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2026 Leadership Institute

February 19, 2026 12:00 AM - April 23, 2026 12:00 AM (EST)

Description

The Springfield Regional Chamber is proud to once again partner with Western New England University to offer a comprehensive on-ground leadership program designed to elevate the capabilities of both emerging and senior leaders in today's dynamic business landscape.

Participants will develop advanced skills in strategic thinking, decision-making, and change management while honing their abilities in effective communication and team building. The curriculum covers emerging issues such as AI, digital media, and business analytics in leadership and helps leaders to develop an organizational culture and personal mindset that fosters innovation, collaboration, and promoting ethical business practices.

This program is designed to empower executives to lead with confidence, vision, and integrity in increasingly complex and competitive environments. 

All sessions will be led by professors from Western New England University College of Business, and will be held on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main Street, Springfield unless otherwise noted.


Session Schedule

February 19:  Today’s Leadership Challenge: Navigating Executive Leadership in a Complex World

This dynamic session defines Next-Gen Leadership and identifies why Next-Gen leadership skills are needed. More than ever before, organizations find themselves in a state of constant change as they adapt to internal and external forces.  In this session, you will be introduced to strategies leaders must use to build an agile and resilient organizational culture.  Explore best practices for managing resistance, fostering innovation, and sustaining engagement during organizational change.  Participants will evaluate their own competencies and create personalized growth plans.

February 26: Strategic Agility: Thinking and Decision Making for the New Norm

In today’s business world leaders are required to be increasingly strategic, analytical, and entrepreneurial. You will be introduced to leadership skills and tools which will help you enhance organizational agility, intensify mission focus, and increase operational efficiency and accountability through data-driven decision making.

March 5:  Adaptive Leadership: Flexible Leadership Styles for Maximum Impact

Effective leaders recognize that one-size-fits-all approaches fall short in today's diverse and dynamic workplace. This session explores multiple leadership styles—from directive to coaching, participative to transformational—and teaches participants how to assess situations and adapt their approach accordingly.

March 12:  Financial Mastery for Modern Leaders

Empower yourself with essential financial skills for strategic leadership. Explore key metrics, risk management, and capital strategies employed by today’s successful business leaders. Understand how to interpret complex financial data and use that data to support strategic planning and everyday business decisions.

March 19:  Strategic Marketing and Marketing Communication in a Digital Age

Leaders are challenged to communicate effectively both within and beyond their organization. In this session, you will be introduced to advanced techniques for identifying and reaching your target market, crafting a powerful brand message, and utilizing a multiplatform approach to deliver your message.  Assessing marketing effectiveness and avoiding pitfalls in while marketing in the digital landscape will be discussed.

March 26:  Leadership Presence

Master advanced public speaking and presentation skills for high-stakes environments. Learn to craft compelling narratives, project executive presence, and deliver persuasive messages. Refine vocal delivery, body language, and handling challenging questions with confidence.

April 2:  Leading with AI: Strategic Leadership on an Audacious New Tech Frontier

Gain practical insights on leading your team in the emerging AI business landscape. Explore the strategic impact, ethical considerations, privacy challenges, and organizational implications of AI. Learn about AI’s potential to drive organizational success. Develop AI leadership skills which will allow you to evaluate opportunities for AI integration, manage human-AI collaboration, and drive innovation while maintaining a human-centric approach.

April 9:  Strategic Stakeholder Management and Influence Without Authority

Master the art of building coalitions and driving initiatives across organizational boundaries. Leaders will learn advanced techniques for mapping stakeholder ecosystems, understanding competing priorities, and crafting persuasive arguments that align diverse interests. Through case studies and interactive exercises, participants will develop skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and building the strategic relationships necessary to execute complex initiatives. This session is essential for leaders who must achieve results through collaboration rather than direct control.

April 16:  Strategic Problem-Solving - Advanced Frameworks for Business Leaders 

Dive into systematic approaches for addressing complex business challenges. Learn Next-Gen problem solving tools that drive sustainable solutions.  Advance your critical and analytic skills as you learn to analyze root causes, generate innovative solutions, and apply best practices in solution implementation. (This session will lay the foundation for the Institute capstone project.)

April 23:  Leadership in Action: Institute Capstone Project

Apply your new leadership skills to tackle real organizational challenges presented by industry partners. Work collaboratively with a mentor to develop actionable solutions, culminating in executive-level presentations at the Institute Graduation Reception.

April 30:  Capstone Presentations and Graduation Reception at WNEU
(Graduation will be held at the Delbridge Career Center from 5:00 to 6:00 PM)

Participants will present their Capstone Industry Challenge to a group that includes their sponsors and members of the Springfield Regional Chamber Board of Directors.  These presentations will be followed by a graduation reception with refreshments.


Time

Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 2/19/25 - 4/30/25

Pricing

$995.00

Contact Information

Name: Karen Tetreault
Email: tetreault@springfieldregionalchamber.com
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