Leadership Institute: Our Pilot Program, Upcoming Cohort & FAQs

This fall, we officially launched our Leadership Institute across Tennessee’s three grand divisions. Building on our successful pilot in Germantown, here is a look back at those initial sessions and how you can join an upcoming cohort near you.

OUR PILOT COHORT

Earlier this year, Loss Control Training Consultant Sarah Curtis directed the Leadership Institute for a group of 40 leaders from Collierville and Germantown.

“We're so grateful to the leaders who took part in our pilot,” Sarah said. “Participants did more than complete a training program — they helped build one. Their honest feedback and input shaped the program that cohorts across the state will experience, and it's a stronger program because of them. We can't thank them enough.”

Members who participated in this cohort learned about being self-aware as a leader, using leadership as a tool for risk management and more. Public Entity Partners would like to extend a special thank you to those who attended these sessions and Germantown for hosting us!

REGISTERING FOR THE WINTER COHORT

Ready to experience PEP’s Leadership Institute firsthand? Registration for our winter cohort is officially open! Sessions run monthly from January through April. Visit our website for dates, locations and registration details.

Curious about what to expect? See how the pilot sessions impacted a few participants:

Donna McAlexander, Town of Collierville

“The Leadership Institute training was truly eye-opening! Sarah created a comfortable, structured environment that encouraged meaningful interaction and participation. She shared real-life experiences, as did other participants, which reinforced the value and importance of this training.

I left the training with a clearer understanding of myself and a more open mind regarding today’s workforce. The experience provided valuable insights that I can carry forward both personally and professionally.”

Tristen Matthews, City of Germantown

“The program was exceptionally informative and insightful, leaving a lasting impression on how I approach my role and interactions moving forward.

Going forward, I will always be mindfully focused on fostering a culture-structured environment within my leadership approach and daily communication with my peers. Intentional culture makes all the difference in how we collaborate, align and succeed together.

Beyond the professional takeaways, the institute challenged me to think outside the workplace as well. It served as a powerful reminder of how deeply core values translate into our personal lives, encouraging a more balanced and thoughtful mindset overall. 

Thank you again for providing such a transformative experience.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• ·    What if I cannot attend one of the sessions for my region? Am I still eligible to register?

o   Registrants must attend at least three of the four sessions in person. We understand that things may come up, and we still want you to be able to participate!

o   Before missing a session, let Sarah know and she will share the presentation and associated workbook so you don’t miss any of the content.

• Is every cohort teaching the same four sessions?

o   The four sessions offered are always the same, so if you can’t attend the winter cohort dates, we encourage you to register for the summer session once details become available.

• ·    Can you share more about what the sessions will include?

o  The program opens with “Foundations of Leadership.” Through an initial self-evaluation, you will discover your greatest leadership strengths and target specific areas for growth.

o   Next is “Risk-Aware Leadership,” where you will discover what you aren’t seeing. Engaging with peers and sharing different viewpoints will highlight where your focus lies and show how over-focusing on certain areas can leave other responsibilities exposed.

o  The third session, “Leading Through Change,” equips you to navigate complex and uncertain environments. You will explore how your leadership style adapts under pressure and learn proven strategies to guide and support your team through transition.

o  The fourth and final session, “Building a High-Performance Culture,” brings every lesson together around a central question: “What shadow are you casting?” You will examine whether your leadership models steadfast dedication, and actively encourage innovation and continuous improvement.

We hope that by the end of the four training sessions, you will have applicable and actionable items to incorporate into your leadership style.

For more information, please visit our website or contact Sarah Curtis at SCurtis@PEpartners.org.