Lead with empathy, clarity, and confidence—especially when leading peers. This Professional Edge training equips aspiring leaders in student-run organizations and future workplaces with the skills and frameworks to lead authentically, navigate real leadership pressure, and stay grounded in their values.

During this interactive, two-session training, you'll move beyond leadership theory and practice what it actually looks like to listen well, make decisions others can trust, delegate effectively, and build relationships with stakeholders who shape your organization's success.

Leadership gets complicated fast when you're leading friends, managing disagreement, and trying to keep people motivated. This training is ideal for students who are stepping into leadership in student organizations, navigating the shift from peer to leader, or preparing to enter the workforce with stronger communication, decision-making, and relationship-building skills.

You'll strengthen your ability to:

• Clarify your leadership values and translate them into consistent action
• Use empathy and active listening to build trust and collaboration
• Navigate dissent and tough conversations while maintaining respect and psychological safety
• Make inclusive decisions and communicate them in a way others can understand
• Delegate with clarity; assigning ownership and following up effectively
• Build and maintain stakeholder relationships that support your organization's goals

This 8-hour training is built around reflection, discussion, and realistic scenarios, so you can practice leadership behaviors in the same situations you're likely to face in organizations, teams, and early career roles.
 

Schedule

• Friday, May 1, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (in-person)
• Friday, May 8, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (in-person)
   

Earn a Microcredential

Participants who attend both days of this program and fulfill all requirements are eligible to earn a digital microcredential. This portable, verifiable credential can be shared on platforms like LinkedIn, showcasing your expertise to potential employers and offering tangible proof of in-demand competencies.
 

About the Instructor

Patrick Schuler is a marketing and management professional with thirteen years of experience building brands and leading high-performing teams at Allbirds, Capital One, and Michaels. He advises early-stage startups, coaches founders and emerging leaders, and consults for established brands navigating growth and change.

Schuler is a graduate of the University of Virginia and is currently pursuing a master's degree in organizational leadership at Boston College. He draws on industry experience to translate real-world leadership challenges into structured, reflective learning. He helps students clarify their leadership identity and lead with greater intention, equipping them with practical frameworks grounded in authenticity, empathy, and purpose-driven decision-making.