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Executive Education | Jones College of Business

Culture-Driven Leadership

What Works (and What Doesn’t) with the Next Generation

Are you struggling to engage younger employees or questioning their long-term potential? Do you want to build a workplace culture where employees actually want to stay—and grow?

Culture-Driven Leadership is an immersive program designed for managers, HR leaders, and executives who want to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of talent. Blending cutting-edge research with real-world leadership tools, this course separates fact from fiction—giving you a clear view of what really works (and what really doesn’t) when leading Gen Z and younger Millennials.

This course is ideal for leaders who want to turn frustration into productivity:

  • Decode the Next Generation: Understand what motivates younger employees—and how to keep them focused and engaged.
  • Modern Retention Strategies: Learn what actually works to reduce turnover and inspire loyalty.
  • Lead with Appreciation: Discover how recognition, when done right, fuels productivity and morale.
  • Bridge the Generational Gap: Build a culture where all age groups feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute.
  • Grow Your Talent Pipeline: Create development programs that turn young hires into confident future leaders.

You’ll leave this course with a clearer perspective, practical tools, and a renewed sense of leadership purpose.

Click here to register.

Showcase Your Achievement

Participants will receive a Certificate in Culture-Driven Leadership from MTSU’s Jones College of Business Executive Education Center. Share your accomplishment on LinkedIn and signal your commitment to building strong, inclusive teams.

Upcoming Class

Dates: June 26

Times: 9:00AM – 3:00PM

Price: $1200

Delivery: Full-day, in-person session

Location: Miller Executive Education Center, Room 1108

Address: 503 E Bell Street | Murfreesboro, TN | 37130

Register

Key Takeaways

This interactive experience will empower you to:

  • Recognize What Actually Motivates Young Employees
  • Cut through stereotypes with research-backed insights into Gen Z’s values, expectations, and work styles.
  • Avoid the Most Common Mistakes in Managing Younger Teams
  • Learn what well-meaning leaders often get wrong—and how to course-correct without losing trust.
  • Strengthen Retention Through Purpose, Growth, and Appreciation
  • Understand what keeps younger employees loyal—and how to deliver it in practical, scalable ways.
  • Apply the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
  • Boost morale and engagement by using proven strategies for recognition that resonate across personalities and generations.
  • Build a Culture That Works Across Generations
  • Create a collaborative, inclusive environment where younger and more experienced employees thrive together.
  • Design a Leadership Approach That’s Adaptive, Not Overly Accommodating
  • Set clear expectations while maintaining flexibility, boundaries, and a high-performance culture.

Is This Course Right for You?

This program is ideal for:

  • Business leaders and managers looking to retain top young talent
  • HR professionals rethinking culture, benefits, or recognition strategies
  • Team leads seeking practical ways to reduce disengagement and turnover
  • Organizations investing in multi-generational leadership development

No theory-heavy fluff—just the insights and tools you need to lead better.

Meet your instructors

Carly Escue, Director of Executive Education

Carly Escue brings a passion for transformative education, strategic partnership, and talent development to Middle Tennessee State University’s Jones College of Business, where she leads the Executive Education program.

Carly earned her MBA from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, where she later held a key leadership role as Director of Graduate Career Services, overseeing programming for more than 2,700 graduate students. Her career includes experience as a Global Human Resources Advisor at ExxonMobil and in higher education career services, providing her with a broad perspective on workforce development, corporate engagement, and the evolving needs of today’s professionals.

At MTSU, Carly designs and delivers executive education programs that empower learners to upskill, lead effectively, and drive innovation in their organizations. Her programs bridge academic research and real-world application, ensuring that professionals leave with actionable insights and practical tools for success.

Drawing on her diverse background, Carly equips business leaders and professionals alike to navigate complexity, build high-performing teams, and thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

Meet your instructors

David Lee

David brings a commitment to empowering young leaders and a passion for transformative career development to his work at Embolden, where he serves as Founder and Board Member.

David holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he was recognized with a merit-based scholarship and advanced to the semi-finals of the Social New Venture Challenge. His professional experience spans nonprofit leadership, higher education, and consulting, giving him a unique lens on organizational transformation and talent development.

At Embolden, David founded and leads a tuition-free, 501(c)(3) organization that has equipped more than 300 high school and early-college students with the lifelong skills needed to build strong professional networks and pursue their career aspirations. His work focuses on expanding equitable access to leadership development, fostering inclusive communities, and cultivating the next generation of changemakers.

Prior to his current role, David served as Associate Director of Career Management at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he was the most-requested, highest-rated coach for MBA candidates navigating career transitions. His earlier consulting experience at Booz Allen Hamilton included leading change management, transformation, and corporate strategy projects for Fortune 100 clients and government leaders, as well as building the firm’s commercial account innovation team focused on design thinking, agile methodology, and organizational learning.

David’s dedication to public service extends beyond the professional sphere. He previously served as the youngest-ever Director and Chair of the Education Committee at the McLean Citizens Association, advocating for increased teacher salaries, special education funding, and expanded career and technical education programs in his community. He is also an active member of Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Palatine.

Drawing on his cross-sector experience and innovative approach, David empowers students and professionals alike to build resilient networks, embrace new ideas, and drive impactful change. He believes that investing in future leaders—through accessible education, mentorship, and real-world learning—creates ripple effects that benefit entire communities.

Transform Yourself into a Culture-Driven Leader

Seats are limited for this high-impact program. Register today and take a bold step toward culture-driven leadership.

Questions? Contact us.

To learn more about this course, contact us at JonesExecEd@mtsu.edu.

Jones College of Business Executive Education courses are non-credit, non-transferable professional courses, and are not eligible for credit in an academic program at Middle Tennessee State University.