HR Leader Program
A flexible leadership development series designed for experienced HR professionals ready to lead at the next level.
Each month focuses on a critical leadership theme and offers standalone learning experiences so you can register for the sessions that matter most to you, or participate across the full program for a comprehensive leadership journey.
In-person (Memphis, TN) or virtual. Register for any session individually.
How the Program Works
Monthly Schedule
One Program. Twelve Leadership Themes.
Built for Flexibility
The HR Leader Program is structured as a 12-month professional development series, with each month centered on a distinct leadership competency. Every month is standalone, allowing you to enroll in individual sessions without a long-term commitment.
Each monthly theme includes:
Each monthly theme includes:
- Two live learning sessions, typically held on the first and fourth Thursday of the month from 8:15-9:15 a.m. CT
- Attend in person (Memphis, TN) or join virtually
- An independent online study to reinforce learning and support application
Monthly Session Format
Session 1: Topic Introduction & Discussion
Build foundational understanding, explore key concepts, and engage in guided discussion around the monthly theme.
Session 2: Application & Case Study
Apply learning through real-world scenarios, case studies, and practical examples relevant to HR leadership.
Choose the learning style that works best for you or attend both sessions for full context and application.
Build foundational understanding, explore key concepts, and engage in guided discussion around the monthly theme.
Session 2: Application & Case Study
Apply learning through real-world scenarios, case studies, and practical examples relevant to HR leadership.
Choose the learning style that works best for you or attend both sessions for full context and application.
Monthly Program Schedule
Indicates a guest speaker for that month.
January 2026 I From Administrator to Strategist
Session 1 - January 8, 2026
The Evolving Role of HR: From Administrator to Strategist
Explore how HR has evolved into a strategic business partner and examine where your organization currently sits on that journey.
Independent Online Study
Analyzing HR’s Strategic Impact in Your Organization
Assess HR’s influence on business outcomes through reflection, organizational analysis, and guided exercises.
Register Here: https://elp.fuelit.us/course/analyzing-hr-strategic-impact
Session 2 – January 29, 2026
Positioning HR as a Driver of Business Success
Apply strategic frameworks to position HR initiatives as drivers of performance, growth, and organizational value.
Register Here: https://elp.fuelit.us/course/positioning-hr-as-driver-of-business-success
The Evolving Role of HR: From Administrator to Strategist
Explore how HR has evolved into a strategic business partner and examine where your organization currently sits on that journey.
Independent Online Study
Analyzing HR’s Strategic Impact in Your Organization
Assess HR’s influence on business outcomes through reflection, organizational analysis, and guided exercises.
Register Here: https://elp.fuelit.us/course/analyzing-hr-strategic-impact
Session 2 – January 29, 2026
Positioning HR as a Driver of Business Success
Apply strategic frameworks to position HR initiatives as drivers of performance, growth, and organizational value.
Register Here: https://elp.fuelit.us/course/positioning-hr-as-driver-of-business-success
February 2026 I Building a Business Mindset
Session 1 – February 5, 2026
Developing a Business Mindset: Thinking Like a Business Partner
Guest Speaker: Rhamy Alejeal, CEO People Processes
Learn how to interpret business priorities, financial drivers, and operational realities through an HR lens.
Register Here: https://elp.fuelit.us/course/developing-business-mindset-thinking-like-the-business
Independent Online Study Applying a Business Mindset to HR Initiatives
Connect HR metrics and initiatives to business outcomes using practical analysis and scenario-based learning.
Session 2 – February 26, 2026 Translating HR Activities into Business Results
Guest Speaker: Rhamy Alejeal, CEO People Processes
Practice reframing HR work in business language that resonates with senior leaders and stakeholders.
Register Here: https://elp.fuelit.us/course/translating-hr-activities-into-business-results
Developing a Business Mindset: Thinking Like a Business Partner
Guest Speaker: Rhamy Alejeal, CEO People Processes
Learn how to interpret business priorities, financial drivers, and operational realities through an HR lens.
Register Here: https://elp.fuelit.us/course/developing-business-mindset-thinking-like-the-business
Independent Online Study Applying a Business Mindset to HR Initiatives
Connect HR metrics and initiatives to business outcomes using practical analysis and scenario-based learning.
Session 2 – February 26, 2026 Translating HR Activities into Business Results
Guest Speaker: Rhamy Alejeal, CEO People Processes
Practice reframing HR work in business language that resonates with senior leaders and stakeholders.
Register Here: https://elp.fuelit.us/course/translating-hr-activities-into-business-results
March 2026 I Credibility, Trust, and Influence
Session 1 – March 5, 2026
Earning Trust and Influence as an HR Leader
Examine the foundations of credibility and influence in HR leadership roles.
Independent Online Study Assessing and Strengthening Your Leadership Credibility
Evaluate your leadership presence and develop strategies to build trust and visibility.
Session 2 – March 26, 2026
Influencing with Integrity: Building Executive Trust
Apply ethical influence strategies through case studies and peer discussion.
Earning Trust and Influence as an HR Leader
Examine the foundations of credibility and influence in HR leadership roles.
Independent Online Study Assessing and Strengthening Your Leadership Credibility
Evaluate your leadership presence and develop strategies to build trust and visibility.
Session 2 – March 26, 2026
Influencing with Integrity: Building Executive Trust
Apply ethical influence strategies through case studies and peer discussion.
April 2026 I Legal Acumen & Risk Awareness
Session 1 – April 2, 2026
Understanding the Legal Landscape
Guest Speaker, Kim Hodges, Office Managing Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
Gain practical insight into employment law considerations that shape HR decision-making. Independent
Online Study Applying Legal Principles
Work through scenarios that reinforce legal reasoning and risk awareness.
Session 2 – April 30, 2026
Lessons in Risk Mitigation
Apply legal and risk frameworks to real-world HR challenges.
Understanding the Legal Landscape
Guest Speaker, Kim Hodges, Office Managing Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
Gain practical insight into employment law considerations that shape HR decision-making. Independent
Online Study Applying Legal Principles
Work through scenarios that reinforce legal reasoning and risk awareness.
Session 2 – April 30, 2026
Lessons in Risk Mitigation
Apply legal and risk frameworks to real-world HR challenges.
May 2026 I Talent & Engagement
Session 1 – May 7, 2026
The Talent Advantage
Explore strategies that create competitive advantage through talent practices.
Independent Online Study Designing the Candidate Experience
Evaluate and redesign candidate touchpoints to improve attraction and retention.
Session 2 – May 28, 2026
From Offer to Engagement
Apply onboarding and engagement strategies that accelerate performance and connection.
The Talent Advantage
Explore strategies that create competitive advantage through talent practices.
Independent Online Study Designing the Candidate Experience
Evaluate and redesign candidate touchpoints to improve attraction and retention.
Session 2 – May 28, 2026
From Offer to Engagement
Apply onboarding and engagement strategies that accelerate performance and connection.
June 2026 I Performance & Development
Session 1 – June 4, 2026
Rethinking Performance
Examine modern performance management approaches that emphasize growth and feedback.
Independent Online Study Coaching for Development
Practice coaching techniques that support employee development and accountability.
Session 2 – June 25, 2026
Enabling Growth Through Feedback
Apply coaching and feedback frameworks through practical case discussions.
Rethinking Performance
Examine modern performance management approaches that emphasize growth and feedback.
Independent Online Study Coaching for Development
Practice coaching techniques that support employee development and accountability.
Session 2 – June 25, 2026
Enabling Growth Through Feedback
Apply coaching and feedback frameworks through practical case discussions.
July 2026 I Employee Relations & Judgment
Session 1 – July 9, 2026
Navigating Conflict with Confidence
Build skills for addressing conflict with clarity and professionalism.
Independent Online Study Investigating Employee Issues
Work through structured approaches to employee investigations.
Session 2 – July 30, 2026
Balancing Legal and Human Considerations
Apply judgment frameworks that balance compliance with empathy.
Navigating Conflict with Confidence
Build skills for addressing conflict with clarity and professionalism.
Independent Online Study Investigating Employee Issues
Work through structured approaches to employee investigations.
Session 2 – July 30, 2026
Balancing Legal and Human Considerations
Apply judgment frameworks that balance compliance with empathy.
August 2026 I Communication & Culture
Session 1 – August 6, 2026
The Art of Connection
Develop communication skills that strengthen relationships and trust.
Independent Online Study Communicating with Empathy
Practice empathetic communication techniques in challenging scenarios.
Session 2 – August 27, 2026
Building a Culture of Clarity & Trust
Apply communication strategies that reinforce organizational culture.
The Art of Connection
Develop communication skills that strengthen relationships and trust.
Independent Online Study Communicating with Empathy
Practice empathetic communication techniques in challenging scenarios.
Session 2 – August 27, 2026
Building a Culture of Clarity & Trust
Apply communication strategies that reinforce organizational culture.
September 2026 I Influence Without Authority
Session 1 – September 3, 2026
Power Without Authority: The Art of HR Influence
Guest Speaker: Austin Baker, CEO, HRO Partners
Explore influence strategies when formal authority is limited.
Independent Online Study Practicing Persuasion
Strengthen persuasive communication through guided practice.
Session 2 – September 24, 2026
Strengthening Your Influence Strategy
Apply influence techniques to real organizational challenges.
Power Without Authority: The Art of HR Influence
Guest Speaker: Austin Baker, CEO, HRO Partners
Explore influence strategies when formal authority is limited.
Independent Online Study Practicing Persuasion
Strengthen persuasive communication through guided practice.
Session 2 – September 24, 2026
Strengthening Your Influence Strategy
Apply influence techniques to real organizational challenges.
October 2026 I Decision-Making & Judgment
Session 1 – October 1, 2026
Making Confident, Data-Driven HR Decisions
Learn frameworks for combining data, judgment, and ethics in decision-making.
Independent Online Study Making Choices with Confidence
Apply decision models to complex HR scenarios.
Session 2 – October 29, 2026
Lessons in Leadership Judgment
Analyze real-world leadership decisions and outcomes.
Making Confident, Data-Driven HR Decisions
Learn frameworks for combining data, judgment, and ethics in decision-making.
Independent Online Study Making Choices with Confidence
Apply decision models to complex HR scenarios.
Session 2 – October 29, 2026
Lessons in Leadership Judgment
Analyze real-world leadership decisions and outcomes.
November 2026 I Strategic Focus & Accountability
Session 1 – November 5, 2026
Focusing on What Matters: Strategic Time Leadership
Learn prioritization tools that align time with strategic impact.
Independent Online Study Tools for Managing Priorities
Conduct a time audit and develop a priority management plan.
Session 2 – November 19, 2026
Accountable to What Matters Most
Apply accountability frameworks to leadership challenges.
Focusing on What Matters: Strategic Time Leadership
Learn prioritization tools that align time with strategic impact.
Independent Online Study Tools for Managing Priorities
Conduct a time audit and develop a priority management plan.
Session 2 – November 19, 2026
Accountable to What Matters Most
Apply accountability frameworks to leadership challenges.
December 2026 I Communicating Value & Strategy
Session 1 – December 3, 2026
Communicating HR’s Value
Learn how to articulate HR’s impact to executives and stakeholders.
Independent Online Study Building Your HR Game Plan
Develop a strategic HR action plan aligned to business goals.
Session 2 – December 17, 2026
From Story to Strategy
Apply storytelling techniques to position HR as a strategic leader.
Communicating HR’s Value
Learn how to articulate HR’s impact to executives and stakeholders.
Independent Online Study Building Your HR Game Plan
Develop a strategic HR action plan aligned to business goals.
Session 2 – December 17, 2026
From Story to Strategy
Apply storytelling techniques to position HR as a strategic leader.
