Effective leadership is an ongoing process, requiring professionals to continually develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate changing workplaces and business challenges. The Eastern Shore Leadership Institute’s (ESLI) Effective Leadership in Action series provides local business professionals with practical leadership training three times a year, with an emphasis on skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace.
The fall 2026 series of Effective Leadership in Action will be held October 15, October 29, and November 12, in partnership with Wor-Wic Community College. The three-session series brings together regional experts, with more than 50 years combined leadership training experience, to address three timely leadership challenges: effective workplace communication, generational differences, and practical leadership use of artificial intelligence.
The series opens October 15 with Kevin Hughes, founder of Chesapeake Learning & Development and an adjunct leadership facilitator at TidalHealth. Hughes will focus on one-on-one communication and the important role that effective feedback plays in strengthening workplace relationships. Participants will have an opportunity to practice communication and feedback skills designed to encourage productive dialogue, openness to differing perspectives, and stronger teamwork.
On October 29, David Carey will explore the generational gap in the workplace. Carey serves as a probation and parole supervisor with the Delaware Department of Correction, adjunct assistant professor at Wilmington University, and adjunct instructor at Delaware Technical Community College. Drawing on both professional experience and research-based knowledge, Carey will examine how history, values, expectations, and societal events shape perspectives across generations. The session will emphasize how effective leaders can recognize and leverage those differences while helping individuals understand how their contributions fit into their team and organization.
The series concludes November 12 with Justin Kelley, founder and CEO of IMPACT Technology Group, addressing one of the most pressing issues facing today’s business leaders: artificial intelligence. Kelley will help participants move beyond viewing AI as either a novelty or an intimidating challenge and instead explore how it can become a practical part of everyday business leadership processes. The hands-on session will focus on prompting, evaluating, and implementing AI tools to solve problems, improve processes, and identify new opportunities.
Kristina Toadvine, director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) at Wor-Wic, serves as ESLI’s program chair for Effective Leadership in Action and for custom leadership programming through Wor-Wic. “Through our partnership with Eastern Shore Leadership Institute, Effective Leadership in Action has become an important first stop for local businesses to develop current and emerging leaders across the region. With more than 200 registrations since January 2024, the program continues to address the growing need for leadership skills in today’s workforce.”
She explains that the college previously provided certificates of completion to participants but now will be moving toward issuing digital micro credentials in a new leadership badging program. “The introduction of digital micro credentials will provide participants with a portable, verifiable way to document leadership training and communicate their professional growth to employers and industry partners.”
Each session runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be held at Wor-Wic Community College. Participants attending the first session are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to complete registration materials. The cost for the three-session series is $150, plus the Eventbrite transaction fee. Lunch is included at each session.
The Effective Leadership in Action series is ESLI’s flagship leadership-development program. Since 2024, the series has provided leadership training, three times a year, to business professionals across the Shore. ESLI is a cornerstone program of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, and Wor-Wic Community College plays an integral role as one of its key educational partners.
More information and registration are available at EffectiveLeadership-Fall2026.eventbrite.com
