Utility Leadership Accelerator Program

For supervisors, middle managers, and emerging leaders

MEA recognizes the need and desire for aspiring utility leaders to receive leadership training and support in a smaller setting with like-minded leaders across the country. As a trade association focused on education and connections, we have a unique opportunity to create and offer leadership development that engages the broader network and utilizes group wisdom to deliver effective leadership training where individuals feel empowered to impact the industry. Our new Utility Leadership Accelerator Program is conducted in cohorts over six to eight months. Each program consists of 1:1 and group leadership coaching, live virtual webinars with predetermined topics, and an in-depth leadership skills assessment with EQ identifiers.

Virtual

Sign up for the Manager Edition

Manager Edition | June - December 2025

In 2024, MEA embarked on a market research initiative to learn about the training gaps and emerging challenges facing our members. Through in-depth interviews, members reported our value related to leadership and education is in our ability to tie professional development to industry examples. Members also reported an area of need: more training for new managers and mid-career professionals. Thus, the manager edition of the Utility Leadership Accelerator Program was born.

 

Overview

Limited to 20 participants, this leadership cohort is tailored specifically for supervisors and middle managers in the gas and electric utility industry seeking to hone their leadership skills and accelerate their effectiveness within their company. The program combines interactive webinars, group coaching with predetermined topics based on need, and personalized 1:1 coaching to offer a customized experience so participants build the skills they need to lead effectively across multiple generations, manage change, and foster resilient, high-performing teams across the organization. Participants will walk away with a leadership certificate of completion, up to 20 professional development hours, and a report that recaps their progress with actionable next steps for their leadership journey.

The 7-month manager edition includes:

  • Four live educational webinars on highly relevant topics
  • Three group coaching calls based on participant survey
  • Two 30-minute one-on-one coaching sessions
  • Pre-assessment and leadership intake

Program Content

  • Kick Off & Emotional Intelligence

    June 17

    • Program kick off, welcome and introductions
    • Unlocking Your EQ and Leadership Ethics: A Guide to Effective Leadership in the Utility Industry
  • Leading Across Generations

    July 15

    • Leading Across Generations: Mastering Group Dynamics and Team Building in the Utility Industry
  • Group Coaching | Session 1

    August 19

    • The Situation Room: Guidance, coaching, and support in a peer setting about real situations facing participants
  • De-escalation

    September 16

    • The Art of De-escalation: Keeping Your Team Productive in High-Stress Utility Environments
  • Group Coaching | Session 2

    September 30

    • The Situation Room: Guidance, coaching, and support in a peer setting about real situations facing participants
  • Change Management

    October 21

    • Navigating Change: Mastering Change Management and Adaptability in Leadership
  • Group Coaching | Session 3

    November 18

    • The Situation Room: Guidance, coaching, and support in a peer setting about real situations facing participants
  • Resilience & Closing

    December 16

    • Mentorship, Mental Health, and Building Resilience in the Workplace
    • Program closing
  • On-on-One Coaching Sessions

    Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

    • Coaching sessions with Daneen Goncalves will be available for scheduling via Calendly appointments beginning July 2025.
    • Each participant has two 1:1 sessions.

Facilitation

Led by MEA Leadership Programs Manager and Executive Coach Daneen Goncalves alongside Frances Shehan, and supported by subject matter experts in the utility industry. In addition to pursuing her Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential with a focus on coaching in organizations, Daneen brings extensive education, coaching, and training expertise. Frances is a utility professional with 42 years of experience in natural gas field operations and a deep passion for the industry, training, and leadership.

Configuration

MEA is committed to providing leadership development programming that reflects the priorities of our members, guided directly by your input and evolving needs. Future cohorts will be shaped by the insights and feedback we receive from you.

Investment

  • Member | $1,995 per person
  • Non-member | $2,500 per person
Sign Up

For more information, contact Daneen Goncalves at (651) 289-9600 x102 or Chad Shannon at (651) 289-9600 x112.