Leadership Northwest Indiana
Become a Better Leader
Professional Certificate
Explore evidenced-based learning experiences that will strengthen your leadership skills and give you strategies to be a better leader in your career, in your community and in your personal life.
The Leadership Northwest Indiana program is well-regarded as a great place for you to build your professional networks as you learn from the real-world challenges your colleagues bring to our discussions.
Our sessions are led by leadership experts from both the academic and business world, giving you the latest research-based leadership content and the most current skills to add to your tool kit.
The benefits of the LNI program are cross-sectional. They can be applied across many different industries and sectors, business models, positions and career stages.
The program is especially suited to:
- Mid-level managers and developing management professionals
- Star contributors and high potential employees who have been identified as outstanding prospects for increased leadership responsibilities
- Professionals with an interest in personal development aiming to become a more effective leader
- Executives and managers seeking to become a more charismatic and authentic leader
LNI Program Details
Location
White Lodging School for Hospitality and Tourism Management
2300 173rd Street, Hammond, IN 46323
Dates
The 2025-26 Leadership Northwest Indiana (LNI) cohort will meet from Sept. 2025 to May 2026 (exact dates below). Apply today to join us in the monumental 50th cohort of LNI!
Format
In-person
Investment
$2,550
Explore the Curriculum
The Leadership Northwest Indiana (LNI) program will include eight in-person sessions of instruction and activities, a 360-leadership assessment, custom one-on-one coaching from a College of Business staff or faculty member, and a certificate upon completion from Purdue Northwest.
LNI 50 has already started. Stay tuned for information on next year’s cohort!
Understanding Leadership
This unit lays the foundation of understanding leadership and dives deep into the concepts of leader identity and multi-domain leadership. Participants will reflect on the strength of their leadership identity, identify critical moments in their leadership development and explore how they practice leadership at work, at home and in the community.
- Session 1: Introduction to Leadership
- Session 2: Multi-domain Leadership
Fostering a Winning Culture
An organization is only as good as its culture—and building that culture is the job of every leader. In this unit, we focus on how leaders can make their organizations a more supportive and engaging place to work by understanding emotions, stress and promoting collaboration among various groups.
- Session 3: Leading Teams
- Session 4: Emotions and Stress
Inspiring Leadership
Effective leaders influence and inspire others by staying true to their values while also motivating people toward a shared vision. This unit examines how authenticity, vulnerability and transformational approaches help leaders build trust and spark meaningful change.
- Session 5: Authentic and Daring Leadership
- Session 6: Transformational and Charismatic Leadership
Navigating Challenges
Leaders inevitably face challenges such as organizational change, difficult conversations and building relationships across differences. Our final unit focuses on the skills needed to lead respectfully and effectively in moments of transition and when working with others with differing perspectives.
- Session 7: Understanding Differences and Respectful Leadership
- Session 8: Change and Communication
A Program for You
Leadership Northwest Indiana is for leaders across family, career and community.
Whether you’re a seasoned executive, emerging into a leadership role or don’t even consider yourself a leader yet, our Leadership Northwest Indiana program will help you build the most valued skill sets for both business and personal success.
Instructors
Associate Professor, Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior
Jane Thomas is an assistant professor of human resource management and organizational behavior in the College of Business. Her research focuses on relationships, teams and emotions in the workplace.
Director of Professional Education, The Leadership Institute
Mekisha Richardson focused on the development and implementation of youth leadership programs and works with the local business community as a resource for leadership development, one-on-one leadership coaching and customized professional development workshops.
Program Schedule
| Session | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | September 12, 2025 |
| 2 | October 3, 2025 |
| 3 | November 14, 2025 |
| 4 | December 5, 2025 |
| 5 | January 16, 2026 |
| 6 | February 13, 2026 |
| 7 | March 13, 2026 |
| 8 | April 10, 2026 |
| All LNI Alumni Leadership Summit | May 15, 2026 |