Boss Builders Leadership Development

A Program for New and Aspiring People Managers

Stepping Into a Leadership Role is Exciting and Overwhelming

Most new bosses are asked to lead without formal preparation, and the result is predictable: uncertainty, avoidable mistakes, and talented people leaders who feel like they are learning through trial and error.

Boss Builders is a cohort-based leadership development program designed specifically for new and aspiring supervisors.

We combine practical tools, self-awareness, and real conversation so leaders build the habits and confidence to lead teams, build trust, and drive results.

Two ways to participate in the Program:

20+ Years

Leadership development experience

Proven, Practical Leadership Development

9.8/10

Boss Builders program average quality and relevance rating

100%

Of participants would recommend the Boss Builders Leadership Development Program

See Leadership Development in Action

Check out this short video for a quick overview of the Boss Builders experience, structure, and outcomes.

Who the Boss Builders Program is For

This leadership development program is ideal for:

  • New managers and supervisors with less than 3 years managing people

  • Aspiring leaders who anticipate moving into a leadership role in the next 6–12 months

  • Organizations strengthening their leadership pipeline

How the Leadership Development Program Works

Boss Builders uses a blended format designed for real-world application.

  • Independent Prework (approximately 60 minutes): short videos, readings, and reflection prompts

  • Live sessions: interactive, discussion- and practice-focused sessions (not lectures)

  • Application: participants leave each session with a clear plan for what they will try on the job

Boss Builders cohorts are intentionally small and interactive.

Participants are expected to actively participate and complete the prework prior to each live session.

Program Outcomes

It is an easily accessible program to learn practical management tools and put them into practice with a small cohort of people.
— Nonprofit Leader

Respondents would recommend the Boss Builders Program to a colleague

9.8/10

Average rating for leadership program quality and relevance

100%

Active participants reported applying what they learned at work

100%

Based on feedback from participants in recent Boss Builders cohorts.

Experienced Leadership Behind Every Cohort

Boss Builders is led by Kate
Vendemio, Founder and CEO of
Mt. Vernon Consulting. Kate is a
Certified Everything DiSC®
Practitioner, and Mt. Vernon
Consulting is an Everything
DiSC® Authorized Partner. She
brings more than 20 years of
experience designing and
facilitating leadership development
for new managers, experienced leaders, federal agencies, associations, nonprofits, and private-sector organizations.

Since taking ownership of the Boss Builders Leadership Development Program in 2025, Kate has expanded and modernized the program into a blended, application-focused experience that reflects the realities managers face today.

Kate currently serves as the program lead and primary facilitator.

Select cohorts may also be led by experienced facilitators who are carefully selected and prepared to deliver the program’s curriculum, tools, and highly interactive learning approach.

This program provided an opportunity to learn about my own leadership style and how that style informs my ability to communicate with, work effectively with, and lead others with differing styles. It provided concrete strategies on how to leverage differing styles, as a leader, to get maximum results at work.
— Federal Government Manager

What Participants Gain

Participants obtain practical skills they can apply immediately, including how to:

  • Lead with clarity and credibility

  • Build trust, reduce friction, and strengthen team dynamics

  • Communicate expectations and priorities consistently

  • Navigate difficult conversations and feedback

  • Lead through change with steadiness and confidence

The Boss Builders Program is built as a 6-session core series, with optional sessions available to
in-house cohorts for an added level of customization.

Boss Builders Leadership Development Program Structure

Core Series: Boss Builders Blueprint

Part 1: Leading Self

(1.) Build the Boss Mindset

(2.) Know Yourself with Everything DiSC® Management

Part 2: Leading Others

(3.) First, Build Trust

(4.) Communicating Like a Boss

(5.) The Boss’s Guide to Tough Talks

(6.) Leading Through Change

All Open Cohort sessions offer the Core Series programming.


Optional Add-On Sessions Available for
In-House Cohorts

  • The Art of Letting Go (Delegation)

  • Boss Moves that Build Energy (Motivation)

  • Boss-Level Accountability (Performance Management)

  • The Boss’s Guide to Tough Talks (expanded)

  • Coaching Like a Boss

  • The Art of Decision Making

What’s Included in All
Program Offerings

  • Everything DiSC® Management assessment and personalized profile

  • Participant workbook with tools, templates, tips

  • Session recordings

  • 12 months of access to program materials after the offering

  • An actionable leadership development plan

  • Completion certificate

Time Commitment and Format

Prework: approximately 60 minutes before each session

Live session length: discussion- and practice-focused (not lecture-based)

  • Open cohort: 90 minutes each (Zoom)

  • In-house: 60–90 minutes each (virtual, in-person, or hybrid)

Total sessions: 6–10, depending on whether add-ons are included

Cohort size: 5–15 participants (minimum 5)

Bring Boss Builders In-House

Ideal for organizations that want a consistent leadership foundation across a cohort and the ability to tailor scenarios, language, and topics.

Join the Open Cohort

Best for one-off promotions or smaller organizations that want a high-participation cohort experience across industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Contact us at:

Info@mtvernonconsulting.com