FPSA Emerging Leaders Program

 

Apply Online Now!
Program Schedule
Application Deadline

April 17
Cohort Announced 

May 4
Virtual Kickoff

May 18
In-Person 

June 15-16
Chicago, IL
Virtual Sessions

July - October
 In-Person

November 4-6
Lexington, KY

Focused. Strategic. Impactful.

 The food production industry is facing a leadership gap — and the next generation of great managers is already working in your organizations. The FPSA Emerging Leaders Program exists to accelerate their journey.

This 6-month hybrid leadership development experience is built for future leaders in the food production industry who are ready to step into — or grow within — a management role.

Through in-person retreats, virtual sessions, peer coaching, and access to a private FPSA Connect community, you'll build the self-awareness, communication skills, and leadership confidence to make an immediate impact at work.

Cohort size is limited to 15 participants. Don't miss your spot!

 Submit your application online. Download the paper version to preview the required fields before you begin.

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Program Details & Investment

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Download the full program schedule here. 

Application Window

March 9 - April 17, 2026

Cohort Notification

May 4, 2026

Cohort Size

15 Participants

Investment

$3,200 | Member
$3,700 | Non-Member

What You'll Learn

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Create an icon that speaks to this copy Managing from the Inside OutGreat leadership starts with selfawareness Youll uncover your core values discover-2

Self-awareness, values and everyday leadership skills


Great leadership starts with self-awareness. You'll uncover your core values, discover your working style, and learn how your personal strengths and blind spots shape how you lead. Using your Gallup CliftonStrengths and VIA Character Strengths results, you'll build a personalized leadership development plan that guides your growth throughout the program and beyond.

Coaching for Performance

Developing coaching capability to unlock team performance 

The best managers don't just direct, they coach. You'll learn how to build genuine trust with your team, ask the questions that unlock potential, and use the proven GROW model to set goals and drive accountability. You'll leave this session with a coaching conversation framework you can use the very next day.

Impact of Communication

Communicating with confidence across styles, channels and conversations

Your communication style affects everything — from how your team receives feedback to how you're perceived by senior leaders. You'll explore how your social style shows up across email, phone, and in-person interactions, and learn how to have the high-stakes conversations that most people avoid. Using the Radical Candour and SBI frameworks, you'll practice delivering feedback that's honest, caring, and constructive.

Journey's Summit

Celebrating growth, consolidating learning & launching alumni connections

The program culminates at FPSA's Cultivate Conference in Lexington, KY, where you'll attend the conference, present your leadership journey to the cohort, finalize your personal development plan, and connect with FPSA board members and senior industry leaders. It's not just a graduation — it's a launchpad.

What You'll Leave With 

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Gallup CliftonStrengths Profile

A deep understanding of your top strengths and how to leverage them as a leader across every management situation.

Communication & Feedback Toolkit

Practical frameworks including GROW, SBI, and Radical Candour that you can apply in your workplace immediately.

 

Professional Development Action Plan

A clear, actionable roadmap co-created with your facilitator and cohort — your guide to continued leadership growth after the program ends.


Trusted Cohort of 14 Peers

Fellow emerging leaders from across the food production industry who share your career stage, your challenges, and your ambitions.

Private FPSA Connect Community 

Ongoing peer engagement and alumni support through FPSA's community platform — because the learning doesn't stop in November.

Cultivate Conference Registration

Full access to FPSA's Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab in Lexington, KY — a senior industry event where you'll connect and present alongside the industry's next generation.

 

Scholarship Coverage 

 Five full scholarships are available for qualifying FPSA member company participants, covering: full program tuition ($3,200 value), up to $1,400 in flight reimbursement ($700 per in-person event), hotel accommodations for both in-person events (2 nights Chicago + 3 nights Lexington), and Cultivate Conference registration ($995 value). Scholarship consideration is entirely separate from admissions review. The scholarship form is part of the online application. 

Program Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the food production industry, and be either aspiring to transition into a management role or currently in a people management role within their first two years. Organizational support — including schedule flexibility for in-person events and virtual sessions — is required, along with a letter of recommendation from a direct supervisor or senior leader.