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

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.

EPIC Library Transitioning from a Problem to a Solutions Mindset EPIC H9 Phase 2 Designed Exclusively for Your EPIC Cohort by Lynda McNutt Foster This resource was created to address the Ask the Expert questions you submitted before the session. Explore the Podcast: Find the Transitioning from a Problem to a Solutions Mindset podcast episode below, where we answer your questions and delve into the key themes you wanted to discuss. Your Personalized Guide: We’ve also crafted a companion document, Guide to DISC Preferences and Transitioning from a Problem to a Solutions Mindset , to provide additional insights and practical support to enhance your podcast experience. Take a moment to explore these tools and strengthen your skills in transitioning your mindset from Problem focused to Solutions focused! Explore the Podcast: DISC Preferences Guide

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. 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

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.

Intentional Communication with DISC Cortex DISC Training is an interactive workshop designed to equip leaders with a deeper understanding of their strengths, challenges, and communication styles. Using personalized DISC reports, this session will explore behavioral preferences—both yours and those of others—while providing actionable strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness and team dynamics. What Is The DISC and Motivators Assessment, and Why Am I Taking It? Your DISC and Driving Forces Assessment: DISC Assessment Your DISC Guide: DISC Guide DISC Training Agenda: Agenda

Level One: 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. Step 1: Take the Leading Others Skillset Assessment Assessment Bring your results to your upcoming coaching session Step 2: Read the accompanying Article : Article

EPIC Month 1: Communicating with Intention EPIC Month 1: Communicating with Intention EPIC Month 1: Communicating with Intention EPIC Month 1: Communicating with Intention Month 1 Communicating with Intention - DISC and Driving Forces Intentional Communication with DISC DISC is a behavioral assessment model that categorizes how people act into four observable styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance—based on how they respond to problems, people, pace, and rules. It helps individuals and teams understand behavior patterns to improve communication, reduce conflict, and increase productivity. Everyone has a unique blend of these traits, and DISC distinguishes between natural tendencies and adapted behaviors used in specific situations. It’s a practical, easy-to-apply tool for enhancing self-awareness, teamwork, and leadership. Listen to the DISC Corcast Episode below to learn more! Step One: Watch "What Is The DISC and Motivators Assessment, and Why Am I Taking It?" Step Two: Take Your DISC and Driving Forces Assessment DISC Assessment Please note: You will not receive your DISC and Driving Forces results directly after taking the assessment. You will receive an email from info@cortexleadership.com with your full paged report before your first small group. Step Three: Read Your DISC Guide DISC Guide Step Four: Listen to the DISC Corcast Episode Refer back: to this DISC Clue Sheet throughout the EPIC Program! DISC Clue Sheet

Leading in Today's Chaotic World by: Lynda McNutt Foster & Holger Heinze From VUCA to BANI: From VUCA to BANI redefines how leaders navigate today’s chaotic world — where systems break easily, anxiety runs high, and cause and effect are anything but linear. This article introduces BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) as a sharper framework for leading through disruption. Packed with real-world examples and actionable insights, it encourages leaders to move from reaction to resilience, and to lead with empathy, adaptability, and intuition. Read it if you want to not just survive chaos — but lead powerfully through it. Read the Article Here From VUCA to BANI podcast episode: Lynda McNutt Foster Holger Heinze

Yokohama Supervisor Training - Three Part Series 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 Session Two De-Escalation & Conflict Mastery Mastering Conflict for Stronger Leadership These resources were created to address your teams Conflict Mastery by Lynda McNutt Foster Effective leadership requires the ability to navigate conflict with confidence and clarity. Your upcoming Conflict Mastery Workshop provides your leadership team with the tools to assess their conflict tolerance. Step 1: Read the Agenda - Gain an overview of the key themes and objectives covered in the workshop to set the foundation for learning. Agenda Step 2: Take the Cortex Conflict Mastery Assessment Assessment Step 3: Read the Cortex Conflict Mastery Scorecard Scorecard Step 4: Read the Cortex Conflict Mastery De-Escalation Article Article Step 5: Listen to the Cortex Conflict Mastery Prep Corecast Episode: (Optional): Read the Three Part Series Outline: Three Part Series Session Three Empowering Conversations Conflict to Appreciation to Transformation Step 1: Read the Empowering Conversations Article : Article Step 2: Listen to the Empowering Conversations Corcast Episode: (Optional) Step 3: Read the Three Part Series Outline: Three Part Series

Coaching Packages Flexible. Personalized. High-Impact Coaching. Cortex Coaching Packages are designed for leaders and professionals who want ongoing, expert guidance without committing to a full-year engagement. Whether you're looking to sustain momentum, navigate new challenges, or prepare for your next level of leadership, our flexible packages offer a high-value option to receive focused, personalized coaching at a rhythm that fits your schedule and goals. Using proven, researched, and best practices methods that help an leader see a situation from a different perspective and provide the right questions, at the right time, to help unlock their highest-level thinking, Our coaching packages include: 1 1-hour Coaching Sessions 1-hour coaching sessions 1:1 with your executive coach either in person at our offices in Roanoke, VA or via Zoom video calls. Best for: Mid-level leaders, rising executives, or alumni of full coaching programs Frequency: Use six 1-hour coaching sessions over a 12-month period Flexibility: Schedule monthly, bi-monthly, or as needed—your coaching, your pace Custom Coaching Package (upon request) Best for: Organizations or leaders needing a unique cadence or specialized support Options: Bundle coaching with team assessments, training, or supervisor check-ins Availability: Customized by scope and goals 2 Monti, Coach in Your Pocket Three text-based coaching prompts per week, including reflective questions, micro-insights, and optional journaling. 3 Cortex Coaching Portal, Pre-Session Development Questionnaires, Tailored Coaching Plan Portal access to view additional learning resources. Pre-Session Development Questionnaire to clarify areas and goals Tailored Coaching Plan aligned to your objectives and leadership development stage Optional: Supervisor Summary to support alignment with your manager or supervisor 4 Targeted Tools & Templates DISC, Driving Forces, EQ, and Leadership Competencies assessments

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.