Elevate: The Ultimate Leadership Experience for Emerging Leaders Ready to Make an Impact
This program is built for next-gen leaders like you—ambitious, purpose-driven, and ready to step up your leadership game. Over the duration of our program, you’ll learn how to motivate your team, inspire action, and hit goals without drowning in stress or losing your authentic vibe. It's all about showing up with confidence, consistency, and presence to create a culture where everyone thrives.
If you’ve been struggling with low team energy, disengagement, or unclear communication, you’re not alone. Leading a team in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re frustrated with drama in the workplace, tired of explaining the same thing repeatedly, or wondering why it’s so hard to get everyone on the same page.
This experience is here to help you cut through the noise, lead with clarity, build your brand and profile, and create the kind of team that’s inspired, productive, and aligned. Let’s redefine leadership together and set you up to lead the way, your way.
Elevate: The Ultimate Leadership Experience for Emerging Leaders Ready to Make an Impact
This program is built for next-gen leaders like you—ambitious, purpose-driven, and ready to step up your leadership game. Over the duration of our program, you’ll learn how to motivate your team, inspire action, and hit goals without drowning in stress or losing your authentic vibe. It's all about showing up with confidence, consistency, and presence to create a culture where everyone thrives.
If you’ve been struggling with low team energy, disengagement, or unclear communication, you’re not alone. Leading a team in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re frustrated with drama in the workplace, tired of explaining the same thing repeatedly, or wondering why it’s so hard to get everyone on the same page.
This experience is here to help you cut through the noise, lead with clarity, build your brand and profile, and create the kind of team that’s inspired, productive, and aligned. Let’s redefine leadership together and set you up to lead the way, your way.
About Us
John Zettler
I’ve Been Where You Are
Not too long ago, I was in the same spot many of you are in now. I felt stuck—trying to juggle my boss’s expectations while hoping my team would somehow step up and perform. I thought I was giving clear direction, but things still weren’t clicking. The frustration was real, and I found myself running on empty. Work stressed me out, and worst of all, I couldn’t be the person I wanted to be for my family when I got home.
Something had to give.
That’s when I started asking myself what being a “good” leader really meant. At first, the answers were tough to swallow—I realized I was the problem. I wasn’t truly leading my team; I was managing tasks, reacting instead of engaging, and overlooking their potential. I wasn’t showing up with emotional intelligence, and I wasn’t helping my team grow.
The breakthrough came when I stopped pointing fingers and started looking inward. It wasn’t easy—it took time, mistakes, and stepping way out of my comfort zone. But if I’d had a clearer roadmap or support system back then, I could have fast-tracked the process and saved myself so much frustration.
What Changed?
Everything. Today, I’m not just surviving in leadership—I’m thriving. I’ve learned how to truly connect, inspire, and help others succeed. I’m not just a better leader; I’m a better spouse, parent, and friend because I put in the work to grow.
Now, I get to help others, like you, who are feeling just as stuck as I was. It’s incredible to see people break out of their ruts, push past their fears, and start leading with confidence and purpose. It’s not easy, but trust me—it’s worth it.
Jeff Sesol
Entrepreneur, Leadership Coach, and Change-Maker
I kicked off my career at Harris Bank in Chicago, where I had the kind of boss who didn’t just hand me tasks—she handed me the keys to shape my own vision. Under her guidance, I took on the big project of automating the entire Trust Fee Department at the bank. It was an amazing experience. One day, I looked in the mirror and thought, I can do more. So, I took a leap of faith, left the bank, and launched my own tech company, determined to change the world.
Fast forward 30 years, and I’ve been on quite a ride. Along the way, I built and sold multiple companies, like FreeDrive (the first player in web-based storage; yes, my small claim to fame is that I am one of the founding fathers of web-based storage) and SonMedia (an Internet safety platform for parents). These ventures taught me some huge lessons about what it really means to lead and succeed. I learned that being a true leader wasn’t about me—it was about giving my team a voice, showing them empathy, and making sure they knew how much I valued them. When people feel appreciated, they go that extra mile, not just for you but for the vision they’re part of.
This journey inspired me to start Pull the Chute, my coaching venture that’s all about helping companies and individuals reach new heights. I’m on a mission to show leaders that when you invest in your people, amazing things happen. Because if you grow your people, you grow your company. My goal is to nurture today’s talent into tomorrow’s leaders, building a culture where everyone thrives.
Jeff’s Personal Mission:
My purpose is simple yet bold: to change the world for the better. People are the greatest asset in any company, and if we focus on growing and empowering each individual, we can drive meaningful change. Over the next decade, I want to make a lasting impact by helping businesses thrive and individuals succeed—one leader at a time.
ho It Is For?
This program is designed for emerging leaders like you who are ready to level up and make a real impact. It’s for:
Aspiring and New Leaders stepping into roles where they’re managing people and want to hit the ground running.
High-Potential Professionals who are ready to unlock their full leadership potential and stand out.
Self-Aware Go-Getters who understand that growth starts with looking inward and making changes to become their best selves.
Leaders Balancing It All—those trying to deliver results while also guiding and empowering their teams, and feeling the challenge of doing both well.
If you’re ready to invest in yourself, build confidence, and lead with purpose, this program is for you.
ho It Is Not For?
This program is not for:
Those Unwilling to Grow.
People Looking for Quick Fixes.
Leaders Who Think They Have It All Figured Out.
Anyone Focused Solely on Themselves.
MODULE ONE
Foundational Leadership
OUTCOME
Fully understand what Emotionally Intelligent Leadership is.
Self-assess your current leadership style.
Explore a range of resources to elevate your leadership outcomes.
DESCRIPTION
Many of us hear a lot of buzzwords around leadership but we may not fully understand what they are all about. In this module, you will explore Emotional Intelligence and how it can transform your leadership to elevate your workforce strategy, and revolutionize your team’s optimization for unprecedented success.
MODULE TWO
Communicate for Performance
OUTCOME
Explore a range of different communication skills.
Self-assess your own communication style.
Gain insight into a range of communication tools to effectively relate to team members.
DESCRIPTION
Communication is the cornerstone of all relationships, yet many of us don’t understand how to adjust our style to communicate with our team members. In this module, you will explore different communication styles for yourself and others and how to adjust your style to meet the other person where they’re at, leading to increased engagement and motivation.
MODULE THREE
Creating the Culture that Accelerates Performance
OUTCOME
Demystify the roles and responsibilities of a Manager and Leader.
Increase your understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses as a Leader.
Leverage the power of building relationships founded on trust, mutual respect, and psychological safety.
DESCRIPTION
Leader and Manager are often used synonymously and mean completely different things to drive success for our teams and organizations.
In this module, you will learn how building strong relationships founded on trust and mutual respect will change the culture within your team and take productivity to unimaginable heights.
MODULE FOUR
Building Your Strategic Brand and Network
OUTCOME
Self-reflect and assess your current network and brand.
Learn how to expand your network through mentoring, coaching, and other off-line methods.
Craft a new brand through deep analysis of your value statement, passions and strengths.
Develop your elevator pitch.
DESCRIPTION
"Building Your Strategic Network and Brand for Emerging Leaders," is designed to empower you with the skills and strategies to forge meaningful connections and cultivate a compelling personal brand. In today's interconnected world, the ability to effectively network and articulate your unique value proposition is essential for emerging leaders aiming to advance their careers and make a lasting impact. Throughout this session, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning how to leverage your strengths, expand your professional network, and craft a powerful personal brand that resonates with your audience. By mastering the art of strategic networking and personal branding, you will position yourself for success in today's competitive landscape and unlock new opportunities for growth and advancement.
MODULE FIVE
Dealing with Conflict
OUTCOME
Dispel the myth that conflict needs to be a negative thing.
Discover ways in which to hold productive discussions.
Develop a host of tools to deal with challenging personalities and increase the likelihood of success.
DESCRIPTION
Navigating through conflicts and managing different personalities is an essential skill for personal and professional success.
This module is designed to equip you with the strategies, techniques, and mindset needed to effectively handle conflicts and difficult situations with confidence and finesse, thus enabling you to focus your efforts where it’s required - and get results.
MODULE SIX
Coaching for Success
OUTCOME
Fully understand the difference between a mentor and coach.
Identify the different types of coaching conversations you need to hold on a regular basis.
Develop a toolbox of questions to unleash the full potential of your team members.
DESCRIPTION
We all know the value of asking powerful questions to accelerate the growth and development of team members, yet finding the time to prepare the resources to do it, is a constant challenge.
In this module, you will learn and practice the most powerful coaching questions to get you through any discussion with your team members, increasing their ability to think critically, solve problems, and work more autonomously, which will allow you to focus on growing your business towards sustained success.
MODULE SEVEN
Motivation, Accountability and Expectation Setting
OUTCOME
Understand the accountability cycle, setting the course for success.
Learn to motivate though understanding Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivators.
Set expectations in a way that increases the likelihood for success.
Use a SIMPLE acronym for holding team members accountable.
DESCRIPTION
Leadership has evolved over the years and today’s work climate must include more two-way involvement and less one-way direction. It is about motivating and engaging people to act in a positive fashion. It is about, “getting them to want to do what you want them to do”.
We look to the leader to turn problem people around and to motivate them for increased productivity. Leaders and their teams are expected to achieve more and more. It is imperative that the leader can bring out the best in their people. The workplace is changing, and the teams are changing as well. Motivating a team requires a customized approach for individuals.
MODULE EIGHT
The Modern Leader – Leading a Diverse and Multi-Generational Team
OUTCOME
Understanding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in the workplace.
Increase awareness and understanding of neurodivergence .
Addressing Bias and Micro-Aggressions.
Understand the 4 main generations in the workforce today.
Discuss leadership tools to get the most out of each generational cohort.
DESCRIPTION
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging should be more than just corporate buzzwords in the workplace. Creating an environment where all of your employees feel seen and heard takes effort. Similarly, appreciating the strengths that each of our team members brings to the table, regardless of what generation they were born into requires a willingness to be more curious and judge less.
In this session we’ll talk about the meaning of each of these concepts and discuss ways in which we can ensure that each of our team members feels like they belong, have a voice, and can bring the best version of themselves to work each and every day.
MODULE NINE
Leading a Culture of Wellbeing
OUTCOME
Embrace a holistic approach to leadership that values the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of yourself and your team members.
Learn how to cultivate a culture of compassion, inclusion, and support that prioritizes wellness as a cornerstone of organizational success.
Discover practical self-care strategies and techniques to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain resilience in the face of adversity.
DESCRIPTION
More than ever, based on the fast-paced and demanding nature of our work environments, the well-being of leaders and their teams is paramount for sustainable success and growth.
In this module, we’ll equip you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to lead with empathy, authenticity, and mindfulness allowing you to lead with balance and inspire a culture of wellness and flourishing together!
MODULE TEN
Transitioning from Peer to Leader
OUTCOME
Learn how to establish your new authority without coming off as “bossy”.
Inspire and motivate employees who are your former colleagues (and maybe friends).
Navigate difficult and uncomfortable conversations.
Understand and manage the new expectations that have been put on you in your new role. You now need to get your work done through others.
DESCRIPTION
Transitioning from a peer to a leader can be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in your career journey. As you step into a leadership role, you are tasked not only with managing projects and tasks but also with inspiring and guiding your former peers towards shared goals. This session is designed to support you in navigating this transition successfully, equipping you with the insights, strategies, and skills needed to thrive in your new leadership position. Whether you are newly promoted or aspiring to lead, join us as we explore the key principles and practical tips for making a smooth and impactful transition from peer to leader.
