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/
DAVID CORY, MA, PCC
Speaker Bio:
David Cory is a leadership development coach, trainer, and consultant known for his expertise in applying the concept of emotional intelligence to individual and organizational performance improvement. Since 1998, David and his team have worked on the implementation of EI development programs with leaders in some of the most progressive organizations globally.
He has been a keynote speaker at conferences around the world, including Harvard Medical School, and a six‑time keynote speaker at the Asia HR Congress held in Bahrain, Brunei, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (twice). His most recent keynote was delivered at the World of Tomorrow Leadership Conference, Paradise Island, Maldives.
Session Description:
What does the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) mean for the Emotional Intelligence (EI) of humans within effective organizations? Will AI replace EI? What is the relationship between EI and AI — and what does this mean for Talent Development professionals?
Join David Cory, founder of one of the first companies to offer leadership development based on EI - The Emotional Intelligence Training Company Inc. as he discusses the essential importance of understanding this critical relationship between EI and AI and the exact right mix of skills your organization needs to thrive. Since 1998, EITC has designed and delivered training and coaching to leaders in some of the most progressive organizations on the planet.
Learning Objectives:
Define EI and AI as they relate to Talent Development
Describe one of the world’s leading EI models for organizational effectiveness
Explain the relationship between EI and AI and why both matter for the future
Take away five keys to improve EI skills
This program aligns with the following capabilities of the ATD Capability Model: Building Personal and Organizational Capability.
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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