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Leadership Launchpad
Certificate Program

Leadership Launchpad is a high-impact, 5-day development experience, designed for top performers preparing to step into leadership. Whether you are guiding projects, mentoring peers, or ready to take on a formal role, participants will gain the confidence, tools, and mindset to lead with purpose – even before the title.

Previously Leadership for Team Leaders, this certificate program has been reimagined with all-new content bringing you a fresh experience, even if you are a graduate of the Leadership for Team Leaders program.

Date & Time

Dates vary; one day per course, scheduled over a period of 4-5 months

All classes run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; breaks are included*

Location

MBA Erie Office
2171 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16508

Pricing (Per Course)

$225 for members/$340 for non-members

Skill Level

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Prerequisites

None required

Materials Required

None

*Lunch break from noon to 1pm, lunch is not provided

Launchpad Structure

Who should take these courses?

Leadership Launchpad is built for top performers on the edge of leadership. If you’re ready to lead with confidence and purpose, this program is for you.

This certificate program equips front-line, crew and mid-level leaders to lead with clarity, connection, and credibility - no matter their title.

This series is ideal for:
· New supervisors
· Emerging leaders
· People who lead without a title
· High-potential employees
· Specialists transitioning into leadership roles

Leadership Launchpad Includes:

In this course, you will leave with an understanding of what it means to lead without a title and how to build trust and influence from any position.

Key Course Topics:

  • What is Leadership (vs. Management)
  • Leading without Authority: Influence & Credibility
  • Fixed vs. Growth Mindset at Work
  • Personal Leadership SWOT
  • Building Trust Through Integrity & Follow-Through
  • Impact of Presence: Confidence, Language, and Nonverbal Communication

In-Class Activity: Personal Values-to-Behaviors Mapping

Takeaway Tool: Leadership Credibility Self-Assessment

Attendees will develop high-trust communication skills that support collaboration, respect and accountability.

Key Course Topics:

  • Active Listening and Listening to Understand
  • Communication Styles & Personality Dynamics
  • Giving & Receiving Feedback (Peer-to-Peer)
  • Managing Up: Speaking Up Effectively
  • The Power of Language: Clarity, Tone & Timing
  • Communicating Through Disagreement

In-Class Activity: Communication Styles Grid + Peer Scenarios

Takeaway Tool: “Say It Better” Language Rewrite Exercise

After completing this course, you will leave with an understanding of how to shape the culture around you through positivity, inclusion and engagement strategies.

Key Course Topics:

  • Psychological Safety & Inclusion Basics
  • Encouraging Others: Praise, Recognition, and Micro-Influence
  • Fostering Peer Accountability
  • Understanding Team Dynamics
  • Navigating Group Think & Social Pressure
  • Being the Culture You Want to See

In-Class Activity: “Culture Fixers” Scenario Challenge

Takeaway Tool: Peer Recognition Toolkit

Attendees will learn to use structured thinking and teamwork to approach real problems, even without a leadership title.

Key Course Topics:

  • Critical Thinking vs. Overthinking
  • Problem-Solving Steps (Simplified Root Cause Analysis)
  • Framing a Decision & Owning the Outcome
  • Inclusive Input: Drawing out ideas from others
  • Dealing with Peer Resistance & Workarounds
  • Building Solutions vs. Complaining

In-Class Activity: “Decision in a Fishbowl” Team Challenge

Takeaway Tool: Problem Framing Template + 3-Option Decision Model

You will be able to create a personal leadership plan rooted in emotional intelligence, intention, and credibility.

Key Course Topics:

  • Emotional Intelligence for Emerging Leaders
  • Understanding Reactions: Triggers & Self-Regulation
  • Building Your Personal Brand at Work
  • Becoming a Peer Mentor or Informal Leader
  • Goal-Setting for Growth (Personal Development Plan)
  • How to Stay Coachable

In-Class Activity: Launch Plan: What’s Your Next 90 Days?

Takeaway Tool: “Who I Am as a Leader” reflection guide + peer coaching roundtable

Learn More & Register

What Participants are Saying:

“The course was very thoughtful and well planned out. I learned a lot and discovered a new way to be a leader.”
“Very well put together! I look forward to the next session.”
“All of it was very pertinent for what we do day-to-day in our careers.”
“It was absolutely amazing.”

Ready for Takeoff? Start with Your FREE Leadership Assessment.

Course Instructors

Lisa DeFilippo

Lisa is the senior professional development trainer at the Manufacturer & Business Association, where she is involved in creating and presenting professional development educational programs for a wide range of employers. She has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has been training for more than 25 years on numerous business and leadership topics, both nationally and throughout the region.

Tracy Daggett

Tracy, PHR, is the director of Training and Development at the Manufacturer & Business Association. He has 16 years of experience in the retail industry and has extensive experience in the establishment of programs to increase sales, improve productivity, reduce costs, and improve customer relations.

Additional
Training Courses

Check out our full course catalog to learn more about all the training we offer to help your business succeed.

Customized
Onsite Training

We can bring any one of our courses to you–in person or online–or design a new course to meet your organization’s professional development needs.

Join the MBA

Membership allows you to access training at exclusive prices and make the most of your new knowledge by implementing it alongside our other offerings.

Questions?

If you have questions about MBA training or can’t find the course you’re looking for, get in touch with us by filling out the form.
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