KE GROUP MENTORING COHORT
A structured leadership development program for the VP and Director-level leaders in your organization
Develop the leaders you cannot afford to lose.
You already know who they are.
They’re the VP, Director, or high-potential leader everyone depends on.
They’re ready for more responsibility, but without intentional development, growth can stall—and other opportunities become more attractive.
Most organizations wait too long, assuming leadership skills will develop through experience alone.
Sometimes they do. Often they don’t.
KE Leadership Group was built to help organizations develop and retain the leaders they cannot afford to lose.
A structured leadership development experience for VP and Director-level leaders preparing for greater responsibility, influence, and executive impact.
Research consistently shows the cost of waiting:
61%
More likely external hires fail than internal promotions within 18 months
71%
Of high-potential leaders leave within three years without structured development
$7
returned for every $1 invested in leadership development (ICF research)
The question isn’t whether your leaders need development.
The question is whether they’ll receive it from you or from the company that hires them next.
Why Not an MBA?
An MBA can be valuable.
But it often requires:
- Two years of commitment
- Significant financial investment
- Time away from the business
- Academic learning disconnected from current leadership challenges
KE Leadership Group delivers the developmental intent of an executive education experience while keeping leaders fully engaged in their role.
Real leadership challenges.
Real organizational dynamics.
Real-time application.
No interruption to the business.
What Your Organization Gains
Retention Insurance
When you visibly invest in a leader’s future, they notice.
That signal alone changes the retention conversation.
Stronger Bench Depth
Develop leaders who are ready for broader responsibility, increased influence, and executive-level thinking.
Executive Readiness
Prepare high-potential leaders for the next level before the position becomes available.
A Leadership Pipeline
As leaders continue to grow, you gain a trusted development partner who already understands your organization and your people.
The KE Leadership Group Experience
12 Sessions. 3 Development Clusters. One Year.
Every session combines world-class leadership thinking with practical application to real business challenges.
Cluster I:
Know Yourself First
SESSIONS 1–4
Leadership begins with self-awareness.
Topics include:
- Leadership Identity
- Your Shadow of Leadership
- Executive Presence: Earned, Not Performed
- Values Under Pressure
Drawing from the work of Peter Drucker, Brené Brown, and Brendon Burchard, participants build the foundation for every leadership skill that follows.
Cluster II:
Lead Across the Organization
SESSIONS 5–8
As leaders grow, success becomes less about authority and more about influence.
Topics include:
- Managing Up Without Losing Yourself
- Influence Without Authority
- Building Trust as Currency
- The Courageous Conversation
Participants learn to navigate complexity, strengthen relationships, and lead effectively across teams and functions.
Cluster III:
Think Like an Executive
SESSIONS 9–12
The final stage focuses on executive readiness.
Topics include:
- Leaving the Functional Lens Behind
- Strategic Thinking vs. Tactical Execution
- Building Leaders Below You
- Your Leadership Legacy
Leaders develop the mindset, perspective, and decision-making capabilities required at the executive level.
Develop the leaders you cannot afford to lose.
Schedule a conversation with Michael to determine whether KE Leadership Group is the right fit for your organization and your emerging leaders.
Meet Michael Karlsrud
"I help leaders be seen and be heard so they can lead with clarity, courage, and impact."
Michael Karlsrud is an Executive Mentor, Vistage Chair, and leadership development facilitator who helps leaders navigate growth, influence, and executive readiness. His approach blends proven leadership frameworks with practical application, helping participants create meaningful change inside their organizations while developing the confidence and clarity required for long-term success.
Schedule a conversation with Michael to determine whether KE Leadership Group is the right fit for your organization and your emerging leaders.
Who This Is For
Organizations that have:
✓ High-potential Directors preparing for VP-level responsibilities
✓ New or emerging VPs who need broader executive perspective
✓ Leaders with strong technical expertise but limited leadership development
✓ Succession planning initiatives that require stronger bench strength
✓ A commitment to retaining and growing top talent