Think IT
Link to Leadership
An exclusive leadership development program for rising IT professionals—built by tech leaders, for future tech leaders.
Tech Leadership Starts Here
The Link to Leadership program is an invite-only initiative designed for technology professionals who are ready to take the next step in their careers. This six-course series, offered twice a year, is led by senior members of Think IT and culminates in a Think IT Link to Leadership Certificate upon successful completion.
Our mission is to help emerging tech leaders sharpen their soft skills and gain valuable insights from some of the most experienced IT executives in the Think IT community. Each course is crafted to empower participants to excel in their current roles and prepare for future leadership opportunities.
Program Fee: $1,500
All net proceeds support Genesys Works – Twin Cities, helping young professionals launch meaningful careers in technology.
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Program Modules
Our Link to Leadership modules are thoughtfully crafted by top industry leaders who know what it takes to succeed—and more importantly, to lead. Designed to equip tomorrow’s trailblazers with the tools, mindset, and confidence they need, these modules deliver real-world insights, practical strategies, and leadership frameworks that inspire action.
Know Thyself
Understand how to leverage your natural personality as a leader. Understand other styles and how to interact with them.
Building High-Performing Teams
Understand how strategic hiring and creating a high-functioning workforce plays into organizational culture.
Leadership and Management Styles
Understand how to leverage your natural personality as a leader. Understand other styles and how to interact with them.
Fundamentals of Coaching
Provide tools to approach coaching situations with confidence.
Business Communication
Understand business communication – why it is critical for IT – and discuss effective communication practices.
Your Leadership Journey
Presentation of project demonstrating applicability of the Link to Leadership competencies, which is required for certification.
Link to Leadership Faculty
Think IT’s Link to Leadership Development Program is an exclusive training program designed and led by senior IT leaders, including CIOs, VPs, and Directors.
Mike Musto
Vice President, Software Engineering at NMDP
Jessica Farnum
Principal Consultant at Globant
Dan Gowens
Sr. Management Consultant at Project Consulting Group (PCG)
Angie Schulke
Vice President, Application Development, Data & Analytics at Lifetime
Trevor Farnum
CTO at Data Recognition Corporation
Tracy Smith
Vice President, Enterprise Analytics & Insights at NMDP
Melissa Flicek
CIO at BCBS of MN
Bobbie McAdam
VP Product Operations and Effectiveness at Medica
Michelle Rademacher
Director, Program and Project Management at NMDP
Richard Walker
CEO at York Solutions
Jacque Bonneprise
CIO at SMC
Dawn Cooper
Director, Product Portfolio Management at Thrivent
Tiffany Lauria
VP of Execution and Value Delivery at BCBS of MN
Rachel Lockett
VP, Business Technology Solutions and Operations at Surescripts
Francois du Toit
CTO at Zelis
Testimonials
“What I really like about Link to Leadership is that it’s an open forum; it’s a free format. Link to Leadership connects you with a mentor like a VP or a CIO or an accomplished senior leader, and that makes a huge difference.”
Rupa Joshi
Senior IT Director – Software Engineering PBM Modernization
“I got more knowledge and skills out of this program than I expected. You will learn different leadership principles from the amazing faculty who are Sr. IT leaders. You will get an effective platform to connect with other leaders and build great relationships with them. You will nurture these networks and relationships for decades to come. This is a launching pad for learning, growing, and creating your own brand as a leader. I highly recommend this program.”
Sayeed Reza
Sr. Director, Software Engineering
“Link to Leadership not only gave me tools I have used, and are using, to grow as a leader but it provided me a with a mentor that I still meet with regularly.”
Melissa Weeldryer
Delivery Lead