LT Catalyst: Leadership Development, Powered by Mentorship

LT Catalyst brings mentors and mid-career professionals together to build practical leadership skills through expert-led training and a structured partnership. Participants explore four university-developed areas: mentorship and sponsorship, negotiation, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness and self-compassion. Mentors and mentees learn together, creating opportunities to reflect, exchange feedback, stay accountable, and apply new skills at work.

Launched in 2020 as the Leadership Development Program, LT Catalyst now has a new name and home at Leadership Tomorrow. Its statewide framework was developed by Washington business leaders and deans from 14 business schools, combining academic insight and workplace relevance.

Upcoming Cohort

February 11-April 22, 2027

  • 11-week program

  • Opening, optional mid-program check-in, and closing sessions held in person

  • Weekly virtual sessions on Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. See the full schedule here.

  • Tuition is $2,500 per participant, and seats are filling now.

Ready to learn more? Schedule an information session with Dr. Lauren Van Koughnett.

Participants Report Growth In:

89% in understanding workplace needs and working styles

69% in growth in managing emotional reactivity under pressure

68% growth in moving from mentoring to active sponsorship

76% growth in using emotional vocabulary effectively

90% growth in building positive teams and organizational culture

Benefits for Participants

  • Build practical leadership skills. Strengthen 16 competencies in communication, negotiation, collaboration, trust-building, and leading through ambiguity.

  • Learn from expert faculty. Gain perspectives from five faculty members with expertise in mentorship, mindfulness, negotiation, emotional intelligence, and applied leadership.

  • Deepen learning through mentorship. Learn alongside a mentor or mentee from your organization and connect new skills to feedback, performance, company culture, and shared growth.

  • Expand your perspective. Exchange ideas with professionals from other organizations and industries, creating new approaches to workplace challenges and problem-solving.

  • Gain skills that travel. Apply a statewide leadership framework designed to be relevant across organizations, sectors, and communities throughout Washington.

Benefits for Employers

  • Develop more capable managers. Equip participants to hold difficult conversations, build trust, influence others, and lead through change and ambiguity.

  • Multiply learning in the workplace. The mentor-mentee model develops two employees together, allowing them to reinforce each other’s growth and apply new practices on the job.

  • Strengthen your leadership pipeline. Build the skills, relationships, and confidence employees need to take on greater responsibility and contribute more effectively.

  • See evidence of growth. Track progress across all 16 competencies through pre- and post-program assessments, weekly check-ins, cohort benchmarking, and a six-month follow-up on skill application

LT Catalyst is a one-of-a-kind partnership with Washington State’s business schools