EMERGING LEADERS ACADEMY

This isn’t about leadership theory — it’s about real-world application.

The Emerging Leaders Academy is not just another leadership program—it’s a transformational journey designed to help you master the skills, mindset, and strategies you need to lead with confidence, purpose, and impact.

Developed in partnership with Lowisz Leadership Institute, this exclusive six-month program is tailored for DEC Young Leaders (those under 40) who are ready to redefine their leadership approach. Whether you’re leading a small team, managing a department, or preparing for greater responsibilities, this program will equip you with the tools to navigate challenges, inspire trust, and drive results.

In today’s fast-changing world, leadership demands more than technical expertise—it requires the ability to motivate people, align them with a shared vision, and create an environment where they choose to give their best.

This program provides practical solutions to the challenges leaders face every day:

Struggling to inspire trust?

Learn how to build trust through authenticity, empathy, and consistent leadership practices.

Feeling disconnected from your team?

Master the art of understanding individual motivators, work styles, and strengths to connect and lead effectively.

Unsure how to handle conflict or change?

Gain the confidence to approach difficult conversations and guide your team through uncertainty with clarity and empathy.

Need to align your team with organizational goals?

Understand business fundamentals and leverage tools like OKRs to create measurable success.

Through six interactive sessions, projects, and access to an exclusive leadership community, you’ll gain actionable insights and strategies that you can apply immediately.

"You Don't Need Another Certification. You Need Execution." - Steve Lowisz

Why You Should Apply

By mastering this program, you will:

This is more than a program — it’s your opportunity to transform how you lead and leave an enduring mark on your organization and career.

Sessions will be held 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in Southfield, MI

For DEC Young Leader Members, the $1,000 investment opens the door to a world of opportunities and growth.

Participants will receive two complimentary DEC meeting tickets and access to the Speaker Reception for the duration of the Academy. The goal is to apply what is learned and form authentic connections at DEC meetings.

Emerging Leaders also have the option to purchase a ticket for the Young Leader Conference at a discounted rate of $100.

FOUNDATION OF LEADERSHIP SESSION OUTLINE

Focus: Establish the core principles of leadership, trust, and understanding your team.

Summary: Leadership isn’t about control — it’s about empowerment. Learn to lead by guiding, not driving, and explore the 5 Leadership Levels to assess your growth as a leader. Shift your mindset to focus on getting the best for your team, not just from them.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify where you stand on the 5 Leadership Levels and create a growth plan.
  • Understand the for vs. from leadership mentality and how it builds trust and performance.
  • Replace micromanagement with empowering strategies that foster autonomy.

Summary: Trust is the foundation of great leadership, and as a leader, you must be willing to give trust first, even before it’s earned. Learn how to build trust through reliability, empathy, and authenticity, while earning your team’s trust with integrity and consistency.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Diagnose trust issues using the Trust Triangle and implement strategies to fix them.
  • Explore key trust-building practices like competence, connection, and consistency.
  • Create a Trust Action Plan to build psychological safety and deeper relationships.

Summary: Great leaders know their people. Learn how to uncover your team’s motivators, work styles, and behavioral drivers, and tailor your leadership approach to meet their needs.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Use tools like DISC, Predictive Index, and the LifeBlend to analyze team behaviors.
  • Conduct effective one-on-one conversations to uncover motivators and build trust.
  • Develop Team Driver Maps to align individual strengths with team goals.

Summary: A team’s potential is only as great as its leader’s ability to grow it. Discover how to design development plans, assign stretch assignments, and give feedback that inspires personal and professional growth.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Create Individual Development Plans (IDPs) tailored to each team member’s goals.
  • Apply the GROWTH framework to foster sustainable team development.
  • Balance support and challenge to encourage growth without burnout.

Summary: Equip yourself with the tools to guide your team through problem-solving using the Baker’s Dozen Questions framework. This session emphasizes critical thinking as a leadership skill, helping your team become more independent and innovative.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Use the 13 reflective questions to empower team members to own their solutions.
  • Build a culture of critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Enhance decision-making by avoiding common biases and traps.

Summary: Don’t shy away from hard conversations—master them. Learn how to approach, navigate, and resolve conflicts constructively while strengthening trust and relationships.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply the 7-step framework to structure and manage difficult conversations.
  • De-escalate conflicts and guide conversations toward productive outcomes.
  • Build confidence in addressing challenges head-on with empathy and clarity.

ABOUT STEVE LOWISZ

Steve Lowisz brings over 30 years of leadership experience, focusing on strategies that drive measurable results. Through tailored training, dynamic keynotes, and personalized coaching, Steve builds confident, effective leaders.

At LLI, Steve and his team provide practical, experience-based insights through impactful workshops aligned with organizational goals.  His signature keynote, Guide, Don’t Drive™, has inspired leaders globally, from Fortune 500 companies to mid-sized businesses, with actionable leadership strategies.

With nearly four million views on his TEDx talk, “Stop Driving and Start Guiding,” Steve’s relatable style energizes audiences to lead authentically and create lasting change. LLI’s mission is simple: empower leaders to achieve their full potential.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Joanie Wiggins at jwiggins@econclub.org.