Develop the Next Generation of Leaders
Advance the knowledge, sharpen the skills, and unlock the growth of your high-potential employees through a turnkey experience designed by the credit union industry’s premier leadership development experts.
CUES Essential Leadership Program is a holistic, inclusive five-month program that equips your future leaders with the communication skills, emotional intelligence, and executive presence they need to lead teams—while strengthening your leadership pipeline, boosting retention, and building bench strength at scale.
Ready to Enroll Your Team in the July 2026 Cohort?
Seats are limited. Secure your team's spot today.
Build Your Leadership Pipeline
Credit unions are navigating increased complexity, tighter labor markets, and growing expectations of leaders at every level. CUES Essential Leadership Program helps you develop multiple high-potential employees at once, creating shared language, stronger collaboration, and leaders ready to step into greater responsibilities.
Teams learn and lead more effectively together; shared development experiences strengthen collaboration, reinforce critical leadership skills, and accelerate organizational impact. That’s why the CUES Essential Leadership Program is intentionally designed for group enrollment to ensure the greatest return on your leadership investment. Contact us for group pricing.
Who This Program Is Designed For
Ideal participants include:
First-time managers and supervisors
High-potential employees preparing for leadership roles
Branch managers, operations leads, and cross-functional team leaders
Designed to support internal promotion and reduce turnover in key roles, this program delivers a strong foundation for long-term continuity, giving your credit union a pipeline of leaders ready to step into expanded responsibilities.
Share the Business Case with Your Leadership Team
Download our one-page program overview, providing everything your executive team needs to understand the value of enrolling your high-potential leaders.
Don't just take our word for it—see what a recent participant had to say:
You Provide the Participants, We’ll Take Care of the Rest!
CUES Essential Leadership Program is a fully virtual, five-month experience that blends structured learning with Executive Coaching and application.
Each participant receives:
Three core leadership courses
Foundations of Leadership • Emotional Intelligence • Executive PresenceSmall-group virtual coaching led by leadership experts
Pre and Post Leadership assessment to assess growth
An Individual Development Plan (IDP) aligned to role expectations
Peer learning with leaders from other credit unions across The CU Movement
Participants build skills they can apply immediately, improving communication, confidence, and team effectiveness.
Want to share this program with an executive at your credit union? Download our one-page overview letter here.
-
94%
Essential Leadership Program graduates recommend the program.
-
87%
Of participants report improved communication and collaboration.
-
70%+
Apply skills to boost morale, resolve conflict, and lead through change.
Format:
Self-paced online learning combined with live virtual coaching and facilitated discussions
Time Commitment:
5 months, approximately 4–6 hours per month
Cohorts for 2026:
Fall Cohort: July 15–November 30, 2026 (timing subject to change)
Cohort sizes are intentionally limited to ensure a high-quality experience.
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.
This cohort of the CUES Essential Leadership Program is designed for high-potential credit union leaders.
Individual enrollment: $1,200 per seat
Enrolling a Team? Group rates are available for larger cohorts, and bundle pricing is available when paired with CUES Leadership and Organizational Services or additional leadership programs. Contact us to receive a tailored quote based on your organization's needs.
What type of leader is this program best suited for?
This program is designed for emerging credit union leaders who are ready to grow into bigger responsibilities. It’s ideal for young professionals, first‑time managers, supervisors, branch leaders, and other high‑potential employees preparing for leadership roles.
How much time should participants expect to commit?
You can expect to invest about 4–6 hours per month over five months in self‑paced learning and virtual coaching, so you can grow your leadership skills without disrupting your day‑to‑day work.
Is this program entirely virtual?
Yes. All learning and coaching happen online, so you can fully participate from anywhere with no travel or time away from your credit union.
Can I enroll individually?
Yes. You can enroll through the program’s registration form. The program is designed for impact at the team level and encourages multiple team members to attend together for shared learning.
How does payment work?
The cost is $1,200 per attendee. Your payment is due before the program starts.
Can the program be customized for our credit union?
Yes. For larger groups or ongoing leadership development, CUES can design custom programs, add coaching, or bundle with other solutions for your credit union. Contact us to receive a tailored quote.
What happens after the program?
You’ll finish with an Individual Development Plan and clear next steps to continue your growth. Many organizations advance graduates into the CUES Advanced Management Program or other leadership pathways to build on what they've learned.
When does the cohort meet?
The dedicated cohort runs July 15–November 30, 2026.
How do I secure my seat?
To join the upcoming cohort, complete the registration. CUES will confirm your enrollment and guide you through the next steps to prepare you for the kickoff of the program.