ELM Celebrates 10 Years and 100th Participant

Catalyst Connection is thrilled to announce the commencement of the 13th cohort of our Emerging Leaders in Manufacturing (ELM) program, marking a significant milestone as we welcome our 100th participant into this transformative journey. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to nurturing leadership talent within the manufacturing sector and highlights the program’s enduring impact on professionals and organizations for 10 years.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Since its inception, the ELM program has been dedicated to unlocking the untapped potential of high-potential employees in manufacturing and related industries. Spanning 21 months, this immersive, cohort-based, and project-driven leadership development initiative focuses on enhancing essential soft skills—self-awareness, situational awareness, collaboration, and empathetic thinking—that are crucial for effective leadership in today’s dynamic environment.

Cohort-Based Learning

Each year, we assemble a diverse group of approximately eight emerging leaders who embark on this journey together. The diversity of roles, company environments, and personality types within each cohort creates a dynamic learning environment that fosters meaningful discussions and shared experiences. This peer-to-peer interaction not only enriches the learning experience but also builds a network of support that extends beyond the program’s duration.

Customized Development

The ELM program emphasizes personalized development, utilizing world-renowned thought leadership material tailored to each participant’s unique circumstances. Through individual assessments and challenging projects, participants apply new skills within their specific organizational contexts, ensuring that the learning is both relevant and impactful. This approach has proven effective in accelerating leadership development and driving positive, lasting change within organizations.

Testimonials

The success of the ELM program is best illustrated through the experiences of our participants:

• “ELM provided me the time and opportunity to focus on self-growth within a peer group. The small group setting fostered meaningful discussions on dilemmas I was encountering on recent work projects. This experience helped my personal development more than any other course, seminar, or work training I’ve encountered in my 20+ year professional career.”

— Joe Miller, Plant Manager, Berner International

• “The Emerging Leaders in Manufacturing (ELM) Program has been one of the most effective professional development programs that I have had the pleasure of experiencing. Being able to fill my ‘tool box’ with strategies, skills, and language has helped me to develop professionally and personally.”

— Denise Grady, Chief Financial Officer, Berner International

• “The Emerging Leaders in Manufacturing Program helps participants to become true leaders, providing them with all the tools needed to succeed. We will continue to sign up employees of Schroeder Industries until we are all talking the same ‘language’.”

— John Ciora, Plant Manager, Schroeder Industries

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the launch of our 13th cohort and the enrollment of our 100th participant, we remain steadfast in our mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in manufacturing. We are excited to witness the continued growth and success of our participants as they apply their enhanced leadership skills to drive innovation and excellence within their organizations.

For more information about the Emerging Leaders in Manufacturing program and how it can benefit your organization, please visit our ELM program page.

Together, we are shaping the future of manufacturing leadership, one leader at a time.

By,

Joe Sherman

Staff Writer, Catalyst Connection