Your Upcoming Leadership Training Strengthening Your Competencies in Leading Others The Cortex Strengthening Your Competencies in Leading Others is a structured workshop designed to help supervisors assess their leadership skills, identify key areas for growth, and develop an actionable plan for improvement. Participants will engage in self-assessments, pinpoint two competencies to focus on, and set SMART goals to enhance their leadership effectiveness. With a focus on practical strategies, real-world examples, and peer accountability, this workshop empowers leaders to build stronger teams, improve communication, and drive performance. By the end of the program, participants will have a clear roadmap for growth and a commitment to continuous leadership development. Session One Step 1: Take the Manager Skillset Assessment Assessment Print out your results Bring your results to the upcoming Cortex session Step 2: Read the Agenda for your upcoming Session 1 Cortex Training Workshop Agenda Step 3: Read the accompanying Article : Article (Optional) Step 4: Read the Three Part Series Outline: Three Part Series

Navigating the Internal Landscape to Mastering Negotiation Within Your Organization Cortex Internal Negotiation Step One: Take the Cortex Internal Negotiations Assessment Assessment Step Two: Read through the Internal Negotiations Scorecard Scorecard Step Three: Read the Navigating the Internal Landscape: Mastering Negotiation Within Your Organization Article Article Step Four: Listen to the Mastering Internal Negotiation Corcast Episode

Level 3: Executive Leadership Coaching for Peak Performance Program Your leadership impact will be greatly affected by the competencies you are able to build a foundation for and enhance as you adjust to changing working environments and market conditions. Deciding which ones you will need the most in the coming 1-3 years is a critical success factor in achieving the outcomes you want you, your team, and your organization to achieve. Review the following information to ensure an understanding of each competency, complete the spreadsheet provided, and then review it with whom you report to so that you can ensure alignment. This information will be used to create your Cortex Leadership Development Plan that you will utilize during your executive coaching journey. Step 1: Review the Leadership Competencies Selection and Instruction Guide Guide Step 2: Review the Executive Leaders Mission Statement Mission Statement Step 3: Complete the Value Portion You will need this Value List to complete Part one of the Leadership Mission Statement exercise. Values Exercise Step 4: Complete the rest of the Mission Statement Step 5: Leadership Competencies Consider your Top 4 Leadership Competencies and why developing those are the most important in the coming year. Assessment Step 6: Review with your Supervisor It is best, when you complete this exercise, to review it with who you report to in order to get their feedback.

Level 4: Executive Leadership Coaching to Organizational Peak Performance Your leadership impact will be greatly affected by the competencies you are able to build a foundation for and enhance as you adjust to changing working environments and market conditions. Deciding which ones you will need the most in the coming 1-3 years is a critical success factor in achieving the outcomes you want you, your team, and your organization to achieve. Review the following information to ensure an understanding of each competency, complete the spreadsheet provided, and then review it with whom you report to so that you can ensure alignment. This information will be used to create your Cortex Leadership Development Plan that you will utilize during your executive coaching journey. Step 1: Review the Leadership Competencies Selection and Instruction Guide Guide Step 2: Review the Executive Leaders Mission Statement Mission Statement Step 3: Complete the Value Portion You will need this Value List to complete Part one of the Leadership Mission Statement exercise. Values Exercise Step 4: Complete the rest of the Mission Statement Step 5: Leadership Competencies Consider your Top 4 Leadership Competencies and why developing those are the most important in the coming year. Assessment Step 6: Review with your Supervisor It is best, when you complete this exercise, to review it with who you report to in order to get their feedback.

Leading Others to Peak Performance Strengthening Your Skillsets in Leading Others The Cortex Strengthening Your Skillsets in Leading Others is designed to help you assess your leadership skills, identify key areas for growth, and develop an actionable plan for improvement. You will engage in a self-assessment, pinpoint your two lowest-scoring skillsets, and set SMART goals to enhance your leadership effectiveness. This will empower you to build stronger teams, improve communication, and drive performance. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap for growth and a commitment to continuous leadership development. Steps 1 - 2 Step 1: Take the Leading Others Skillset Assessment Assessment Step 2: Read the accompanying article Article Submit Your Skillset Assessment Submit Your Skillset Assessment First Name* Last Name* Email* Company* Position* Who is your Cortex Coach?* Lynda McNutt Foster Allen Foster Kim Levings Upload Skillset Assessment Below Upload File Submit You've Completed the Pre-Coaching Steps! Thank you for following the steps in your Coaching Track. You will recieve an email from your coach with their scheduling link so you can schedule your first session. If you have questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to info@cortexleader.com or email your coach directly.

Kimberly Eakin Earns TED Certification to Elevate Client Success with Cortex < Back Kathlynn Stone Dec 16, 2024 Kimberly Eakin, a valued Mentor and Coach on the Cortex team, has achieved certification in The Empowerment Dynamic (TED*) Cortex Leadership Consulting is proud to announce that Kimberly Eakin , a valued Mentor and Coach on the Cortex team, has achieved certification in The Empowerment Dynamic (TED*) framework. Completing an intensive 10-week course with The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic, Kimberly is now certified to guide leaders and teams from reactive behaviors to intentional, empowering actions using this proven methodology. At Cortex, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of leadership and team development. This certification underscores our commitment to investing in the professional growth of our team members, ensuring every coaching engagement is impactful, tailored, and results-driven. Kimberly’s achievement further strengthens Cortex’s ability to help clients thrive in dynamic and challenging environments. Lynda Foster, Founder and CEO of Cortex Leadership Consulting, highlighted Kimberly's exceptional commitment to professional growth and the impact it has on clients, stating: “Kimberly, a cornerstone of Cortex for nearly 14 years, continues to elevate client success through her dedication to continuous learning—this certification adds yet another tool to her coaching toolkit to drive even faster results." The Coaching with TED Foundations course emphasizes integrating key principles of The Empowerment Dynamic into coaching practices. Participants learn to embody the roles of Creator, Challenger, and Coach, enabling clients to transform drama into empowerment and achieve sustainable growth. Kimberly described the program as transformative, sharing: "This impactful training equipped me with the tools to help leaders and teams shift from reactive behaviors to intentional, empowering actions. By mastering the 5-step process of Awareness, Pause, Focus, Respond, and Sustain, I am prepared to guide our clients in navigating challenges with clarity and fostering stronger, more effective relationships." Through Kimberly's certification, Cortex further deepens its commitment to empowering leaders and teams, fostering a culture of growth, respect, and resilience. For more information on how Cortex Leadership Consulting can support your organization’s development through innovative coaching strategies, please visit cortexleadershipconsulting.com . Previous Next

Meet Your Coach Allen Foster Allen Foster is Vice President and co-founder of Cortex Leadership Consulting, a leading firm dedicated to executive coaching, talent acquisition, and organizational training. Allen’s extensive experience includes customized 1-on-1 coaching, strategic consulting, talent acquisition specializing in benchmark and search, and the facilitation of over 1,000 leadership training/facilitation sessions. As Cortex’s lead trainer and facilitator, Allen is a Certified Trainer in DISC (CPBA), Driving Forces (CPDFA), and The Empowerment Dynamic, 3 Vital Questions. His expertise further extends into customized workshops focused on DISC, Team Alignment, Conflict Resolution, Team Values Creation, Team Building, Time Mastery, and Problem-Solving strategies. Before co-founding Cortex, Allen launched his professional career in retail management, quickly distinguishing himself by leading successful multimillion-dollar store openings and renovations, eventually becoming one of the youngest store managers at a major national big-box retailer. Driven by a passion for marketing, Allen later joined his wife, Lynda, in her advertising agency. Over 15 years, he guided numerous businesses on their marketing and advertising strategies, eventually leading the agency to significant growth. He continues to support select long-standing clients in their advertising efforts today. Allen holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Virginia Tech. He is married to Cortex CEO and co-founder, Lynda McNutt Foster, and is the proud father of Melody Kappler. A passionate Virginia Tech football and wrestling fan, Allen is also an avid reader with particular interests in history and science. In his leisure time, Allen enjoys hiking and can regularly be found exploring the Roanoke Greenway or Mill Mountain trails with Lynda. Allen’s wealth of hands-on experience, combined with his deep knowledge of behavioral assessments and training methodologies, makes him a trusted resource for organizations looking to enhance leadership capabilities, optimize team performance, and drive sustainable growth. Contact Let's connect.

Cortex's Leadership Traits for the 21st Century The Six Main Leadership Traits for the 21st Century - McKinsey & Company Research Cortex Leadership Traits for the 21st Century Assessment: Assessment Cortex Leadership Traits for the 21st Century Scorecard Scorecard 21st Century Leadership Traits - McKinsey & Company Research Article Article 21st Century Leadership Traits - McKinsey & Company Deep Dive Corecast Episode:

Executive Leadership Coaching for Peak Performance Program Your leadership impact will be greatly affected by the competencies you are able to build a foundation for and enhance as you adjust to changing working environments and market conditions. Deciding which ones you will need the most in the coming 1-3 years is a critical success factor in achieving the outcomes you want you, your team, and your organization to achieve. Review the following information to ensure an understanding of each competency, complete the spreadsheet provided, and then review it with whom you report to so that you can ensure alignment. This information will be used to create your Cortex Leadership Development Plan that you will utilize during your executive coaching journey. Steps 1 - 6 Step 1: Review the Leadership Competencies Selection and Instruction Guide Guide Step 2: Review the Executive Leaders Mission Statement Mission Statement Step 3: Complete the Value Portion and Submit your Values You will need this Value List to complete Part one of the Leadership Mission Statement exercise. Values Exercise Step 4: Complete the rest of the Mission Statement Step 5: Leadership Competencies Consider your Top 4 Leadership Competencies and why developing those are the most important in the coming year. Assessment Step 6: Review with your Supervisor It is best, when you complete this exercise, to review it with who you report to in order to get their feedback. Submit Your Values and Leadership Competencies! Submit Your Values & Leadership Competencies First name* Last Name* Email* Company* Position* Which Coaching Track are you on?* Strengthening Your Skillsets Leading Others to Peak Performance Leadership Coaching for Peak Performance Organizational Peak Performance Who is your Cortex Coach?* Lynda McNutt Foster Allen Foster Kim Levings What are your top 10 values? (List your 10 values one by one or upload a file below) Upload your Values here Upload Values Leadership Competencies - Upload your Excel Leadership Competencies Assessment below* Upload Leadership Competencies Submit You've Completed the Pre-Coaching Steps! Thank you for following the steps in your Coaching Track. You will recieve an email from your coach with their scheduling link so you can schedule your first session. If you have questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to info@cortexleader.com or email your coach directly.

Professionals Graduate EPIC Leadership Program < Back Kathlynn Stone Feb 7, 2025 More than two dozen professionals from across Virginia gather to celebrate graduating from the EPIC Leadership Program. Roanoke, Va. - The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cortex Leadership Consulting , recently celebrated the graduation of 25 professionals from the EPIC Leadership Program. This five-month immersive coaching and mentoring experience is designed to build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and leadership skills in highly engaged professionals. Taylor Hubbard , an EPIC graduate and one of the speakers at the graduation ceremony, shared her experience: "This journey has really taught me a lot. One of my biggest insights was shifting from the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT) to the Empowerment Dynamic (TED). Recognizing that you control how you react and assuming people have good intentions helps shift into a solutions mindset." At the graduation ceremony, graduates and leaders shared reflections on the program’s impact. Melissa Glick , another graduate, recalled her introduction to EPIC after starting at Metis : "My fifth day on the job, I found myself at Wilderness Adventure with a group of total strangers. After warm-up activities, we faced the harrowing swing drop. We cheered each other on and completed the challenge. Just when we thought the hardest part was over, we were taken to the Cat Walk—an eight-inch log 60 feet in the air, 100 feet across. A group of strangers came together, connected, encouraged, and cheered each other on." April Woodward , President of the Board of Directors for the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of Oncology at LewisGale Medical Center at HCA Healthcare, spoke at graduation about why it was important for the Chamber to partner with Cortex to bring this program to the area, saying : "When this program was presented to the Chamber and Lynda and her team came and presented it, the first thing I thought of was okay, I would love to have a training program where instead of a rules session orientation and the obligatory code of conduct, the first day we go to Wilderness Adventure. I mean, I’m just saying, that’s a pretty cool way to start any leadership session. So, I don’t know of another program out there like EPIC. And when I heard that I thought okay, they offer in-person classes, data-driven information, and one-on-one mentorship with certified leadership coaches. That’s pretty impressive." The EPIC program stands apart as a turn-key leadership development experience that combines in-person learning, data-driven insights, and one-on-one mentorship with certified leadership coaches. This cohort met monthly at the South County Library, tackling key topics essential to leadership growth. Each session began with foundational concepts before diving deeper into practical application. The program’s structured approach focuses on intentional leadership development, with each month dedicated to a core leadership skill: Communicating with Intention – Using the DISC/Driving Forces assessment, participants, known as Adventurers, gained self-awareness in the area of communication. Acting with Intention – Adventurers learned to recognize when they are creating drama and how to shift toward proactive thinking and actions. Thinking with Intention – From decision-making to collaboration for innovation, Adventurers applied a simple but impactful problem-solving framework. Managing Priorities with Intention – Participants assessed time management habits and implemented tools to manage multiple priorities effectively. Building Trust with Intention – Through Conversational Intelligence, Adventurers gained a deeper understanding of how they build and maintain trust in professional relationships. The program’s impact extends beyond personal growth—it prepares participants for leadership roles within their organizations. Chris Carey , President of Metis , emphasized the role EPIC plays in developing future leaders: "We don’t have direct mentorship like we used to when people worked side by side every day. EPIC has helped bridge that gap by developing our people and ensuring they have the skills they need as they progress." Jeanne Newby , a facilitator of the EPIC program , reflecting on the graduates' dedication, shared: "This graduating cohort has set a new standard through their commitment and engagement. It was the first class to be entirely in-person, achieving the highest attendance. Even more impressive is that they embraced every challenge with curiosity and openness. Their willingness to dig deeper and explore new approaches reflects leadership that will strengthen teams and communities." Graduating from EPIC is more than an achievement—it marks a transformational journey for professionals eager to enhance their leadership capabilities. As this cohort moves forward, they carry with them not only new skills but also a strengthened mindset, a network of support, and the confidence to lead with intention. Apply for the EPIC Leadership Training Program here ! Previous Next

Measure your AI confidence. Measure your AI confidence. Measure your AI confidence. Measure your AI confidence. Expand your impact. Expand your impact. Expand your impact. Expand your impact. As part of your VAFCC Annual Conference registration, you have complimentary access to the AI Confidence Snapshot - a quick, 7-minute reflection designed to help you see where you are with AI and how to lead smarter with it. Click HERE to Take Your Complimentary AI Confidence Snapshot Why Take the Snapshot? Leaders everywhere — including nonprofits — are being asked to do more with less. AI is rewriting how we plan, communicate, and lead. This quick snapshot helps you: Gauge your readiness and confidence with AI. Spot fast wins to save time and sharpen communication. Learn simple, safe ways to use tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Turn what you learn at the conference into real impact back home. About This Collaboration About This Collaboration About This Collaboration About This Collaboration The AI Confidence Snapshot was developed through a partnership between VAFCC and Cortex Leadership Consulting, a national firm specializing in leadership research, coaching, and applied AI for organizations. Together, we're helping Virginia's nonprofit leaders turn learning into lasting impact - one insight at a time. This complimentary assessment is available only to registered VFACC Annual Conference attendees. All data collected is used solely to personalize your experience and provide aggregate insights that help VFACC design future programs that serve you better. Your data of information will not be sold or provided for any other purposes. scorecard

Meet Your Coach Lynda McNutt Foster Named a Business Icon by Valley Business Front magazine, Lynda McNutt Foster, is a recognized leader in executive coaching and organizational transformation, specializing in guiding leaders and their teams through successful digital transformations. As the CEO of Cortex Leadership Consulting, Lynda combines years of research, training, and over 6,000 coaching sessions that provide leaders with practical strategies and tools for achieving impactful results. Lynda's strategic expertise and that of her expert team, extends beyond coaching, as she actively facilitates leaders in their digital transformation journeys through proven change management, talent acquisition, and training techniques. Her approach has been instrumental in transforming outcomes for numerous clients, ensuring that their organizations are equipped to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. In addition to her role at Cortex, Lynda has contributed to Forbes and served as an expert commentator on WFXR's Coffee with a Coach series for more than four years. She has written over 400 articles, blending her own insights with the latest research in building culture, conversational and relationship intelligence, time mastery, team alignment, peak performance, engagement, and conflict resolution. Lynda is a certified coach in Emotional and Conversational Intelligence® and a Certified Trainer for The 3 Vital Questions®. She is an expert in integrating the sciences of DISC, Motivators (Driving Forces), and Cortex Team Strength assessments, providing predictive people analytics essential for organizational growth and role alignment. As the co-founder of goMonti, a technology company dedicated to personalized coaching and team engagement, she continues to push the boundaries of leadership development. Her work is further highlighted by her co-authorship of the whitepaper A Leader’s Guide to More Fresh, High Quality Ideas from Their Teams, published by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council. She is also the author of 4 Keys to More Effective Leadership and Time Mastery: 7 Simple Steps to Richer Outcomes, and the creator of the EPIC program for high performers, Leading a Winning Team, and Coaching for Peak Performance. Originally from Miami, FL, Lynda now calls Roanoke, VA home, where she balances her professional life with being a mother to an empowered daughter and wife to an incredibly supportive husband. She enjoys weekend gardening, day hiking, and bird watching. Lynda’s unique blend of strategic acumen and practical experience makes her an invaluable resource for leaders looking to drive successful digital transformations. Her insights into change management, talent acquisition, and leadership coaching have consistently delivered measurable results, making her a must-listen speaker at conferences. Contact I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. lynda@cortexleadership.com