The TPA Emerging Leaders Academy is an annual leadership training program that selects up to 25 new practitioners from across Tennessee. In recognition of its importance to developing our association’s future leadership, the Tennessee Pharmacists Research and Education Foundation (TPREF) helps underwrite the cost of the program for selected participants.

Designed in partnership with the Pharmacy Leadership & Education Institute (PLEI), the program draws on the STAR Framework 2.0 to help participants develop leadership capabilities grounded in how leaders think, see, and make decisions. Across five units of study, participants build proficiency in foundational leadership principles, clarity of direction (Sight), sustainable focus (Tenacity), disciplined action (Ability), and the skills to engage and empower teams (Results Through Others).

Program Format

The course combines a 5-hour in-person workshop with five synchronous online discussions distributed across four months. Between sessions, participants engage with short instructional videos (5 to 15 minutes each), followed by structured reflection exercises known as “lifework” invitations. Most participants dedicate roughly one hour per week to the program.

Five Units of Study

Unit 1: Core Principles We establish the internal foundation for leadership growth by exploring conscious choice (saying “yes” and “no” with intention), self-awareness (recognizing the beliefs and assumptions that shape decisions), and self-worth (grounding identity in values rather than outcomes).

Unit 2: Sight We develop three types of vision every leader needs: far-sight (distinguishing between default futures and the futures we choose to create), near-sight (recognizing cognitive biases and blind spots), and in-sight (understanding how our default identities shape perception and limit our flexibility).

Unit 3: Tenacity We explore how to choose challenges worth sustained effort by clarifying what genuinely matters (values and interests), differentiating between capability and capacity (strengths and needs), and applying practical tools to reclaim focus and eliminate dilutive commitments.

Unit 4: Ability We develop the behavioral disciplines that make leadership visible and reliable: availability (stepping into uncertainty with presence rather than waiting for perfect clarity), response-ability (shifting from a victim mindset to ownership), and accountability (honoring commitments with integrity).

Unit 5: Results We translate personal effectiveness into organizational effectiveness by learning to lead at the top of your role, creating alignment around goals and roles, and establishing team norms and structures that sustain performance.

Program Structure

• Live virtual sessions will occur throughout 2026, and one in-person session will be held in Nashville near the end of the program. 

  • Wednesday, July 8, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. CT [virtual]

  • Wednesday, August 5, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT [virtual]

  • Wednesday, September 9, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT [virtual]

  • Wednesday, October 7, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT [virtual]

  • Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT [IN-PERSON IN NASHVILLE]

  • Wednesday, November 18, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. CT [virtual]

• In-person recognition at the TPA Winter Meeting House of Delegates in Nashville, TN

• Video lessons (>2 hours):  Program participants will go through these fourteen separate lessons individually in preparation for live virtual sessions

• Live virtual sessions will include facilitation from PLEI’s Mike Negrete, PharmD, and Nancy Alvarez, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA, along with small group discussions facilitated by the following individuals: 

  • Sarah Hardeman, PharmD, BCPS

  • Kaitlyn North, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP

• • Shelby Brooks, PharmD, BCPS

  • TBD

  • TBD

Individuals who attend the first in-person session, the final online session, and at least three of the four middle sessions will be eligible to request a certificate of completion. 

Program Eligibility

Eligible participants include: 

• New practitioners who are within their first 3-15 years of practice and are interested in developing their leadership potential

TPA welcomes applications from those who represent diversity in race, color, ethnicity, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, age, gender, gender identity, social class, physical ability/attributes, religious or ethical value systems, language, pharmacy practice area, geographic location, and other perspective shaping backgrounds. 

Program Application

The TPA Emerging Leaders Academy is a competitive program that includes an application process. A review committee reviews all eligible applications received prior to the submission deadline. Twenty-five participants will be selected to complete the program.

Applications and accompanying CVs are due by 11:59 p.m. CT on June 8, 2026.

Cost To Participate

The cost per participant for the TPA Emerging Leaders Academy is $550.

Testimonials

“Not your typical leadership course…a source of useful insights and techniques that actually help in the day to day struggle!” -Justin Griner

“For a leadership course, this is very centered on a whole person approach, which is different than other courses I’ve participated in. Yes, you gain several tools and tips to become a more effective leader, but it is based in making you the best version of yourself so you can translate that into your leadership position. This approach felt very novel to me and made me feel appreciated as an attendee. ” – Anonymous

“This course has really helped me to see from different perspectives and has also enabled me to interact with others who come from different spheres of influence with different experiences in life. It has allowed me to create relationships with others I would not have had the opportunity to get to know otherwise. I would absolutely recommend this experience to others.” – Danny Pate

“I recommend this course if you are serious about reflecting on your leadership and growing you and your team’s abilities. The time commitment is worth it to shift your mindset and sharpen your leadership skills.” – Mitchell Ross

“I highly recommend this course because it gave me the tools to understand my personal leadership style and how to apply it effectively in real-world situations. It’s not just about theory; the course provides practical strategies that you can start using immediately. For example, I gained a much deeper understanding of how to communicate with and motivate different types of people, which has significantly improved my ability to lead teams. If you’re looking for a way to build confidence in your leadership and gain a clearer direction, this course is a game-changer. I can honestly say that without it, I would have never had such clarity about my leadership approach and how to create a more cohesive, high-performing team.” -Brian Winbigler

Questions?

Please contact TPA Director of Professional Affairs Olivia Welter or call 615-256-3023 with any questions related to the TPA Emerging Leaders Academy.

Past Participants