Leader Exchange
Personalized Leadership Development
Leader Exchange program is a unique, peer-to-peer program designed for developing leaders who have an interest in honing their skills and learning how to navigate business and industry in Buffalo Niagara.
Accepting applications for the Exchange Programs! Demand is high.
Eligibility requirements:
- A minimum of seven years of business, industry or professional experience
- Must have at least one direct report
- A commitment, on the part of management, in the candidate’s professional development
Advantages Over Other Programs
Exceptional Value
The program is offered for about one-third of the cost of other professional development programs. The combination of confidentiality, convenience and a customized approach makes Leader Exchange the best value for Partnership members at $1,250. Non-Members: $2,500.
Personalized & Facilitated
You work with a group of passionate and motivated individuals from diverse industries, businesses and backgrounds, selected to match your needs. An experienced facilitator customizes the program to the individual needs of your group
Focused
The program focuses on specific goals, objectives and challenges of today’s developing leaders.
Convenient
The program is designed to fit your schedule, meeting once a month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the comfort of Partnership offices or a participating members’ place of business.
Bonus
All Leader Exchange members receive a complimentary assessment. This will serve as a guide to individual plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Leader Exchange Program is a component of our Executive Exchange Program, designed as a unique peer-to-peer, leadership development program intended specifically for developing leaders. The Partnership developed Leader Exchange for professionals with a minimum of 7 years experience who want to hone their skills and learn how to navigate the business environment in Buffalo Niagara.
Participants join a small, confidential, group of developing professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds. An experienced facilitator customizes the program to focus on specific group goals, objectives, and challenges.
Leader Exchange groups are comprised of 10 to 15 participants who meet monthly from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on a designated week day in the comfort of Partnership offices or participating members place of business. Groups are formed specifically for the developing leaders attending and customized by the group facilitator based on their specific needs.
New or developing leaders who are highly motivated and seek to grow as leaders and earn promotion within their company. Examples include Project Managers, Facilities Managers, IT Managers, Associates, Commercial Bankers, Brand Development Specialists, Development Directors, Supervisors, Managers, and Vice Presidents, to name a few. Members of this group must manage at least one person, possess at least 7 years of business, industry or professional experience and be identified as an employee with career advancement potential.
A diverse range of participants sets Leader Exchange apart from other programs. Each applicant is hand placed into a group to ensure a diverse set of industry representatives.
The program is available to BNP members for $1,250, about one-third the cost of similar programs. The cost for non- members is $2,500. Participants can renew on a yearly basis, and join at any time. The group meets every month, with the exception of July and August.
Please call today or fill out the form above so we can give you more information on pricing, availability, and how you can get involved. Contact Liz McGowan at (716) 868-6866.
Join Leader Exchange Today
If you’d like additional information, contact Liz Benkovich at (716) 868-6866.
If you’re ready to apply, click below to fill out the form. Hurry… Leader Exchange groups fill quickly.
Experts in Residence & Exchange Program Facilitator
Judith Gooch is a skilled trainer, facilitator, coach and presenter with over 20 years of experience in leadership development. She has designed and facilitated a variety of domestic and international training workshops, seminars and customized leadership development programs. Judith has facilitated creative brainstorming techniques, such as World Cafe and Appreciate Inquiry. She has worked with a variety of different industries such as: Financial Services, Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Energy and Higher Education. Judith has also served as an adjunct faculty member for both Medaille & D’Youville College and she is certified to deliver and facilitate Myers Briggs Assessment.
Lindsey A. Zajac is an experienced, Human Resources professional with a demonstrated history of excelling in fast-paced organizations including PepsiCo, Eaton Corporation, Saab Sensis and Next Jump. Training and Development, Talent Management, Employee Relations, Recruiting, and Succession Planning are Lindsey’s areas of expertise. Most recently, Lindsey was employed with PepsiCo as a Senior Human Resources Manager in Buffalo, NY supporting the largest market in the country. In this role, Lindsey was responsible for providing strategic Human Resources support for 1,100 union & non-union frontline associates and managers across nine Upstate NY locations. Lindsey is a proud recipient of PepsiCo’s most prestigious “You Excel” Award as well as multiple “Way to Go” Awards for delivering exceptional results.
In 2018, Lindsey was recruited to join Ahern, Murphy & Associates, where she is able to leverage her passion for leadership development and coaching to help organizations develop and retain their employees while improving their overall performance. Lindsey believes that career women today need a heightened level of support and resources to advance into leadership positions and be successful both at work and at home. This inspired her to get a Coaching Certification in Women’s Leadership followed by an Advanced Coaching Certification.