Inside the Emerging Leader Program Coaching Experience

Leadership development does not happen through training alone; it is shaped through reflection, feedback and opportunities to navigate challenges with support. Within APHL’s Emerging Leader Program (ELP), coaching is an optional component of the participant experience, providing emerging leaders with individualized, meaningful conversations as they develop their leadership skills and advance their careers. Through one-on-one coaching, participants dedicate time and space to explore their goals, reflect on their experiences and identify strategies for continued growth. Coaching complements the program’s curriculum and other learning opportunities by encouraging participants to apply what they learn to real-world workplace situations.

What Coaching Looks Like in the ELP

Unlike mentoring, which often focuses on sharing advice and experiences, coaching prompts participants to develop their own insights and solutions. Coaches guide participants through thoughtful conversations that help them better understand their strengths, challenges and leadership styles. These conversations often center on communication, relationship building, decision-making, conflict management and career development. Because coaching is tailored to each participant’s needs and goals, no two coaching experiences are exactly alike.

Participants are matched with experienced volunteer coaches from the Emerging Leader Alumni Network (ELAN) and Laboratory Leaders of Today Alumni (LLOTA). Coaching engagements begin in January and continue through June, with a structured three-month coaching period and an optional three-month extension. Coaches and ELP participants typically meet for three to six one-hour coaching sessions, providing space for reflection, goal setting and leadership development. APHL also provides coaches and ELP participants with resources and tools to support meaningful conversations throughout the engagement.

Supporting Leadership Growth and Development

For many participants, coaching becomes a catalyst for greater self-awareness and confidence. Through structured reflection and goal setting, participants gain a deeper understanding of how they lead, communicate with others and continue to develop as professionals. Coaching also provides a supportive environment for discussing challenges and opportunities, allowing participants to explore different perspectives and approaches.

The Impact of Coaching

Since 2023, APHL has facilitated 50 coaching partnerships across three ELP cohorts. These one-on-one partnerships pair emerging leaders with experienced volunteer coaches from across the public health laboratory community to support leadership development, professional growth and career exploration. The coaching component provides participants with a dedicated space to discuss workplace challenges, explore new perspectives and develop strategies to achieve their professional goals.

Coaches also benefit from the experience. By partnering with participants in the ELP from across the public health laboratory community, they support workforce development while contributing to the growth of future leaders. These relationships foster meaningful professional connections, encourage the exchange of diverse perspectives and experiences, and provide coaches with an opportunity to reflect on and strengthen their own leadership practices while helping others navigate challenges and achieve their professional goals.

Investing in the Future Public Health Laboratory Workforce

As public health laboratories continue to face evolving challenges and workforce needs, developing strong leaders remains essential. The optional coaching component of the ELP helps participants build the skills, confidence and self-awareness needed to lead effectively within their organizations and communities. By investing in individualized leadership development through coaching, APHL strengthens the current and future public health laboratory workforce, ensuring that emerging leaders are prepared to navigate challenges, inspire others and contribute to the continued success of public health laboratories nationwide.

Coaching is one part of APHL’s broader commitment to leadership development. To explore additional programs and opportunities, visit the Leadership Development Programs webpage.