Ask a Coach: Unlock Your Leadership Potential with Association Forum’s Emerging Leaders Program

After spending a few years in your current role, you might find yourself asking: what’s next? Perhaps you’re looking to expand your knowledge to advance your career, or maybe you’re ready for a fresh challenge that will push you beyond your comfort zone. For professionals in the association world, the Association Forum’s Emerging Leaders Program can be the key to unlocking that next level of growth. My name is Hazel Oreluk, and as a proud alumna of the Emerging Leaders Program and recipient of the Association Forum Foundation Scholarship, I want to share how this experience can be transformative for your career.

The Emerging Leaders Program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead with purpose in today’s dynamic association landscape. Developed through a collaboration with the Center for Creative Leadership, the program is grounded in proven research and carefully designed to be human-centered. As someone who values research-based approaches to learning, I appreciated that every element of the program was informed by evidence and best practices. But what truly enhanced my experience were the discussions and real-world applications in the classroom, which brought theory to life in ways I could directly apply to my own work.

The program is structured around five comprehensive leadership modules, totaling 18 hours of approved CAE education. These modules include:

1. Direction, Alignment, Commitment – Learning to clarify goals and inspire your team toward shared objectives.
2. Fundamental Areas of Leadership Development – Mastering essential skills every leader needs to succeed.
3. Influence – Understanding how to persuade and motivate effectively.
4. Feedback – Learning to give and receive feedback that drives growth.
5. Dealing with Conflict – Navigating challenging situations with confidence and poise.

Through these modules, I had the chance to re-educate myself on the latest leadership techniques, which empowered me to manage my team more effectively and with renewed confidence. It was a refreshing opportunity to pause, reflect, and strengthen my leadership foundation.

One of the aspects I found most rewarding was the immersive classroom experience. The program brings together professionals from a variety of nonprofit organizations, including mid-level managers and emerging leaders who want to refresh and expand their leadership skills. This mix of experience levels created a rich environment for peer learning.

Our discussions were expertly facilitated by Judy Lubin, MBA, PhD, PCC, ACTC and often extended beyond theory, blending practical advice with lighter moments. One memorable session had us comparing our favorite coffee shops in Chicago. What started as casual chatter turned into a lively exchange of hidden gems that I am exploring for fun. It was a small but meaningful reminder of how sharing personal experiences can foster connections and build camaraderie.

Another highlight of the program was watching a live rocket launch on YouTube during one session. We marveled at the science but quickly turned the conversation toward leadership lessons: coordination, strategic planning, communication under pressure, and risk management. It was fascinating to connect those skills to our own work in associations, sparking one of the most memorable discussions of the program.

We also tackled real workplace challenges with humor and honesty. One session focused on managing micromanagers. Peers shared practical strategies: proactive updates, clear expectations, and occasional humor to diffuse tension. Hearing different approaches and laughing together made the lessons stick in a way that textbooks never could.

The Emerging Leaders Program goes beyond skill-building: it helps participants lead with purpose. Emerging leaders and mid-level managers alike face an ever-changing landscape filled with unique challenges, and investing in training early or mid-career is essential for long-term success. Through this program, I developed strategies, skills, and insights that helped me tackle timely challenges in my role, elevate my impact, and grow as a leader who can adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment. The tools I gained are ones I plan to actively use to become a stronger, more effective leader.

The program is also designed to be accessible. The Association Forum Foundation offers scholarships that cover full tuition for those who qualify, making this exceptional opportunity more attainable. The scholarship awards cover up to $1,425 for program enrollment, which can significantly reduce the financial barriers to participation.

Who should consider this program? If you are an ambitious professional looking to accelerate your leadership journey, an association staff member eager to enhance your impact, a mid-level manager looking to refresh your skills, or a team leader ready to take your group to the next level, the Emerging Leaders Program is built for you. It also serves senior functional experts or emerging leaders who are transitioning into leadership roles, as well as anyone who values peer learning and being part of a close-knit cohort.

Reflecting on my experience, I can honestly say the Emerging Leaders Program met my expectations. I learned from a diverse group of experts, gained valuable practical tools, and formed connections with peers. Whether you are looking to deepen your leadership knowledge, tackle new challenges, or simply invest in your personal and professional growth, this program provides a meaningful, comprehensive, and impactful path forward.

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, elevate your career, and build a network of supportive peers, I highly encourage you to explore the Emerging Leaders Program. It was a transformative experience for me, and it has the potential to be for you as well. Don’t wait! Your next leadership chapter could start today.

The next Emerging Leaders cohort begins on July 21, 2026 

This is the first in a series called Ask A Coach. If you have a question for a career coach, send it to us at Marketing@AssociationForum.org and we may publish the answer in a future issue.