The Work Beneath the Work:
Practical Skills for Navigating Feedback, Change, and Workplace Dynamics
About the Program
We are pleased to share a new series of in-person training opportunities launching this summer as part of Wharton’s continued investment in professional development and ongoing learning.
This pilot series, The Work Beneath the Work: Practical Skills for Navigating Feedback, Change, and Workplace Dynamics, focuses on strengthening how we communicate, build trust, and navigate challenges in our day-to-day work—whether with peers, managers, stakeholders, or team members.
Each session is inspired by Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead framework. Brown is a globally recognized researcher known for her work on leadership, vulnerability, courage, and trust, and recently launched a podcast with Wharton’s own Adam Grant exploring these topics.
The sessions will be facilitated by Cheryl Cofield, a leadership strategist, executive coach, and Certified Dare to Lead™ facilitator trained by Brené Brown. Her work draws on over 30 years of experience across Fortune 10 corporations, higher education, and global humanitarian organizations. Sessions will be highly interactive, discussion-based, and grounded in real workplace scenarios. In addition to skill-building, they are designed to foster a shared language and bring colleagues together across teams.
While one session is designed specifically for (and limited to) people managers, the broader goal of this three-part series is to support staff across all roles in developing a shared approach to communication, feedback, and navigating challenges. The remaining sessions are open enrollment, and all staff are welcome to express interest, regardless of role, level, or tenure.
What You Can Expect to Gain
- Greater confidence in giving and receiving feedback
- Tools for navigating difficult conversations
- Strategies for managing change, stress, and team dynamics
- A shared language for communication and accountability
- Connection with colleagues across teams and functions
Details & How to Register:
We are now accepting nominations and submissions of interest for the July and October sessions of our new professional development series!
Session 1: Manager Cohort
Who: Current people managers only
Dates: July 14–15, 2026
Format: 2 full days, in person
Cost: $400 per participant (paid by departments)
Designed for current people managers, this session will focus on the day-to-day conversations that shape team effectiveness. Participants will work with practical tools for giving clear feedback, distinguishing between performance and behavior concerns, preparing for difficult conversations, and supporting teams through change, resistance, or fatigue.
Session 2: Open Enrollment Cohort
Who: All staff, regardless of department, level or role
Dates: July 16–17, 2026
Format: 2 full days, in person
Cost: $400 per participant (paid by departments)
Designed for staff across roles, this session will focus on practical communication skills that can be applied in everyday work. Participants will explore tools for receiving feedback, speaking up constructively, managing peer and stakeholder dynamics, and navigating change or tension with greater clarity and confidence.
Session 3: Dare to Lead Training Program
Who: All staff, regardless of department, level or role
Dates: October 6–8, 2026
Format: 3 full days, in person
Cost: $600 per participant (paid by departments)
This three-day program offers a deeper experience with the Dare to Lead framework, including vulnerability, values, trust, resilience, and courageous communication. The cohort will include staff across roles and levels, with a focus on building shared language and applying the concepts to real workplace situations. Upon completion, attendees will be eligible to add the “Dare to Lead” badge to their LinkedIn profile.
Participation Expectations
- Full attendance is expected for all session days
- Participants should come prepared to engage in discussion and small group work
- Manager approval must be obtained before submitting a nomination or expression of interest to confirm both support and funding availability
- Individuals will typically participate in either the July sessions or the October training program, rather than both
- Notification of enrollment/attendance will be sent before July 1, 2026
Submit a Nomination or Expression of Interest
Space is limited. Cohorts will be thoughtfully composed to reflect a mix of roles, departments, and perspectives.
Nominations for July sessions are due by June 15, 2026.
Participants will be notified by email shortly after the nomination period closes. Indicating interest does not guarantee participation.