Lead CLE

LEAD CLE

Professional
Development
Conference

November 4 – 5, 2026
9:15 AM – 3:30 PM

The Cleveland Foundation

Presenting Sponsor:

 

Bronze Sponsors:

 

 

 

Lead CLE: Professional Development Conference is a two-day conference dedicated to developing Cleveland’s next generation of business and community leaders with engaging workshops taught by some of the region’s top experts.

With programs specifically designed to help elevate the careers of emerging leaders and professionals, Lead CLE provides the tools to grow personally and professionally in Cleveland.

2026 Conference Topics Include:

The Good, The Bad, and The Artificial

Explore the opportunities, pitfalls, and practical realities of AI, and learn how professionals can use it responsibly and effectively. 

AI is transforming the way we work, but not every use case is a good use case. In this candid and practical session, attendees will explore the biggest mistakes organizations and professionals make when adopting AI, from overreliance on AI-generated content and poor data governance to ethical concerns, bias, privacy risks, and misinformation. 

Confidence in Action

Learn how to advocate for yourself, your ideas, and your future. 

Whether you’re seeking a promotion, pitching an idea, requesting flexibility, or stepping into a leadership role, confidence is often the difference between staying stuck and moving forward. Brittany will share actionable tools to communicate your value, navigate difficult conversations, and ask for what you need without apology. 

 
Presented by:

Brittany Neish, Founder, What You Do Matters

The Career Playbook No One Hands You

 Learn the hidden expectations, habits, and behaviors that help professionals build trust, influence, and career success. 

 Success at work is about more than doing your job well. The professionals who advance their careers understand the unwritten rules that shape workplace culture, build credibility, and create opportunities. From managing up and navigating office dynamics to building relationships, communicating effectively, and developing a strong personal brand, these lessons are rarely taught but often determine long-term success. 

Presented by: Amy B. Shannon, President, Pinnacle Leadership Solutions, LLC

Networking with Purpose

Networking is more than collecting business cards or expanding your LinkedIn connections. The most successful professionals build authentic relationships that create opportunities, foster collaboration, and strengthen their communities. In this session, participants will learn how to network with intention, cultivate meaningful professional relationships, and leverage their connections to support both personal career growth and regional impact. 

Owning Your Growth: How Coachability Drives Success

In today’s rapidly changing workplace, technical skills alone are not enough. The most successful professionals share a common trait: a willingness to learn, adapt, and receive feedback. This session explores the power of coachability, why it is essential for career growth, and how embracing feedback can unlock new opportunities, strengthen relationships, and accelerate leadership development. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for seeking feedback, responding to challenges, and cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement. 

What Sets You Apart: Crafting Your Professional Narrative

Many professionals struggle to talk about their accomplishments with confidence, whether during networking events, performance reviews, interviews, or everyday workplace conversations. Yet the ability to clearly communicate your value is essential for career growth. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to identify their unique strengths, craft a compelling elevator pitch, and confidently articulate their achievements in a way that feels authentic and impactful. Attendees will leave with practical tools to advocate for themselves, build their personal brand, and make a memorable impression in any professional setting. 

From Busy to Effective: Mastering Time, Priorities, and Focus

In today’s fast-paced workplace, being busy is often mistaken for being productive. Between overflowing inboxes, constant notifications, competing priorities, and endless meetings, many professionals find themselves working harder without making meaningful progress. This session will help participants shift from simply staying busy to working with greater purpose and impact. 

Future Skills for Future Leaders: The Human Skills Technology Can’t Replace

As technology and artificial intelligence continue to transform the workplace, technical expertise alone is no longer enough to set professionals apart. The leaders of the future will be those who can build relationships, inspire trust, communicate effectively, think critically, and adapt to change. While technology can automate tasks, it cannot replace the uniquely human skills that drive collaboration, innovation, and leadership. 

Next Upcoming Event

9th Annual Lead CLE: Professional Development Conference

4 November 2026
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"This conference helped me to grow professionally"

I feel more connected to other young professionals and hear from engaging speakers. I’d highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in leveling up professionally!

PAST ATTENDEE

"This is the perfect event!"

I was really looking for an opportunity to add tools to my professional toolbox and this was a perfect event for doing just that! 

PAST ATTENDEE

"Lead CLE helped me boost my confidence"

I gained new skills, learned from experts, and it provided me with an exceptional networking opportunity.

PAST ATTENDEE

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