Essential Leadership Program

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Cost-Effective, Interactive Leadership Development for Emerging Talent

Empower your emerging leaders to reach their full potential with this flexible, cohort-based program designed specifically for the credit union industry.

Over five months, participants engage in a blend of self-paced digital learning, live virtual coaching, and peer support, building key leadership skills such as emotional intelligence and executive presence. Throughout the program, they receive valuable feedback to guide their ongoing growth while developing actionable tools. 

Participants leave with the confidence and skills to drive meaningful impact within their teams and credit union.

Here's What You Can Expect

  • Foundational learning for developing leaders. Three online courses provide essential learning on the Foundations of Leadership, Executive Presence, and Emotional Intelligence.
  • Virtual facilitation and coaching. Experienced leaders and coaches create opportunities for peer connection and offer guidance that inspires reflection and drives action.
  • Tools for lasting growth. Participants leave with an Individual Development Plan, SMART goals, mini-360 feedback, and self-assessments.
  • Scalable and cost-effective. Develop up to 50 employees in one streamlined, results-driven program.
  • Real-world impact. Participants apply new skills to boost team morale, manage conflict, and lead through change.
  • You supply the participants. CUES delivers the rest—content, coaching, and tools that boost communication, morale, and retention.

Don't just take our word for it—see what a recent participant had to say:

Casey Clark
Casey Clark
Advia Credit Union
"The CUES Essential Leadership Program was a transformative experience. The program helped me become more self-aware and empathetic, equipping me to handle challenges with clarity and build stronger relationships."

You Provide the Participants, We’ll Take Care of the Rest! 

CUES manages all the logistics—from structured content to expert-led virtual sessions—delivering a high-impact learning journey without adding to your staff’s workload.

More than just a development initiative, CUES Essential Leadership Program is a long-term investment in your organization’s leadership pipeline. Here’s why: 

  • Cost-Effective and Scalable: Train up to 50 employees with one turnkey program.  
  • Drives Internal Mobility and Readiness: Prepares emerging leaders to step up with stronger critical thinking, confident decision-making, and a growth mindset.
  • Supports a Culture of Growth: You’ll be building internal networks and peer accountability through collaborative learning and coaching.
  • Proven Impact: 81% of participants felt more confident leading teams, and 87% are applying what they learned directly in their roles. 
  • Tailored to Your Culture: Easily integrate your CU’s mission, values, and performance expectations into the experience.

 

Investing in the Essential Leadership Program means investing in your people and your future. With 94% of graduates recommending the program and 87% actively applying what they’ve learned, this program delivers measurable results in leadership effectiveness, retention, and internal mobility. Discover how this program can drive your organization’s success. Contact Chad Helminak, CUES VP of Talent Development Programming, at chad@cues.org to learn more.

  • 94%

    Essential Leadership Program graduates recommend the program.

  • 87%

    Gained tools and skills they are actively applying to their roles.

  • 81%

    Learners walked away feeling more confident leading teams.

Foundations of Leadership

  • Explore authentic leadership techniques and cultivate confidence in leading.
  • Course topics include leadership styles, influence, communication, change management, coaching, team development, goal setting, and conflict resolution.

The Power of Executive Presence

  • Uncover the holistic skills needed to establish a positive and influential presence.
  • Course topics include personal appearance/branding, mindset, strategic vision, and effective communication.

The Emotionally Intelligent Leader

  • Develop skills to manage relationships effectively and create a positive work environment.
  • Course topics include self-management, self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship management.

Applying Foundations of Leadership

  • This facilitated discussion will explore the concept of leadership and highlight best practices for becoming an effective leader.

 

Integrating Executive Presence

  • We’ll come together to review the components of executive presence and discuss best practices for building your confidence and leadership authenticity.

 

Embracing Emotional Intelligence

  • In this session we’ll discuss how understanding and managing your emotions can help you communicate with and relate to others.

 

Individual Development Plan Refinement

  • Finalize your individual development plan based on course learnings and with help from the group.

CUES Essential Leadership Program is a 5-month experience designed to fit easily into your team’s schedule while delivering real-world leadership insights.

Overview:

  • Cohort size: 25–50 participants per cohort.

  • Length: 5 months, 4–6 hours/month

  • Turnkey delivery: CUES provides all structure, content, and coach support-minimal lift for your team.

  • Customizable: Ability to embed your credit union’s mission, values, and performance expectations into the cohort experience.

 

Who Should Attend:

  • New and emerging leaders
  • Aspiring managers and supervisors

  • Cross-functional team members

  • Credit unions of all asset sizes (individuals and groups)

 

Participants Leave With:

  • An Individual Development Plan

  • SMART goals

  • Mini-360 feedback

  • Self-assessments

 

Program Structure:

  • Three Self-Paced Online Courses
    • Foundations of Leadership
    • Executive Presence
    • Emotional Intelligence

 

  • Four Live Virtual Coaching Sessions
    • Interactive, 90-minute sessions to apply concepts, reflect, and build peer connections
    • Orientation & Wrap-Up
      • Kick-off with a 60-minute orientation
      • Conclude with a final group debrief

 

  • Time Commitment
    • 4–6 hours/month on average

 

Built-In Connection & Accountability:

Small-group discussions and peer feedback create a culture of learning, accountability, and internal networking across your organization.


 

This program is for new and emerging leaders, aspiring managers, and cross-functional team members at credit unions of all sizes. Be sure to include anyone you see as a future leader in your organization’s pipeline.

The program is 100% online, blending self-paced virtual courses with live, interactive group coaching sessions.

Internal cohorts can accommodate 25–50 participants. Additionally, open enrollment is available for individuals or smaller credit unions.

The program lasts for five months, with 4–6 hours of participant commitment required each month. This includes coaching, interactive content, team sessions, and practical exercises designed to build leadership skills.

Expect stronger communication, more effective collaboration, higher morale, and growing leadership confidence. These outcomes drive real results--boosting retention, accelerating internal mobility, and strengthening your leadership pipeline.

Yes! The experience can be tailored to align with your credit union’s mission, values, and performance expectations.

CUES takes care of the details so your team can stay focused on serving your members. We'll handle all the logistics, content, coaching, and technical support for a seamless experience.

Pricing varies based on the size of your cohort and the specific needs of your credit union. Connect with us to explore the best fit for your team and receive a personalized quote.

We are ready to help! Connect with Chad Helminak, CUES VP of Talent Development Programming, at chad@cues.org for details on availability, pricing, and to get a cohort started. 

Ready to Supercharge Your Talent Pipeline and Professional Development Strategy?

If you are interested in offering this program through your organization, please fill out the form or contact chad@cues,org to learn more, schedule a demo, and explore details, availability, and pricing.