ORLANDO, Fla.— Wendy McManus, CEO and founder of Connect 2 Potential, is opening the doors to a brand-new leadership development program known as Thriving Leaders Circle.
McManus is taking everything she’s learned from four years of coaching produce industry professionals and rolling it into a year-long program for newer leaders who have been promoted into managerial roles.
“I noticed that many of my clients were struggling with the same issues. They were excellent in their previous roles, but didn’t feel prepared to step into leadership, which requires an entirely different set of skills,” said McManus. “Too often, I heard from these talented individuals that they were not feeling confident in their new roles.”
McManus’ solution is Thriving Leaders Circle, which will bring together a small group of professionals who are all facing similar challenges. The group will learn and grow together over the course of a year, shoring up their leadership skills while they build confidence and develop their own leadership vision. Participants will be able to seek advice and feedback from this community of peers, while also being coached and mentored by McManus through their stickiest leadership challenges.
“I interviewed more than two dozen people from various industries when I was developing Thriving Leaders Circle,” said McManus.
One thing she heard from everyone she spoke with is that this type of program is absolutely necessary. They had all experienced the challenges associated with stepping up into leadership after being successful as an individual contributor. The outcomes from this program resonated with every single one of the people she interviewed.
There’s no travel required for those who join Thriving Leaders Circle. The program is conducted 100% online. That was a real plus for the people she interviewed, according to McManus. “Now that in-person events are back in full force, people’s travel schedules packed. This program provides all the impact without anyone having to get on a plane.”
As an experienced facilitator and trainer, McManus knows how to help people grow and learn in a group setting by creating connection and psychological safety.
“I was already comfortable leading groups online, and my experience during the pandemic has further strengthened those skills. I know that we can help people feel comfortable enough to let their guard down in an online group. It’s the first step toward building the relationships that help us grow together.”
Thriving Leaders Circle will incorporate online training, group coaching, and online community. The program will focus on the inner game of leadership, which includes mindset, imposter syndrome, stress management, and leadership vision. It will also include the outer game of leadership, which is about developing others, being more coach-like, delegating, and creating more collaborative relationships.
The pilot group, which will start in January 2023, will be the first for Thriving Leaders Circle. These participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback and shape the program even as they are experiencing it.
Men and women from the produce industry and beyond are invited to apply for Thriving Leaders Circle. To learn more, visit https://www.connect2potential.com/tlc.
McManus will attend the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show from the International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962 in Orlando, FL. Those interested in meeting with her during this event are encouraged to email her to arrange a time.
About Wendy McManus, PCC, CPCC, CPQC and Connect 2 Potential
Through one-to-one coaching and her signature Thriving Leaders Circle program, leadership coach, Wendy McManus helps her produce industry clients become more confident, capable leaders. As a speaker, McManus inspires audiences to get out of default mode and take responsibility for their own thoughts and actions. Learn more about Wendy at connect2potential.com.
