Proud to Lead®

Empowering LGBTQ+ Leaders to Communicate with Confidence. 

Build a network of support and help your LGBTQ2+ leaders develop an intentional approach to leadership communication. Learn how to establish an authentic leadership voice and use it proudly, all while learning and growing together with other LGBTQ2+ employees. 

Diverse group of LGBTQ2+ leaders at a meeting, engaged in leadership communication development within Proud to Lead®.

Ideal Audience

New and aspiring LGBTQ2+ leaders. Also appropriate for LGBTQ2+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). 

Delivery Method

In-Person or virtual. Hybrid learning options are also available. 

Available In: English, French, and Spanish. 

Timing

In-Person: 2 days, or; 

Virtual: 3, 1.5-hour live online sessions over four weeks + 30-minutes of 1:1 virtual coaching.

Our Approach 

Proud to Lead®  transforms the way leaders communicate by shifting their mindset and providing practical tools to develop exceptional leadership communication skills.

Learn more about Our Approach

Sustainment

Receive 30-day access to our full digital resource library. This enables you to revisit key concepts from the program while also exploring content from our entire suite of offerings. With access to a range of insights and tools, you can reinforce your learning and explore new, complementary skills. 

What Participants Learn in our Proud to Lead® Program 

Proud to Lead® is a purpose-built space for LGBTQ2+ leaders to share their unique challenges and learn from one another’s experiences, while building their leadership communication skills. We recognize that the specific communication challenges facing LGBTQ2+ leaders vary by organization, so the first step in the development process is a partnership to determine exactly which skills we need to address in your program. We then develop a learning experience for your LGBTQ2+ leaders tailored to your needs. Though specific learning outcomes may vary, the overall goal is to empower members of your LGBTQ2+ community to lead with pride at all levels of the organization.  

In this learning experience, your LGBTQ2+ leaders receive the knowledge and tools to: 

View communication through the lens of leadership.  

Articulate a vision no matter their level or role.  

Cultivate a strong core of conviction to support their vision.   

Design a leadership brand that aligns with their core convictions and values.  

Use storytelling to share their convictions authentically and persuasively.  

Communicate with clarity and confidence to amplify their impact as a leader. 

Project a powerful and authentic presence, both in-person and virtually.   

Grow their LGBTQ2+ network and strengthen existing networks within the organization.  

Is Proud to Lead® Right for You? 

Proud to Lead® is ideal for new or aspiring LGBTQ2+ leaders who are struggling with one or more of the following challenges:   

Developing a powerful and authentic leadership presence.  

Cultivating core values and sharing them with others.   

Building a network of support with other LGBTQ2+ leaders.  

Articulating a leadership brand that reflects their values and resonates with others 

Proud to Lead® Program Modules 

What Does Proud Leadership Look Like?

Adopt the 5 pillars of a leader’s mindset to build a strong leadership brand, and work in small groups to identify the qualities of your brand that are present today, and those you want to develop for the future.    

Give Voice to Your Leadership

Make the connection between communication and your leadership brand. Share your 5 core beliefs and give each other feedback on a leadership message crafted during the session.   

Share Your Story

Adopt the 4 main elements of achieving a strong presence, both in-person and virtually. Work in small groups to share your story and receive feedback from your peers and the instructor.  

Spark Your Learning with Tailored Program Add-Ons: 

TheProud to Lead® program design is tailored to your specific needs. A couple of exercises we highly recommend adding to a program for members of the LGBTQ2+ community include:  

Facilitated Kick-Off Panel

Kick off the learning experience with senior leaders and members of your equity-seeking group to help clarify organizational commitment and support for development. 

Facilitated Closing Networking Session

Close your learning experience with a facilitated networking session including senior leadership and members of your equity-seeking group to strengthen the relationships built during the course of the program. 

Or view our full library of Spark modules if you are interested in developing a specific skill that’s not currently included in the program. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does specialized audience training work?

Yes! Specialized Audience Training helps organizations develop inclusive leadership, improve team collaboration, and enhance employee engagement. Programs like Proud to Lead® equip LGBTQ2+ professionals with the communication and leadership skills needed to thrive. Learn how you can foster a culture of belonging! 

Why is specialized audience training important in the workplace?

This training creates a workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute. It leads to higher productivity, stronger team dynamics, and greater innovation by equipping leaders with the skills to communicate effectively across diverse teams. 

How does LGBTQ+ leadership training support career growth?

LGBTQ+ leadership training helps professionals strengthen their executive presence, communicate with confidence, and build influential networks—all essential skills for career advancement and leadership success. 

What are the key differences between virtual and in-person Proud to Lead® training?

Both our virtual and in-person Proud to Lead® programs deliver the same impactful content, but with different formats to suit your needs.

  • In-person training is a concentrated, 2-day experience. It emphasizes hands-on practice and peer feedback within the classroom setting.
  • Virtual training extends the learning over 4 weeks, with 1.5-hour sessions each week. This allows you to integrate new skills into your daily work and receive personalized feedback and one-on-one coaching from your facilitator.

Ultimately, the best format depends on your learning style, schedule, and organizational requirements.

What qualifications do the Proud to Lead® coaches and facilitators have, and how does their expertise impact training quality?

Our coaches and facilitators are highly qualified professionals with diverse industry experience, relevant certifications, and proven success in leadership communication. Backed by The Humphrey Group's 35+ years of experience and 1 milion+ program alumni, our facilitators undergo a rigorous onboarding process, ensuring they meet our high standards.

This expertise, combined with a low facilitator-to-participant ratio, allows for personalized coaching in group settings and one-on-one for virtual training, maximizing your learning and development. Our team comprises seasoned industry experts and passionate leadership communication specialists dedicated to teaching and promoting inspiring communication. 

We want to get started right away. How soon can you begin training for my team?

We’re ready when you are! We can deliver training for your team with as little as two weeks of lead time. 

Can we customize a program to better meet our needs?

Yes! We specialize in tailoring our leadership communication training to your organization's unique goals. We customize the delivery and content to ensure the best fit. This includes:

  • Flexible Program Design: Adjusting the core program, rearranging modules, or adding content.
  • Targeted Skill Development: Enhancing your program with Spark modules focusing on specific skills like like The Q&A Playbook or The Simple STORY Framework.
  • Expert Guidance: Our Learning Specialists partner with you throughout the process.

Contact us to discuss your specific needs and explore our full range of customization options.

Older female leader high-fiving a team member in a diverse corporate setting, illustrating successful, authentic leadership.