Leadership Development.
Overview
Nashville Emerging Leaders (NEL) is an 11-week leadership training program designed for young professionals in Nashville. Each year, approximately 30 individuals are chosen through a rigorous selection process. NEL members participate in a series of weekly sessions facilitated by Strategy and Leadership.
The weekly sessions feature interactive exercises, issue exploration, self-assessments, community participation, group projects and in-depth discussions with Middle Tennessee’s top community and business leaders. Past speakers have included Charlie Strobel, Ralph Schulz, Janet Miller, Howard Gentry and many others. The issues discussed have included personal values, Nashville politics, diversity, education and non-profits.
The sessions are designed to accomplish the following:
Educate NEL participants on their personal styles, values and strengths so they can grow as leaders, motivate others, and impact change in their organizations and communities.
Engage NEL participants in issues important to the broader Nashville community and engage them in shaping the future of our city.
History
NEL is the first leadership training program of its kind in Nashville. It was founded in 2002 by Adam Small and a cadre of motivated and passionate young professionals to create an organization dedicated to the ongoing development, advancement, and interaction of emerging leaders in our community.
Vision
Regarded as the premier organization dedicated to developing and molding the young emergent leaders in the Nashville community. Serving as a catalyst to congregate, engage and advance future leaders through personal development, mentorship and access to senior leadership. Recognized for our passion of learning and community stewardship, NEL’s resources, energies and skills are focused in building the foundation of leaders to forge the Nashville of tomorrow.
Additional Details
There is no fee to apply to the program. If selected, participants are required to pay (or have their employer pay) a $650 participation fee. The fee includes the cost of dinner each week and vegetarian options are available.
Our Guide
Rachel Moore-Beard
Nashville native Rachel Moore-Beard graduated from University of Tennessee, Chattanooga with a degree in Theatre & Speech. She began working for Strategy and Leadership, LLC in 2006. Over the years, her role has grown and shifted to include a variety of responsibilities, including content creation, materials development/design, coaching and facilitation. She also works as the Culture Cultivator at Made In Network, where she guides and supports the start-up in building a strong foundation for staff. Rachel is the Program Administrator and Facilitator for Nashville Emerging Leaders. Rachel is a certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and an Apprentice Trainer with the Institute of Cultural Affairs. She was a member of the Center for Nonprofit Management’s inaugural Collective Impact Learning Community, serves on the Nashville Area Chamber’s Education Report Committee and was elected the VP of Women’s Leadership for Nashville Cable.
Rachel has worked with mission-driven organizations, associations and companies to develop strong teams, actionable plans and highly-motivated leaders. She is passionate about leadership development and activating the potential of individuals and organizations to do good in the world.