The in-person cohort of the Executive Leadership Program: Integrated Leadership, presented in partnership with Heidrick & Struggles, concluded its final session of the year last week at Caterpillar in Houston. Over the course of the program, participants strengthened their ability to lead confidently, think strategically, and adapt to the evolving challenges facing today’s energy workforce.
The closing session began with a reflection on key leadership themes explored throughout the year, including accountability, communication, and organizational influence. Participants shared personal insights from their growth journeys, emphasizing the importance of earning trust, communicating effectively, and leading with empathy.
Through collaborative, applied exercises, participants worked together to navigate complex leadership challenges and strengthen their ability to make sound decisions under pressure. These discussions and team-based activities encouraged cross-functional thinking and highlighted the power of collaboration across departments.
Guest speaker David Brunnert, VP of Operations at Black Knight Energy, joined the session to share his perspective on leading through influence. Brunnert emphasized the importance of cross-functional leadership, urging leaders to understand the broader business, build strong relationships across teams, and invest in developing the next generation of talent.
As the yearlong program came to a close, participants reflected on the impact of the experience.
“One of the most impactful parts of this program has been learning how to lead other leaders,” said one participant. “Managing a sales team that faces different scenarios daily, I’ve shifted my approach to guiding them toward making their own decisions. By instilling confidence in them, I’ve seen that they often make the same choices I would have made myself.”
Another participant shared, “I usually find it challenging to attend programs, but identifying my strengths and going through the coaching sessions were powerful and really helpful.”
Participants from all Executive Leadership Program tracks will come together for a joint graduation on January 14, 2026, hosted by the Emerging Executives Committee at HMH in Houston.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Executive Leadership Programs. For more information about Energy Workforce training programs, contact Vice President Programs & Events Peggy Helfert.
Peggy Helfert, Vice President Programs & Events, writes about the Energy Workforce’s sector-specific best practices and leadership. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
