Emerging Leader Lab

 Program Overview

The Emerging Leader Lab is practical leadership development experience designed to help emerging leaders build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to lead effectively in today’s workplace.

Delivered in partnership with Elissa Zylbershlag of Work Wise Labs, the program brings a highly interactive, applied approach to leadership development. Across three in-person sessions, participants will strengthen how they communicate, think critically, solve problems, and lead through change.

Participants leave with clear tools, stronger self-awareness, and the ability to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. 

Session 1 – Communication and Relationship Building

Confidence in leadership starts with how you communicate and how you show up. This session focuses on building awareness of communication style, strengthening relationships, and understanding how everyday interactions impact trust and credibility. Participants will identify specific communication skills to develop and begin practicing them in real time.

Goals

• • Understand the difference between managing and leading
  • Identify personal communication styles and how they impact others
  • Build awareness of how strong relationships drive team effectiveness

Session 2 – Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Confidence grows when you know how to approach challenges clearly and effectively. This session focuses on identifying the right problems to solve, reframing situations, and applying simple decision-making tools. Participants will practice slowing down their thinking, asking better questions, and taking more intentional action.

Goals

• • Strengthen critical thinking in everyday leadership decisions
  • Identify and focus on the right problems to solve
  • Apply simple frameworks to improve problem-solving and decision-making

Session 3 – Adaptability and Resilience

Confidence is tested most during change.
This session focuses on building the ability to stay grounded, adapt to challenges, and respond with intention rather than reaction. Participants will develop practical strategies to manage uncertainty and support their teams through change.

Goals

• • Manage change with intention rather than react to it
  • Build personal resilience to stay effective during uncertainty
  • Develop strategies to help teams adapt and move through change
  • Strengthen confidence and clarity in their leadership approach

Program Outcomes

Participants will leave the Emerging Leader Lab with:

• Greater clarity on what leadership looks like in practice
• Stronger communication and relationship-building skills
• A practical approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• Tools to navigate change with resilience and intention
• Increased confidence built through skill development and real-world application