IU Indianapolis launches Manager Development Lab to strengthen leadership skills for emerging managers

By Richard Bray, Community Partnerships Manager, IU Indianapolis Office of Workforce and Community Engagement

New partnership with Invest Hamilton County will train up to 100 regional managers in 2026 through customized workshops developed in collaboration with the Tobias Leadership Center.

Customized training session with instructor Charlotte Westerhaus-Renfrow, professor at the IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis. IU Indianapolis, in partnership with Invest Hamilton County, has launched the Manager Development Lab (MDL), a leadership development program designed to equip emerging managers with the practical skills needed to lead teams and organizations effectively.

The program reflects the work of the IU Indianapolis Office of Workforce and Community Engagement, a newly organized office that serves as a central point of connection for employers seeking to address workforce challenges by engaging the university’s academic and research expertise. The Manager Development Lab was developed in collaboration with the Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence at the IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis, drawing on its expertise in leadership development.

Marie Mackintosh, vice chancellor of the IU Indianapolis Office of Workforce and Community Engagement“Preparing effective leaders is essential to the long-term vitality of our communities and state,” said Marie Mackintosh, vice chancellor for workforce and community engagement at IU Indianapolis. “The Manager Development Lab is an important example of how IU Indianapolis can partner with organizations to strengthen Indiana’s workforce.”

MDL was developed in response to employer feedback identifying a critical gap between technical expertise and people-management readiness among newly promoted leaders. It bridges that gap by providing practical, hands-on training that prepares participants to navigate the real-world challenges of managing people and leading teams.

Mike Thibideau, president and CEO of Invest Hamilton County “Developing strong leaders is essential to the continued growth of our regional economy,” said Mike Thibideau, president and CEO of Invest Hamilton County. “Employers in Hamilton County are not just hiring more workers—they are hiring differently. The fastest-growing skills we’re seeing include cross-functional collaboration, team management, and customer relationship building.”

“The data shows employers want professionals who can manage teams effectively and work alongside AI-driven tools,” Thibideau said. “Programs like the Manager Development Lab help meet that demand.”

Jack Russell, president and CEO of the OneZone Chamber of CommerceRegional business leaders and chamber of commerce partners also see the partnership between higher education and local economic development organizations as a key investment in workforce development. The OneZone Chamber of Commerce, Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and Noblesville Chamber of Commerce have each partnered with Invest Hamilton County to sponsor the program, providing their members with a 10% registration discount on the Manager Development Lab.

“Businesses of all sizes within OneZone’s membership are looking for ways to upskill their workforce,” said Jack Russell, president and CEO of the OneZone Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to support programs like the Manager Development Lab that help prepare the next generation of leaders across our community.”

Courtney Albright, president of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce“Leadership development is one of the most important investments a business can make,” said Courtney Albright, president of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. “Our members are eager to develop their managers into stronger leaders, and the Manager Development Lab gives them an accessible, high-quality way to do that. We’re excited to bring this opportunity to the Westfield business community.”

Bob DuBois, president and CEO of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce“The strength of our local economy depends on the strength of the people leading it,” said Bob DuBois, president and CEO of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce. “The Manager Development Lab is exactly the kind of program our members need—practical, relevant training that helps emerging leaders hit the ground running. We’re proud to partner with Invest Hamilton County and IU Indianapolis to make this available to Noblesville’s business community.”

Programs such as the Manager Development Lab highlight IU Indianapolis’s role as a strategic partner in workforce development, connecting university expertise with the evolving leadership and talent needs of businesses and communities.

Dr. Richard Bray, community partnerships manager at the IU Indianapolis Office of Workforce and Community Engagement “Organizations across industries are recognizing that strong leadership skills are essential for team performance and long-term success,” said Dr. Richard Bray, community partnerships manager at the IU Indianapolis Office of Workforce and Community Engagement. “The Manager Development Lab provides emerging managers with the tools and confidence they need to lead effectively from day one.”

Delivered in a flexible format of either four half-day sessions or two full-day sessions, the program is designed for working professionals transitioning into leadership roles. Through interactive instruction and applied learning, participants will build essential management capabilities, including:

• Navigating workplace conflict and managing team dynamics
• Leading difficult conversations with clarity and professionalism
• Understanding budgeting and operational decision-making
• Building trust, accountability, and high-performing teams

Upon completion, participants will earn a Certificate in Leadership Development and a corresponding digital badge from IU Indianapolis recognizing their successful participation in the non-credit program. The program is expected to serve approximately 100 emerging managers in 2026, with four cohorts offered during the spring and summer, each enrolling about 25 participants.

The collaboration between IU Indianapolis and Invest Hamilton County reflects a shared commitment to strengthening leadership capacity across Central Indiana’s workforce. By providing accessible leadership development opportunities, the initiative helps employers build stronger internal leadership pipelines and prepare employees for greater responsibility.

Organizations and emerging managers interested in participating in the Manager Development Lab can visit Invest Hamilton County’s website or contact Kate Walters at kwalters@investhamiltoncounty.com.

Employers and industry leaders seeking solutions to workforce and talent development challenges are encouraged to connect with IU Indianapolis’s Office of Workforce and Community Engagement (OWCE) to explore partnerships, customized training programs, and leadership development opportunities. Register for the Manager Development Lab (MDL).

About IU Indianapolis

IU Indianapolis is a leading urban R1 research and health sciences campus committed to advancing student success, community engagement, and workforce development. Located in the heart of Indiana’s capital city, the campus partners with employers, community organizations, and economic development leaders to deliver innovative educational programs that support the growth of Indiana’s workforce and economy and reflect the university’s commitment to service to the state and beyond.

About the IU Indianapolis Office of Workforce and Community Engagement

The IU Indianapolis Office of Workforce and Community Engagement connects students, employers, and community partners to expand opportunity and strengthen Indiana’s workforce. Through strategic partnerships, the office advances talent development, experiential learning, customized training, and other collaborative initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of employers and communities. Learn more about how to Partner with IU Indianapolis to develop talent pipelines, customized training, and community-engaged workforce initiatives.