Discussion is open and informal; engage with the monthly theme, or share a personal leadership hurdle for valuable insight from fellow thought leaders. You won't want to miss it!
September 2026 Location: Wegmans (Short Pump) 12200 Wegmans Blvd, Henrico, VA 23233 (meet in the café, across from kids' play area)
Topic for September: Coping with Change as Leaders
ATD emphasizes that navigating change is both a leadership capability and a human experience. Leaders strengthen their effectiveness by developing emotional intelligence, resilience, communication, collaboration, and lifelong learning — all core elements of the ATD Capability Model.
This month's SIG invites you to reflect on how you personally experience change and how those reactions influence the way you lead and support others. We’ll explore questions such as:
When your team is facing uncertainty, what have you found is the most effective way to reduce anxiety without compromising things you can't guarantee?
Looking back on a change you initially resisted, what unexpected opportunities or benefits eventually emerged? What changed your perspective?
When you can't control the change itself, what specific actions or mindset shifts help you — and your team — focus on what you can control instead of dwelling on what you can't?
This topic aligns with ATD’s Building Personal Capability domain within the ATD Capability Model, where Emotional Intelligence lives as a core leadership capability, and offers a practical, reflective in‑person discussion designed to help you deepen your personal competence and strengthen your leadership readiness.
Strengthen your leadership presence by learning how to define, shape, and communicate your personal brand. Join us for Session 1 of our Leadership Presence Series featuring Ellen Raynor of Essentials for Leadership, LLC.
Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. In this session, Ellen will introduce the 5P Framework — Product, Persona, Packaging, Permission, and Promotion — to help you identify your brand and manage it with intention.
Whether you’re building credibility, navigating organizational dynamics, or preparing for new leadership opportunities, this session will give you practical tools to strengthen how others perceive you and how you show up professionally.
Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Ellen Raynor, Essentials for Leadership, LLC Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenraynor4leadershipessentials/
Visibility is power. Join us for Session 2 of our Leadership Presence Series featuring Ellen Raynor as we explore how to become more recognized, connected, and known in your organization.
It’s not who you know — it’s who knows YOU. In this session, Ellen will share strategies for increasing your visibility by showing up, getting involved, nurturing stakeholder relationships, and expanding your network.
You’ll learn how to position yourself for opportunities, strengthen your professional presence, and ensure your contributions are seen and valued.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Influence is the cornerstone of leadership. Join us for Session 3 of our Leadership Presence Series featuring Ellen Raynor as we explore how to strengthen your impact and lead with confidence.
In this session, Ellen will introduce 10 sources of personal and organizational power and teach four influence tactics — Reasoning, Inspiring, Bargaining, and Consulting — to help you influence others effectively in different situations.
You’ll walk away with practical tools to increase your impact, strengthen your leadership presence, and navigate complex workplace dynamics with confidence.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
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