Lead CLE

LEAD CLE

Professional
Development
Conference

Coming in November 2026

The Cleveland Foundation

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.

Registration Opens January 2026!

Stay Tuned for 2026 Conference Agenda

2025 Conference Topics Included:

Workplace 101

Every workplace has norms no one writes down—like where to sit, when to speak up, or how to interact with leadership. This session will explore the often-unspoken expectations that shape how we show up at work, from email tone and networking etiquette to understanding company culture and hierarchy.

Presented by: Renee Canfield, Executive Director of External Relations, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University

How Feedback Fuels Your Growth

Feedback isn’t criticism—it’s clarity. This session reframes feedback as a vital tool for self-awareness, confidence, and career growth. Whether you’re navigating your first performance review or figuring out how to offer honest input to a colleague, how you think about feedback shapes how effectively you give and receive it.
In this interactive session, we’ll explore a mindset shift: from bracing for feedback to using it—strategically and confidently. You’ll learn actionable strategies to prepare for evaluations, advocate for yourself with clarity, and use feedback as a springboard for development. We’ll also highlight how coaching can support you in making feedback part of your professional rhythm, helping you lead yourself—and others—with greater impact.
Presented by:
Garet Libbey, Leadership Coach and Consultant, Garet Libbey Consulting, LLC
Ashley Mennow, Clinical Support Engineer Manager, MIM Software

Showing Up to Stand Out

Preparation is a form of power. In this session, we’ll explore why showing up prepared and present matters for your reputation and growth, how to do it well, and what it looks like in action. From entering meetings with clear ideas to communicating with confidence and follow-through, this session will give you tangible tools to stand out, build trust, and lead at any level.

Presented by: Mitchell Phelps, Enterprise GTM – Immigration & Global Mobility, Deel

Mastering Social Cues and Conversations

Ever wonder why one conversation lands and another flops? This session explores how to tune into body language, emotional tone, and social cues to better understand how others are feeling — and how to respond accordingly. From navigating tough conversations with your leader to preparing for unknown dynamics, you’ll walk away with tools to lead with empathy, agility, and intention.

Presented by: Dr. Domonique Revere, Founder & Chief Culture Architect at HRemedy Consulting

Being the CEO of Your Career

This session empowers attendees to lead their careers with clarity and confidence. We’ll explore how to assess your growth, identify when it’s time to stay or move on, and navigate the tension between loyalty and progression. From job changes and lateral moves to aligning purpose with practical needs, you’ll walk away with tools to stay engaged, advocate for yourself, and make empowered decisions—before burnout or quiet quitting creep in.

Presented by: LaToya Smith, Vice President, Talent Acquisition Manager, Fifth Third Bank

Your Career Toolkit for Any Role

Build essential skills that carry across roles and industries—like conflict resolution, adaptability, project management basics, and setting healthy boundaries. This session provides practical strategies to help you navigate any workplace, manage priorities, and maintain well-being for long-term success.

Presented by: Daniel Diaz Nilsson, Chief Research & Impact Officer, College Now Greater Cleveland

Mastering Prioritization and Decision-Making

In a fast-paced workplace, it’s easy to default to “yes” or rush into decisions. But strong professionals know when to pause. In this session, you’ll learn how to assess situations critically, weigh priorities thoughtfully, and build the confidence to say, “Let me think on that.” Walk away with tools to manage competing demands, make intentional decisions, and prepare with purpose.

Presented by: Jake Varinsky, Director of Corporate Sales, UserTesting

Commanding the Room

Whether you’re leading a meeting, presenting an idea, or speaking up in a one-on-one, your voice matters. This session will equip participants with practical public speaking and communication strategies to build confidence, command a room, and deliver messages with clarity and intention. We’ll focus on how to be compelling, concise, and credible—no matter your role or audience.

 

Presented by: Blake Babcock, Vice President, Client Engagement at Staffing Solutions Enterprises 

Next Upcoming Event

9th Annual Lead CLE: Professional Development Conference

4 November 2026
  • 00

    days

  • 00

    hours

  • 00

    minutes

  • 00

    seconds

Stay

 

 

Get updates, insights, job alerts and so much more when you subscribe.

our
past
topics

  • How to be an effective leader
  • Understanding workplace communication
  • Sales skills for non-sales people
  • Complex problem solving
  • Navigating change in the workplace

"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

Calendar
View all of our upcoming events
About

Team

Board

employer membership

Contact

Donate

FAQ

Media

Blog

CLE Guides
CLE Headlines

EC News

PR

Get Involved

Opportunities Board

Partner Happenings

Leadership Council

EXPLORE EC QUIZ

Events

Develop, Engage, Inspire Conference 

Generation NEXT

Lead CLE

Lunch with Leaders

Mentorship Program

Mid-Career Series

Next Gen of Women

State of the YP

Virtual Events Series

YP Week

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Job Board
View all of our job openings