About GNTC’s ELITE Program

The Emerging Leaders in Tech (ELITE) program is an investment in developing technology professionals and equipping them with the knowledge and connections to be successful in a leadership role. The program provides training for 30 experienced and aspiring leaders, selected from a competitive application process. Over the course of three months, the participants gain new skills, share knowledge, and build Middle Tennessee’s leadership pool in the tech industry. ELITE provides formal instruction, community projects, dialogue, mentoring, and training on the core skills required for leadership.

10+ Years

Successfully training tech leaders

Participation Criteria and Application 

The program content is specifically tailored for individuals in technology who are either currently in an individual contributor position and desire a career path into a leadership role or who are new to a people leadership role, preferably less than 3 years in role. The ideal participant will meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a GNTC member.

  • Must be located in the Middle Tennessee area.

  • Must be a technology professional.

  • Must be in one of the following categories:

    • A manager of individual contributors (i.e. not a manager of managers).
    • A project manager/team lead or individual contributor with no direct authority over team members.

  • Must be interested in developing into a leadership role or more advanced leadership role.

  • Must have a burning desire to focus on personal development.

  • Must have the necessary personal and professional support to commit to actively participating in the sessions and activities throughout the full duration of the program.

  • If accepted into the program, there is a $1,850 fee for participation.

If you are not a GNTC member and you would like to learn more, then please contact us at membership@technologycouncil.com

Developing Tech Talent in Middle TN

The Middle Tennessee area attracts globally recognized employers while cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial community. In this highly competitive market, great leadership is critical to retain and strengthen the creative talent in our tech community. ELITE focuses on an area which has been traditionally underserved: developing the tech talent already in Middle Tennessee to become the leaders needed to support this thriving industry. ELITE helps aspiring leaders and those new to a leadership role to gain new skills, share knowledge, network, and build Middle Tennessee’s tech leadership talent pool.

2026 Program Schedule

Kickoff/Session 1: August 20 (8:00am-4:30pm, Mixer 4:30-6:00pm) & August 21 (7:30am-2:00pm)

Program Kickoff and How to Communicate with Absolutely Anyone

Session 2: August 28 (7:30am-12:30pm)

How to Build High Performing Teams

Session 3: September 18 (7:30am-12:30pm)

How to Get Out of the Weeds so You Can Lead 

Session 4: October 2 (7:30am-12:30pm)

How to Lead Change that Doesn’t Fail

Session 5: October 25 (7:30am-12:30pm)

Putting It All Together 

Graduation: October 29 (5:30pm-7:30pm)

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