Utility Leadership Accelerator Program
For individuals seeking to impact the industry
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 one-on-one and group leadership coaching, live virtual webinars with predetermined topics, and an in-depth leadership skills assessment with EQ identifiers.
Virtual
Executive & Senior Management Edition
August – December 2026
- More information coming soon.
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. Cohorts are shaped by the insights and feedback we receive from you. The current offerings are grounded in multiple sources of insight, including: themes emerging from event attendees and committee interactions, independent research, discussions with past cohort participants and leadership training decision-makers.
Emerging Leader & Individual Contributor Edition | February - May 2026
This leadership cohort is designed to empower utility professionals by building critical leadership skills through a tailored experience of interactive webinars, one-on-one and group coaching, and peer accountability partnerships. This program aims to foster a supportive community where participants can develop self-awareness, leverage their unique strengths through the CliftonStrengths assessment, and cultivate the confidence and capabilities needed to lead effectively in the utility sector. Participants will walk away with a leadership certificate of completion, up to 8 professional development hours, and a report that recaps the progress they made with actionable next steps for your leadership journey.
This cohort is led by Daneen Goncalves, MEA Leadership Programs Manager and Executive Coach, who brings extensive education, coaching, and training expertise. The interactive webinars are delivered by carefully selected subject matter experts in the utility industry.
Register NowTarget Audience
- Emerging leaders new to the industry or their position
- Individual contributors in various departments throughout the company
- Early to mid career people
Structure
- CliftonStrengths Leadership Assessment and Program Questionnaire
- Three (3) live, interactive webinars
- Two (2) group coaching calls (predetermined curriculum based on participant survey)
- Two (2) one-on-one 30 minute coaching sessions for each participant
Virtual Schedule
We will meet on Webex for our webinar and group coaching calls. Please note that each webinar (not coaching calls) will conclude with a set of action items to be completed within two weeks of the webinar date.
Emerging Leader & Individual Contributor Edition | Rate
Investment
- Member | $1,500 per person
- Non-member | $2,000 per person
This cohort requires a minimum of 12 participants and is capped at 20 participants. Registration closes two weeks prior to the cohort start date.
Program Content (February - May 2026)
- Program Kick Off & Your Leadership Talent with CliftonStrengths
February 19 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM CT
- Program kick off, welcome and introductions
- Your Leadership Talent with CliftonStrengths
- Group Coaching | Session 1
March 19 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
- Group coaching call
- Building Relationships
April 9 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
- Building Relationships That Matter: Internal & External Connections
- Group Coaching | Session 2
May 7 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CT
- Group coaching call
- The Industry & Closing
May 21 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CT
- Understanding the Business Side of Utilities
- Program closing
- One-on-One Coaching Sessions
- Coaching sessions with Daneen Goncalves will be available for scheduling via Booking
- Each participant has two one-on-one personalized 30 minute coaching sessions with required pre and post work
These sessions are designed to help you dive deeper into your leadership journey, explore your unique strengths, and set meaningful goals. Your coach will support you in tackling real-work challenges, refining your leadership skills, and making the most of everything you’re learning in the program. Your pre-work will be emailed to you after you book your session, and most be completed 48 hours prior to your coaching call.
- Accountability Partner
You will be paired with an accountability partner, a fellow participant who will help you apply what you’re learning after webinars and coaching calls. This partnership is designed to keep you motivated, deepen your insights, and encourage real-world action. After each session, you and your accountability partner should connect to share reflections, set goals, and support each other’s progress. Together, you’ll make sure that what you learn in the cohort sticks and becomes a meaningful part of your leadership journey.
Manager & Supervisor Edition | July - December 2026
Overview
This leadership cohort is designed to empower utility professionals by building critical leadership skills through a tailored experience of interactive webinars, one-on-one and group coaching, and peer accountability partnerships. This program aims to foster a supportive community where participants can develop self-awareness, leverage their unique strengths through the CliftonStrengths assessment, and cultivate the confidence and capabilities needed to lead effectively in the utility sector. Participants will walk away with a leadership certificate of completion, up to 20 professional development hours, and a report that recaps the progress they made with actionable next steps for your leadership journey.
This cohort is led by Daneen Goncalves, MEA Leadership Programs Manager and Executive Coach, who brings extensive education, coaching, and training expertise. The interactive webinars are delivered by carefully selected subject matter experts in the utility industry.
Target Audience
- Middle management
- Supervisors & Managers
- Emerging leadership
- Company-identified leaders in all levels of management
Structure
- CliftonStrengths Leadership Assessment and Program Questionnaire
- Five (5) live, interactive webinars
- Three (3) group coaching calls (predetermined curriculum based on participant survey)
- Two (2) one-on-one coaching sessions for each participant
Virtual Schedule
We will meet on Webex for our webinar and group coaching calls. Please note that each webinar (not coaching calls) will conclude with a set of action items to be completed within two weeks of the webinar date.
Target Audience
- Middle management
- Supervisors & Managers
- Emerging leadership
- Company-identified leaders in all levels of management
Structure
- CliftonStrengths Leadership Assessment and Program Questionnaire
- Five (5) live, interactive webinars
- Three (3) group coaching calls (predetermined curriculum based on participant survey)
- Two (2) one-on-one coaching sessions for each participant
Virtual Schedule
We will meet on Webex for our webinar and group coaching calls. Please note that each webinar (not coaching calls) will conclude with a set of action items to be completed within two weeks of the webinar date.
Manager & Supervisor Edition | Rate
Investment
- Member | $2,500 per person
- Non-member | $3,000 per person
These cohorts require a minimum of 12 participants and are capped at 16 participants. Registration closes two weeks prior to the cohort start date.
Program Content (July - December 2026)
- Program Kick Off & Your Leadership Talent with CliftonStrengths
July 28 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM CT
- Program kick off, welcome and introductions
- Your Leadership Talent with CliftonStrengths
- Group Coaching | Session 1
August 11 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
- Group coaching call
- Leading Across Generations
August 25 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
- Leading Across Generations: Mastering Group Dynamics and Team Building in the Utility Industry
- Group Coaching | Session 2
September 15 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
- Group coaching call
- De-escalation
October 6 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
- The Art of De-escalation: Keeping Your Team Productive in High-Stress Utility Environments
- Change Management
October 27 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
- Navigating Change: Mastering Change Management and Adaptability in Leadership
- Group Coaching | Session 3
November 17 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM CT
- Group coaching call
- Resilience & Closing
December 8 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM CT
- Mental Health, and Building Resilience in the Workplace
- Program closing
- One-on-One Coaching Sessions
- Coaching sessions with Daneen Goncalves will be available for scheduling via Booking
- Each participant has two one-on-one personalized one-hour coaching sessions with required pre and post work
These sessions are designed to help you dive deeper into your leadership journey, explore your unique strengths, and set meaningful goals. Your coach will support you in tackling real-work challenges, refining your leadership skills, and making the most of everything you’re learning in the program. Your pre-work will be emailed to you after you book your session, and most be completed 48 hours prior to your coaching call.
- Accountability Partner
You will be paired with an accountability partner, a fellow participant who will help you apply what you’re learning after webinars and coaching calls. This partnership is designed to keep you motivated, deepen your insights, and encourage real-world action. After each session, you and your accountability partner should connect to share reflections, set goals, and support each other’s progress. Together, you’ll make sure that what you learn in the cohort sticks and becomes a meaningful part of your leadership journey.
For more information, contact Daneen Goncalves at (651) 289-9600 x102 or Chad Shannon at (651) 289-9600 x112.
Or join the waitlist for future cohorts.
