New leadership development program announced

Wendy McManus, CEO and founder of Connect 2 Potential, is opening the doors to a new leadership development program known as Thriving Leaders Circle.

McManus is taking her experience as a management coach in the produce industry and rolling it into a year-long program for newer leaders who have been promoted into managerial roles, according to a news release.

“I noticed that many of my clients were struggling with the same issues,” McManus said in the release. “They were excellent in their previous roles, but didn’t feel prepared to step into leadership, which requires an entirely different set of skills. Too often, I heard from these talented individuals that they were not feeling confident in their new roles.”

McManus’ solution is Thriving Leaders Circle, which will bring together a small group of professionals who are all facing similar challenges, the release said. The program is conducted 100% online.

“Now that in-person events are back in full force, people’s travel schedules packed, McManus said. “This program provides all the impact without anyone having to get on a plane.”

Thriving Leaders Circle will incorporate online training, group coaching and online community, the release said. The program will focus on the inner game of leadership, which includes mindset, imposter syndrome, stress management and leadership vision. It will also include the outer game of leadership, which is about developing others, being more coach-like, delegating and creating more collaborative relationships, according to the release.

The pilot group, which will start in January 2023, will be the first for Thriving Leaders Circle. Participants will be able to seek advice and feedback from this community of peers, while also being coached and mentored by McManus through their stickiest leadership challenges.

People from the produce industry and beyond are invited to apply for Thriving Leaders Circle. To learn more, visit Connect 2 Potential.