The Exchange is strengthening its leadership culture with the successful completion of the MEGA pilot program—Maximizing Excellence & Growth in Alumni.
Designed as a bridge between formal Leadership Development Program (LDP) cycles, MEGA brought together more than 520 former LDP and ELDP graduates from 2014 through 2025 to grow, reflect and connect through practical leadership development experiences aligned with the realities leaders face every day.
Participants engaged in leadership self-reflections and assessments, asynchronous learning, executive fireside chats, leadership case studies, collaborative discussions, AI-supported communication exercises and a book club centered on “Warrior Leadership” by leadership speaker and author JB Spisso, whose work focuses on accountability, mentorship, discipline and leading effectively in high-pressure environments.
A central theme of MEGA focused on the complexity of leadership and the balance leaders often navigate between accountability and empathy; operational execution and strategic thinking; and consistency and adaptability.
“MEGA was intentionally designed to create continued leadership reinforcement after formal programs conclude,” said Exchange HR Talent Leadership Development Manager Lydia Morris. “We wanted to create an environment where leaders could engage in practical and relatable conversations, reflect on real-world challenges and recognize they are not navigating leadership alone.”
Morris emphasized that psychological safety and honest dialogue became key components of MEGA, especially during the program’s book club discussions.
“We created space for people to be vulnerable, courageous and willing to ask questions,” she said. “The program helped participants lean into uncomfortable conversations while remaining anchored in leadership best practices and human connection.”
The program started in July and concluded last month with a capstone celebration featuring a live fireside chat with Spisso, whose reflections on mentorship, accountability, growth and intentional leadership resonated with attendees across multiple leadership levels.
Exchange Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Patrick Oldenburgh Jr. praised the Leadership Development team for creating an experience that shapes leaders.
“Thank you for your vision, your commitment and the excellence that you bring every single day,” Oldenburgh said. “The scale and impact of what this team manages is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Oldenburgh also stressed the importance of people-centered leadership and creating environments where associates can thrive.
“Results matter, but how we achieve them, how we treat our people and the environments that we create—that is the legacy,” he said.
Participants highlighted the value of continued development, practical conversations tied to operational realities and opportunities for reflection.
“One of the biggest takeaways from MEGA was realizing we’re not alone,” said Kelly Barraza, program manager, Enterprise Project Management Office.
“The program helped build a strong peer support network where associates could collaborate, share experiences and lean on one another through challenges. The connections we made through the breakout sessions and group discussions are relationships I plan to continue building throughout my career.”
MEGA also served as an important bridge into the Exchange’s evolving 2026–27 leadership development strategy, which will center on the themes of Clarity, Connection and Capability.
Orientation sessions for the new leadership development programs will begin the week of July 6, with formal launches scheduled for the week of July 13.
Morris said the MEGA pilot reinforced the importance of creating leadership environments rooted in trust, growth and connection.
“We wanted associates to know they are not alone,” Morris said. “Leadership development should feel visible, intentional and continuously reinforced throughout the employee journey. MEGA became a space where associates could grow together, challenge themselves and continue building the leadership skills needed to support the Exchange mission.”
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