Inside Forrester’s Inaugural Future Leaders Program

2026-07-06 · Source: Featured Blogs - Forrester · Field: Business & Management — Corporate Strategy & Leadership, Human Resources & Workforce Development, Marketing, Branding & Advertising · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

Forrester recently launched its inaugural Future Leaders program at the B2B Summit North America, an invitation-only experience for 25 early-career professionals identified as rising talent. Over three days, participants engaged in a curated agenda including keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops, alongside dedicated programming like roundtables, peer discussions, and networking events. The program aimed to build confidence, expand networks, and teach career navigation skills before participants formally hold leadership titles. Three participants—Kaila Wallace (Hughes), Olivia Grogan (Reltio), and Leah Broadaway (Keepit)—shared their experiences, highlighting the program's intentional design, diverse roles, and valuable lessons on executive communication, negotiation, and broader industry perspective. They emphasized the importance of active participation and networking.

Key takeaway

For HR and L&D professionals designing talent development initiatives, consider implementing invitation-only programs for rising early-career talent. Such programs, like Forrester's Future Leaders, should offer tailored content, diverse peer networking, and informal interaction opportunities. This approach builds confidence, expands professional networks, and equips future leaders with practical skills like executive communication and negotiation before they assume formal leadership roles. Encourage participants to fully engage and ask questions to maximize their experience.

Key insights

Curated, invitation-only programs foster early-career leadership development through tailored content and intentional networking.

Principles

• Intentional design enhances program value.
• Diverse peer groups broaden perspectives.
• Informal interactions build stronger connections.

Method

A three-day program combined general conference attendance with dedicated roundtables, peer discussions, networking, and hands-on exercises for early-career professionals.

In practice

• Implement negotiation role-playing for scope management.
• Encourage curiosity about tool utilization.
• Facilitate cross-organizational peer learning.

Topics

• Leadership Development
• Early Career Professionals
• B2B Marketing
• Professional Networking
• Talent Programs
• Conference Experience

Best for: Marketing Professional, HR Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Featured Blogs - Forrester.