Strategic Pathways
Strategic Pathways
Stop waiting to be noticed. Start building the path forward.
In-Person
August 5–7, 2026
Atlanta, GA
Virtual
September 10
October 15
November 12
Hybrid
$7,500
25 hours
Program Overview
The path to leadership is rarely a straight line, especially for professionals navigating glass ceilings, complex workplace dynamics, unspoken expectations, and the pressure to be everything to everyone. Strategic Pathways was designed to change that. The program develops negotiation skills, networking strategy, and sponsorship plan that moves careers forward — building both the mindset and the concrete tools needed to create access and opportunity.
Through eight interactive sessions, participants examine what has been limiting their advancement, build a targeted strategy for the relationships and visibility that matter most, and leave with a Sponsorship Strategy Portfolio that is concrete, personalized, and ready to execute.
What You'll Gain
- Emotional intelligence tools that build trust, strengthen relationships, and enable effective leadership under pressure
- Negotiation frameworks and practiced language for advocating confidently for compensation, scope, and advancement
- Practical strategies for navigating complex workplace dynamics without compromising effectiveness
- A values-based networking approach that expands influence and creates lasting professional capital
- A clear understanding of the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship and a targeted plan to build the latter
- A mapped support ecosystem of mentors, sponsors, coaches, and advisors aligned to long-term career goals
Who Should Attend
Leaders at any level who are ready to advance with greater clarity and intention, from high-potential emerging leaders to senior professionals whose next move requires more than strong performance alone. The cross-level cohort is intentional: the range of experience enriches the learning for everyone.
who should attend?
ELC Leadership Pathways is designed for early-to-mid-career professionals (5-7 years of experience), or professionals who are new to people management. If you’re navigating increased complexity, managing diverse teams, or ready to step into your power as a strategic leader, this program is for you.
What sets the elc apart?
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How Participants Rank the elc
Program Curriculum
Leadership Pathways is built around four quarterly sessions, each addressing a critical stage in your leadership development journey. Together, they create a comprehensive pathway from understanding organizational dynamics to positioning yourself as a strategic leader.
Emotional Intelligence — Self-Awareness, Regulation and Interpersonal Skills
Explore the five core components of emotional intelligence using the EQ-i 2.0 model and examine how they form the foundation of effective leadership. Participants practice strategies to respond calmly under pressure and strengthen the interpersonal skills that build trust and influence.
Key Takeaway: Emotional regulation tools and a stronger command of leadership presence under stress.
The Double Bind Tax
Unpack the double bind dilemma: the competing expectations leaders face to be both assertive and warm. Develop communication strategies to navigate these dynamics without compromising your authenticity or effectiveness.
Key Takeaway: A personalized action plan for balanced, confident leadership in complex professional environments.
Authenticity and Self-Worth
Identify core strengths and values and learn how to bring them forward consistently in professional settings. Build the confidence to lead from a place of genuine self-knowledge.
Key Takeaway: Strategies for maintaining authenticity and confidence across varied leadership scenarios.
Negotiation Skills
Master the core stages of negotiation and learn to articulate value and impact as leverage. Participants practice tailored strategies for real-world conversations, from compensation discussions to expanded scope and visibility.
Key Takeaway: A negotiation framework and practiced language for advocating confidently for career advancement.
Strategic Networking
Reframe networking as a leadership strategy. Participants identify the internal barriers that may be limiting their network and develop a practical, values-based approach that expands influence and supports long-term growth.
Key Takeaway: A practical networking plan integrated into their broader professional development strategy.
The Balancing Act
Examine the tensions between individual performance, team expectations, and organizational demands and develop the decision-making and boundary-setting tools to lead with purpose without sacrificing long-term effectiveness.
Key Takeaway: Concrete tools for values-aligned leadership when competing demands pull in different directions.
Building Your Personal Board of Directors
Distinguish between the roles of mentors, sponsors, coaches, and advisors and then audit your current support ecosystem to identify critical gaps. Participants create an intentional plan to build or strengthen relationships that will champion their growth.
Key Takeaway: A map of their current support network and a targeted plan to fill the gaps that matter most.
From Mentoring to Sponsorship
Move beyond mentoring into sponsorship. Understand how to bring value to potential sponsors and position for the advocacy, visibility, and access that sponsorship provides. Participants begin building their Sponsorship Strategy Portfolio.
Key Takeaway: A completed Sponsorship Strategy Portfolio including value articulation, support ecosystem assessment, and defined sponsorship asks.
Your Program Deliverable: Sponsorship Strategy Portfolio
A personalized, actionable plan for building and activating relationships that create access, visibility, and opportunity. Developed across the full program, so participants leave with a strategy that is concrete, specific, and ready to execute.
meet the faculty
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Strategic Pathways designed for?
Leaders at any level who are ready to advance with greater clarity and intention. The cross-level cohort model is intentional — participants at different career stages learn from and challenge each other throughout the program.
What will participants build?
A Sponsorship Strategy Portfolio — a personalized, actionable plan for building and activating the relationships that create access, visibility, and advancement.
How does this course connect to the broader LDE program?
Strategic Pathways participants share the opening keynote, evening receptions, lunches, and networking breaks with all LDE participants. Course-specific sessions are held with their cohort.
Learning in Action
Ready to Find Your Power?
Enroll in Leadership Pathways and join a community of emerging leaders who are navigating complexity, building the cultural intelligence to lead diverse teams, and leading with confidence.
A Decade of Empowering Leaders Like You
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called "Leadership Pathways"?
Leadership isn’t linear—it’s a journey with multiple paths forward. The ELC’s Leadership Pathways recognizes that each leader’s journey is unique. Through our curriculum, peer coaching, and personalized Leadership Charter, you’ll chart your own path to success while learning from others navigating similar challenges.
Is this program right for me if I'm not officially a "manager" yet?
Yes. Leadership Pathways is designed for professionals who are new to leadership—whether you’re managing your first team or expanding your influence without a formal title. If you’re leading projects, influencing decisions, or preparing for a leadership role, this program is for you.
Will I receive any certification or credential?
While there is no formal certification, participants who complete the program receive a digital badge and a personalized Leadership Charter that documents your growth and development.
Can my organization sponsor my participation?
Absolutely. Many participants of The ELC programs are sponsored by their employers as part of professional development initiatives. Contact us to discuss group enrollment options.
What if I can't attend every session?
Sessions are live-only and not recorded to create a confidential, engaged learning environment. We recommend committing to all sessions to get the full value of the program.
How is this different from other leadership programs?
Leadership Pathways combines three elements most programs can’t offer: direct access to The ELC Members and senior executives, small-group peer coaching with ICF-certified coaches (capped at 20 participants), and a 9-month journey focused on the skills that matter most—reading organizational dynamics, building executive presence, and positioning yourself for advancement. You’ll leave with practical frameworks, a personalized Leadership Charter, and a network of peers who become lasting professional relationships.
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