural or urban areas, how science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) intersect with agriculture,” Silinsky says. “We’re trying to make agtech more accessible, to help people of all ages and abilities see that there’s a place for them in agriculture and technology.”

Silinsky’s personal connection to AgTech Steam has given her a deep understanding of the importance of inclusivity and adaptability in learning and leadership. “AgTech Steam is scalable and inclusive—it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a child in a remote area, an adult learner, or someone with a cognitive challenge, there’s something in ag tech for you,” she said.

“I believe leadership works the same way. It’s not limited to a certain type of person. Leadership is about recognizing potential in everyone, no matter where they come from.”

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Through her workshop, Silinsky wants to demonstrate that leadership can be cultivated in creative, unexpected ways. “When you give people a chance to express their creativity, they find strengths they didn’t know they had. I’ve seen it happen countless times,” she said. “And at the end of the day, if you can have fun while building a team and developing leadership, that’s even better.”

Silinsky’s workshop at AWC West promises to be a unique, hands-on experience where attendees can see firsthand how play, teamwork, and leadership go hand in hand.

“It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t always about the traditional approach. Sometimes, it’s about letting go, having fun, and letting the creativity flow.”

To register for the Advancing Women in Agriculture West Conference, click here.