Description

The newly named Emerging Leader Training Program presented with Sojourn Partners, Ascend is designed to equip high-potential managers and executives with the skills, confidence, and connections to step into the next level of leadership. 

This is a six-session developmental experience with a focus on strengthening leadership capability and organizational impact. Each month highlights a key dimension of leadership—moving from self-awareness and purpose to influence and strategic implementation.

Throughout the program, community leaders from diverse industries and functions will engage directly with participants. These guest leaders will share their experiences, insights, and challenges—helping participants see the consistency of successful leadership across contexts. Their collaboration reinforces the program’s lessons and validates what participants are discovering in their own leadership practice.

Join the 2025-2026 cohort and invest in your team’s growth while strengthening NH’s network of future leaders.

Thursday, November 13: Discovery of Management and Leadership Purpose 

BIA Office - 9am to 4pm

Explore the distinction between management and leadership, your roles in today’s organizations, and your personal leadership identity.

Focus Areas:

• Clarifying your leadership growth journey

• Defining a leadership philosophy that builds confidence and direction

• Begin to shape commitments to step forward and lead when opportunities arise

Why it matters:

A clear leadership philosophy is foundational to personal growth. It enables leaders to evolve with purpose and intention—shaping how they respond to challenges and lead change.

Thursday, December 18: Interpersonal Management, Coaching, and Mentoring 

BIA Office - 9am to 4pm

Develop essential interpersonal and coaching skills that strengthen trust, engagement, and team performance.

Focus Areas:

• Facilitating productive meetings and courageous conversations

• Engaging in critical and sometimes difficult discussions

• Creating psychological safety for open dialogue and growth

• Listening deeply and asking powerful questions to unlock potential

Why it matters:

A coaching mindset fosters trust, ownership, and learning. Today’s leaders are expected to coach, empower, and

inspire—not simply direct.

Thursday, January 15: Management Strategy and Leading Change 

BIA Office - 9am to 4pm

Deepen your understanding of strategy, innovation, and how to move people through change.

Focus Areas:

• Recognizing patterns and solving complex problems

• Planning for the future while adapting to changing conditions

• Applying strategic judgment amid uncertainty

• Driving innovation and continuous improvement

• Navigating transitions and leading through ambiguity

Why it matters:

Strategic agility is essential in fast-moving environments. Leaders who anticipate change, foster innovation, and

adapt effectively are the ones who ensure resilience and sustainable growth.

Thursday, February 12: Leadership Culture and Systems Intelligence 

BIA Office - 9am to 4pm

Gain insight into systems thinking and the leader’s role in shaping organizational culture and climate.

Focus Areas:

• Understanding the dynamics of organizational culture

• Shaping climates that support excellence and innovation

• Challenging and evolving norms, beliefs, and behaviors

• Creating inclusive and psychologically safe environments

• Understanding and embracing diverse personalities and perspectives

Why it matters:

Leaders shape culture through everyday actions. High-performing teams thrive on inclusion, trust, and shared

purpose. Intentional cultures—not accidental ones—build sustainable advantage.

Thursday, April 9: Being an Influencer 

BIA Office - 9am to 4pm

Develop the ability to communicate with clarity, build alignment, and inspire action across the organization.

Focus Areas:

• Communicating expectations, feedback, and direction

• Achieving accountability in others

• Motivating individuals and teams to advance a mission

• Influencing effectively across functions and hierarchies

Why it matters:

Influence and communication are at the core of collaboration and alignment—especially in hybrid and

cross-functional environments.

Thursday, May 14: Integration and Implementation 

LaBelle Winery Amherst, NH - 9 am to 5:30 pm

Bring together all program learnings into actionable commitments for ongoing leadership and organizational

growth.

Focus Areas:

• Applying leadership competencies to advance a real organizational initiative

• Practicing and refining lessons learned in live application

• Articulating personal leadership commitments for continued growth

Why it matters:

Sustained leadership growth requires intentional practice and reflection. Integration ensures new insights

translate into lasting impact—for yourself, your team, and your organization.