Leading the Way: 2025 Leadership Development Programs Strengthen Talent, Culture

The 2024–2025 cycle of the Exchange’s Leadership Development Programs (LDP and ELDP) culminated this summer with a graduation honoring more than 200 leaders. These associates dedicated more than a year to growing leadership skills, increasing self-awareness and advancing the Exchange mission.

“This program isn’t just a learning opportunity—it’s a vital investment in the future of our organization,” said Lydia Morris, leadership development manager. “Watching each cohort grow and evolve has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. We’ve listened to feedback, adapted and seen how learners thrive.”

The 2024-25 program focused on core Exchange competencies: Adapt & Learn, Build Talent and Communicate Effectively. These pillars guided the curriculum and supported a strategic approach to developing high-potential leaders across all regions and business units.

Post-program feedback showed that 90% of participants felt more confident in leading through change, developing talent and navigating complex conversations. Since July 2024, 37 participants have been promoted or identified for expanded leadership roles, accounting for 42% of all PB5 and PB6 promotions in that time.

In total, 115 leaders graduated from LDP with a 99% completion rate, 44 completed the ELDP-Core with 100% completion, and 70 completed the ELDP-Continuous with a 96% completion rate.

Participants in LDP took part in high-impact workshops focused on real-world leadership challenges and solutions. Topics included leading change effectively, building high-performance teams, transforming ideas into actionable solutions, and developing resilient, results-driven teams.

The ELDP tracks emphasized personal leadership development and executive presence. Participants applied the principles of Franklin Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” while refining their strategic project management and presentation skills. Monthly Learning Circles added depth and variety, featuring expert voices from across the Exchange who explored topics like cross-personality communication, performance coaching and leading without formal authority.

Fireside chats were a standout component of this year’s program, featuring insightful conversations with Exchange leaders and partners. Guests included Julie Mitchell, Exchange vice president of marketing customer engagement; TK Kuttamperoor, Eastern Region, general manager; Anna Jeffries, Exchange associate EEO officer, diversity and inclusion, associate EEODI officer; Roger Hugh, Exchange audit project manager; and Melanie Jones, former Southwest Airlines senior manager of corporate communications. Other notable guests included government workplace expert Mika Cross; Olympic competitor and coach Christy Krall; Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor; and Angie Porter, Exchange director of merchandising, planning, allocation and replenishment.

Their stories and leadership lessons deeply resonated with participants.

“The fireside chats shifted my view of leadership,” said Madeline Salazar, general manager, Exchange Central Region (ELDP-Core).

That sentiment was echoed by others in the program.

“I left each session with real tools I could use,” added Tony Pares, Eastern Region vice president (ELDP-Continuous).

For some, the program’s impact extended even further-building confidence and providing a clear path forward.

“This program gave me a roadmap and the confidence to lead,” said Roland Guerra, Okinawa Exchange main store manager, a graduate of the LDP.

Among this year’s standout participants was Danny Ross, senior field operations manager for Exchange Loss Prevention, who received the 2025 Shark Tank Excellence Award. Ross participated in the Executive Leadership Development Program Core (ELDP-Core), where members were tasked with developing Strategic Project Plan presentations evaluated by a panel of senior leaders in a Shark Tank-style forum.

Although Ross was not present at the E/LDP ceremony, he was later honored in a special presentation after being nominated by his peers for his exceptional participation, leadership and impact during the project. His efforts stood out for driving collaboration, encouraging innovation and demonstrating a deep understanding of strategic challenges.

“Danny challenged assumptions and encouraged innovation. He made a real impact,” said Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh, Exchange CHRO and executive vice president, who presented Ross with the award and a CHRO coin on June 24.

From a financial perspective, the program proved both efficient and impactful. With a total investment of $141,494—an average of $522 per participant—the program achieved over $95,000 in savings through strategic licensing and platform utilization. The estimated return on investment is 1.2x, based on measurable increases in leadership effectiveness, engagement and early indicators of talent retention and mobility.

Pre- and post-program assessments revealed significant gains in several leadership competencies. Psychological safety increased by 26%, one-on-one effectiveness improved by 29%, and active listening rose by 24%. Participants also reported a 14% improvement in leading change and a 19% boost in coaching and talent retention. These results reinforce the program’s alignment with enterprise goals around employee engagement, talent development, and operational excellence.

A highlight reel of the graduation celebration capturing the energy and growth of each graduate is available by clicking here.

Congratulations to the 2024–2025 graduates! Your commitment, curiosity, and courage show us exactly why you are the talent we’ve been nurturing.