Grow your next generation of leaders

With enhanced content and curriculum thanks to a new partnership with Niagara University

Kickstart leadership development with BNP Grow, a talent development program designed to set employees on a growth path to leadership, giving them the essential professional skills and knowledge they need to thrive. The program provides opportunities for employees to gain insight into their unique value as well as better understand how to navigate the workplace for success.

In partnership with Niagara University, the BNP will continue to enhance the BNP Grow curriculum by collaborating directly with the university’s team of experienced faculty. These academic experts bring deep knowledge in leadership theory, organizational behavior and professional development, helping to ensure that the program delivers relevant, high-impact content.

What makes BNP Grow unique

Interactive sessions
Guided learning
Expert facilitation
Well-rounded topics
Valuable networking
Efficient use of time

Who is best suited for BNP Grow

BNP Grow is an introductory, three-month course ideal for employees who show promise and are ready for foundational professional development.

Next cohort: February 2026

Five, 3-hour sessions over 3 months

Price: $1,750 per employee

What participants will learn

Foundations of leadership with Dr. Lisa V. Williams

This opening session sets the stage by distinguishing between leadership and management, helping new leaders understand how their roles extend beyond operational oversight. Participants will explore leadership theories and use formal assessments for insights on their personal style. Through group discussions and peer sharing, attendees reflect on leadership, anchoring the concepts in personal experience. The topics of ethics and followership round out the foundational principles.

Professor: Lisa V. Williams, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management

Communication & influence with Dr. Krieg Tidemann

In this hands-on session, leaders sharpen their communication skills, learning how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and accountability. Participants will explore communication styles and practice active listening to better understand team needs and perspectives. Emphasis is placed on influencing without authority, helping new managers navigate power dynamics with credibility and professionalism. Through feedback workshops, managers will refine their message delivery and strengthen their leadership voice. By the end, attendees will have practical strategies to drive action and engagement.

Professor: Krieg Tidemann, Ph.D., Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Economics

Leading with emotional intelligence with Dr. Galina Boiarintseva

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a cornerstone of effective leadership, influencing everything from decision-making to team dynamics. In this interactive session, participants will explore the foundations of emotional intelligence and its powerful impact on leadership effectiveness. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, participants will deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their capacity for empathy, and develop practical strategies for managing emotions—both their own and those of others.

Professor: Galina Boiarintseva, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management and Director of External Relations at the Holzschuh College of Business at Niagara University in Ontario

Decision-making & leading change with Dr. Anna McNab

Leaders are equipped to make sound decisions and navigate the complexities of organizational change. Participants explore practical frameworks to improve their judgment, weigh trade-offs, and understand biases that may derail optimal decision-making. Emphasis is placed on understanding resistance to change and the role leaders play in guiding teams through transitions. Participants will be also provided with a list of curated reading materials they can explore beyond the session.

Professor: Anna McNab, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management

Coaching & performance management with Joseph Winter

Participants will learn about coaching as a leadership tool, showing managers how to unlock performance through structured conversations. Leaders will distinguish between coaching and managing, using contemporary frameworks to guide productive feedback and recognition. Role plays and scenario practices equip participants to tackle difficult performance conversations with confidence and empathy. Focused action planning encourages immediate application, with each leader crafting a plan to coach one team member.

Professor: Joseph F. Winter, CPA, CFE, CITP, Associate Professor of Accounting and Academic Director of the Niagara University Family Business Center

Contributor: David Nasca, Director of NBT Bancorp, Inc., will join to culminate this session with an interactive discussion about David's leadership journey, lessons learned and the best practices that made him one of the top strategic leaders in Western New York.