An intensive training for high potential managers and supervisors through exposure to broad perspectives of the utility business, its interrelationships and successful leadership strategies. This program is designed by a utility-driven Curriculum Development Team, and directed by facilitators, and executive and alumni mentors. Program sessions are hosted by member utilities and topics are presented by executives, subject matter experts and formal instructors. The first four sessions focus on leadership development, industry perspectives, customer connections, communications and strategic planning. The program includes a capstone project which is delivered to industry leaders at the WEI Annual Meeting. Participants build a broad peer network that continues well into their future careers.
General Details
- Program Location
- Virtual Event
- No travel required. All agenda times are in Pacific time. Instructions to access the virtual event will be provided to the attendee before the program.
- Who Should Attend
Participants are nominated by WEI members and selected through a formal application review process. Applicants make a commitment to attend and actively participate at each session, and should plan time for additional work between sessions. It is expected that students commit to completing “homework” assignments during evenings and off-hours with additional assignments required outside of the normal work day. Each group is assigned one executive and one alumni mentor who will support the group’s development throughout the program and guide them to a successful final project.
- Full Course Dates + Locations
Session 1: Feb 23-25, Virtual
Customer + Corporate Symposium: March 8-10, Virtual
Operations Conference: April 20-22, Virtual
Session 2: May 3-4, Virtual
Session 3: June 22-24, Location TBD
Session 4: August 17-19, Location TBD
Session 5: September 26-28, Annual Meeting, La Jolla, CA (or virtual TBD)
- General Cancellation Policy
- Due to contractual obligations and the critical role of group compositions for the success of the program, cancellations received after January 31, 2021, will not be eligible for a refund, and the organization will be responsible for the full 2021 registration fee. Substitutions from your organization for the program are always welcome prior to session one.
- Participation Policy
- Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public.
- For more information contact Christopher Lee, Senior Program Manager at (971) 255-4967.
Agenda
All session times are listed in Pacific time.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Virtual Help Desk + Technology Check
The room will open early with optional time for participants to get familiar with the virtual platform, test their audio and webcam, or ask questions about the agenda before we begin.
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome to Business Acumen for Emerging Leaders
Facilitator(s): William Messner, Director, Wildfire Mitigation & Resiliency, Portland General Electric
The 2021 Facilitator will provide an introduction to the program and describe the goals throughout the program.
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Introduction of Capstone Project + Announce Capstone Teams
Facilitator will introduce the BAEL capstone project and the 2021 capstone teams.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Breakout for Capstone Introductions
Students provide self-introductions within their capstone groups.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Break
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Introductions by Capstone Team
Capstone teams introduce themselves to the whole cohort.
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Day 2 Preview
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Virtual Help Desk + Technology Check
The room will open early with optional time for participants to get familiar with the virtual platform, test their audio and webcam, or ask questions about the agenda before we begin.
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Welcome to Day 2
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Executive Speaker
Speaker(s): John Haarlow, CEO/General Manager, Snohomish County PUD
John Haarlow, CEO/General Manager, Snohomish County PUD will share his experiences with the BAEL students and mentors.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Strengths Based Leadership Book Discussion
Speaker(s): Shari Chapman, HR Enterprise Learning & Development, Southern California Edison, Sharon Hahn, CSRP Training Command Center Lead, Southern California Edison
Have you ever been asked ‘what are your greatest strengths?’ Did you ever struggle answering that question? If you did, you are not alone.
Research from the Gallup Organization proves that people succeed when they focus on what they do best. When they identify their talents and develop them into strengths, people are more productive and engaged.
Our session will include a lot of interaction and discussion around what we do best as individuals and a team.
To participate in the session, bring your copies:
- Your Signature Themes with Action Items
- Strengths Insight and Action Planning reports.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Break
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Breakout for Strengths Discussions, Exercises, Activities
Group exercises to discuss and learn more about Strengths.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Networking Tips/Refresher
Thursday, February 25, 2021
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Virtual Help Desk + Technology Check
The room will open early with optional time for participants to get familiar with the virtual platform, test their audio and webcam, or ask questions about the agenda before we begin.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Networking with Execs
Get ready to meet executives from around the industry. Students will break into small groups for two 30-minute rotations to meet and ask questions on leadership.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Team Building Exercise
Students will meet in their capstone groups for a team building exercise.
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Current Issues + Capstone Project Time
Capstone groups will begin discussing the capstone project and possible topics.
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Break
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Capstone Report Out
Capstone groups will report out on the main topics they discussed.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Preview Homework + Follow Up