Leadership Development

Leadership in Blue-Collar Organizations. Empowering Leaders. Driving Exceptional Results.

Stepping into leadership in blue-collar organizations demands more than technical expertise—it requires building resilient teams that excel under pressure.

Our 8-week Leadership Development Program equips you with tested strategies and proven frameworks to lead with conviction and transform your organization's performance.

Designed for Blue-Collar Professionals Ready to Unlock Their Leadership Potential

In the high-stakes world of blue-collar organizations, exceptional leadership separates thriving companies from struggling ones. Our program is precision-engineered for emerging leaders who are ready to make a difference in their organization.

Leadership Development Program

Weekly Zoom sessions led by a certified HR professional

2-hour implementation sessions scheduled every week that provide training and “How-To” examples

Structured Weekly Outcomes that are Attainable

Community of New Leaders in Blue-Collar Organizations Focused on Management Success

Tools to Promote Alignment Throughout the Organization

Blue-Collar Focused Leadership
No Corporate Jargon

What You'll Develop

Authentic Leadership Presence – Blue-collar specific techniques that earn respect and inspire performance

High Team Productivity– Build unshakable trust, resolve conflicts decisively, and ignite genuine engagement

Strategic Decision-Making – Master high-pressure choices with confidence and clarity

Sustainable Leadership Systems – Implement frameworks that deliver immediate and lasting results

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8-week Program Outline

Leadership Foundation

  • Leadership vs. Management
  • Explore and understand the environments we lead in
  • Leading to your team’s preferred leadership style

Coaching

  • Explore the similarities and differences between a coach and mentor
  • Learn different types of coaching
  • Effective listening

Employee Engagement

  • Drivers of Engagement
  • Workplace Empowerment
  • Self-Awareness

Accountability

  • Techniques to successful accountability
  • How to deliver feedback
  • How to set clear and empowering expectations

Teamwork

  • Team structure
  • High-performing teams
  • Meeting and leading teams at the right stage

Conflict

  • Workplace conflict
  • Alignment of communication and company culture
  • Trust equation

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

  • Effective problem solving as a leader
  • Effective problem solving as a team
  • Supporting an innovative culture

Change Management

  • Effective change processes
  • Principles to success
  • Positive change through innovation

The Blueprint Difference

Leaders who complete our program consistently report:

Decisive Decision Making: They anticipate challenges, think critically and collaboratively solve problems

Exceptional Team Loyalty: Dramatically reduced turnover as team members commit to your vision

Measurable Performance Gains: Documented improvements in productivity, quality, and profitability

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Master the Tools of Leadership

Don't leave your leadership journey to chance. Join our 8-week program and develop the skilled leader presence to elevate your team and deliver extraordinary results.

Need a custom leadership solution for the blue-collar workforce?

Schedule a free strategic consultation with Traci to craft a tailored approach to your organization’s specific challenges.

What our clients are saying:

"My experience with Elevated Talent Consulting's Leadership Development Program was transformative. As a new executive director facing significant change management challenges, Traci and the team created a collaborative environment where I could tackle real-world issues alongside peers and gain actionable insights. The program's greatest impact was teaching me that authentic leadership starts with building trust and rapport—it empowered me to embrace my authentic voice, foster meaningful relationships, and approach my role with both confidence and accountability.”
Cindy BrowningRSVP of Rock County
"What I value most about Elevated Talent Consulting's program is the interactive environment Traci creates—there's no judgment, no wrong answers, just genuine space to talk through real situations. This approach has taught me to stop and take a step back before reacting, helping me recognize when I'm getting pulled into the weeds of what seems like a problem but often isn't really a problem at all. The ability to pause, reflect, and gain perspective has been transformative for how I approach challenges as a leader.”
Aaron RobinsLead Engineer, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLC
"When I started Elevated Talent Consulting's Leadership Development Program, I was struggling with accountability—how to hold myself and others responsible without it becoming finger-pointing or blame. Traci and the program completely reframed my approach, teaching me that accountability is about shared commitment to improvement, not fault-finding. The practical tools I gained—from better debriefing techniques and reframing strategies to simple calendar blocking—transformed not just how I communicate with my team, but how I show up as a leader with confidence, clarity, and genuine purpose.”
Kali HaasProject Manager, Brownfield
"Coming into Elevated Talent Consulting's Leadership Development Program, I knew I wanted to grow, but I didn't realize how much leadership is about letting go—of control, assumptions, and the need to always have the answer. Traci taught me to lead with curiosity, and that single shift changed everything, from how I find the 1% in every conversation to how I've transformed accountability from a blame game into genuine growth opportunities. The result isn't just theory—it's practical, lasting change that has my team more engaged, collaborative, and confident, while I'm leading with greater clarity and calm.”
Jeremy ErvinsCall Center Manager, Julie Before You Dig
"I've been facing challenges in growing my confidence as a leader, but Elevated Talent Consulting's program has been transformative in equipping me with practical tools and real-world exposure to improve. What sets this experience apart is how Traci brings concepts to life through relatable examples during our learning sessions, making complex leadership principles accessible and actionable. The role-play exercises—particularly the accountability dial scenario—have been especially powerful because they allow me to practice these concepts in safe, realistic situations that mirror the challenges I face as a leader.”
Makensey SmithHuman Resources Generalist, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes LLC
“Don't care if you are just getting into leadership or if you have been leading for a while and are looking to hone your skills, THIS IS FOR YOU!! Two of my supervisors have completed this course. There was a noticeable difference in their ability to lead after completing this for the positive. Not only did it give me more confidence in their ability, it gave them more confidence in their own which has made them more effective in their roles. This is legit!”
Adam Gruszcynski IT Director, Potawatomi Casino Hotel
"As someone without a formal management title, I used to question whether I could really lead, but Elevated Talent Consulting's program helped me realize that leadership isn't about a job title—it's about how you show up, listen, and build trust with others. The biggest transformation came from examining how my personal beliefs shape my behavior and learning to reframe complaints as requests, allow for silence in conversations, and focus on influence rather than control. This program didn't just give me practical tools; it gave me confidence to lead with presence, empathy, and adaptability regardless of my title and that shift from blame to improvement has created a more collaborative, energized dynamic with my team.”
Dominique Von WaldStone Design Consultant, Buechel Stone Corp
"As someone new to both the company and the role, I knew earning trust was going to be my first real leadership test, and Elevated Talent Consulting's program taught me that leadership isn't about authority—it's about connection, clarity, and consistency. The most transformative shift was learning to listen more deeply to what my team actually needed and reframing accountability from correction to coaching, which turned tough conversations into opportunities for growth and stronger collaboration. Simple changes like walking the floor each morning and leading check-ins with shout-outs have completely transformed our culture. I'm not just building a team, I'm building the trust that will be the foundation for everything we accomplish together.”
Randy WeinbergerAssistant Operations Manager, Windsor Building Systems, LLC
"The Leadership Development Program at Elevated Talent Consulting challenged me to lead with more intention and accountability. I’ve started asking more questions, building trust with my team, and creating space for employees to grow into their roles. The difference between reacting and planning became clear, and I’ve learned how to clarify expectations, delegate effectively, and communicate more clearly. As a result, my projects are more organized, my team is more engaged, and I feel more confident showing up as both a manager and a leader."
Jack MacDougallSafety Specialist, Mid-States Concrete Industries
"The Leadership Development Program at Elevated Talent Consulting helped me shift from reacting to situations to leading with clarity and calm. I’ve started using tools like the Accountability Dial, priming, and designed conversations to build trust and improve communication with my team. I learned that creating a safe space, separating fact from opinion, and coaching with curiosity all lead to better outcomes. I’ve seen employees re-engage, take ownership, and even self-correct because they felt seen, supported, and included in the process."
Cassie Karen MillsCassie Karen Mills, Christian County Emergency Management
"The Leadership Development Program at Elevated Talent Consulting completely changed the way I lead. I’ve started having real one-on-ones with my team, and it’s helping them become more proactive and confident. By shifting from giving orders to asking meaningful questions, I’ve built stronger relationships and improved team cohesion. I’m clearer in my communication, more intentional with feedback, and more open to different perspectives. The tools around priming, nudging, and team engagement helped me develop a leadership style that builds trust and gets results."
Michael SchindlerIT Support Supervisor, Potawatomi Casino Hotel
"The Leadership Development Program at Elevated Talent Consulting helped me step more fully into my role as a leader. I learned how to communicate more effectively, delegate with purpose, and build a stronger team culture. From clarifying expectations with crew trainers to developing a training coordinator, the changes I’ve made have created more structure and less stress in my day-to-day. I now lead with clearer goals, more confidence, and a better understanding of how to engage my team in meaningful ways.”
Jacey LyonsJacey Lyons, Culvers
"The Leadership Development Program at Elevated Talent Consulting gave me a whole new approach to leading people. I’ve started using one-on-ones to better understand my staff’s needs, and I’ve built more trust through clearer communication and accountability. Tools like the Accountability Dial and lessons on leadership vs. management helped me hold my team to a higher standard—without losing connection. I’ve learned to really listen, coach effectively, and support my team with confidence. The result? Happier staff, better project outcomes, and stronger team collaboration."
Murray HouseMurray House, IT Support Supervisor, Potawatomi Casino Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program?

This is an 8-week online program. The next cohort begins in January 2026. The full schedule is available on the calendar here.

When does the next program start?

he cohort schedule is available on our calendar here.

Is the course in person, online, or hybrid?

The Leadership Development Program is offered in person and virtually.

All virtual sessions are held on Zoom. The full schedule is available on our calendar here.

Who leads the program?

Traci Austin, MPA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, PCC is the Chief Talent Officer and owner of Elevated Talent Consulting. Traci is a certified HR professional with nearly two decades of experience in employee development and engagement, performance consulting and training facilitation building HR departments from the ground up

Are there payment options?

No, this course requires full payment to participate.

What exactly do I get by joining this program?

You will receive the following with this program:

  • 8 2-hour in-person sessions that facilitate leadership skills among the participants by certified HR professional/ coach.
  • 8 1-hour Implementation calls for you to take notes, work through concepts and gain clarity on the material
  • Templates for you to implement into your business including employee surveys at hire, learning about benefits, employee engagement, talent pathway planning and exit surveys.
  • Access to recorded webinars and grouped podcasts that provide you with SHRM PDC’s
  • 2 x HR consulting hours with a certified member of our team to assist you in implementing the program outcomes.
  • 10% discount on any HR Consulting “Bank of Hours” Purchase.  (These are made in 25-hour increments.)
  • SHRM Credit
  • Facilitated discussion to increase gratitude among the team and start towards a culture of gratitude.
Is this program eligible for SHRM PDCs?

Yes, all our training programs are eligible for SHRM PDCs, provided upon completion of the program.

I have to get approval from my manager, can we chat?

Of course!  You can schedule a time with Traci to determine if this is the right program for you here.