Leadership is shaped over time through experience, challenge and reflection. For emerging leaders, learning directly from those who have already navigated that path can offer valuable perspective on what effective leadership looks like in practice.

That opportunity is central to Leadership Discovery, which connects participants with accomplished business leaders from across the Charleston region for candid conversations about the experiences that have shaped their careers and leadership styles.

The 2026 Leadership Discovery mentors are:

• Thomas Anderson, Market Executive, Wells Fargo
• Kirsten Royster, Charleston Market President, Novant Health
• Kevin Sheilley, President & CEO, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Josh Sorkin, Senior Vice President of Engineering Innovation Factory, SAIC
• LaTasha Gandy, Senior Vice President Private Client Manager, Bank of America
• Jess Key, Director of Talent Acquisition, Newport News Shipbuilding

Across six mentor-led sessions, participants will learn directly from these leaders about the challenges they have faced, the lessons they have learned and the decisions that have influenced how they lead today.

The sessions are structured to encourage meaningful discussion, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, explore real-world leadership challenges and gain insight they can apply in their own careers.

Understanding How You Lead

Leadership Discovery helps emerging leaders better understand how they lead, build confidence in their abilities and prepare for greater responsibility in their careers.

In addition to the mentor sessions, participants complete the NBI® Thinking Preferences Assessment and Orientation Workshop, facilitated by Mary Jo Romeo, Certified Executive Coach with MJR Coaching + Consulting. The assessment helps participants better understand how they think, approach problems and work with others, creating a stronger foundation for more intentional leadership.

The program also includes a three-course business etiquette dinner, providing practical experience in professional dining settings, as well as opportunities to build relationships with peers at similar stages in their careers.

Together, these experiences create a well-rounded approach to leadership development. Participants gain perspective from established leaders, greater awareness of their own strengths and working styles and a stronger understanding of how they want to lead moving forward.

For professionals beginning to manage others, stepping into new responsibilities or looking to be more intentional about their development, Leadership Discovery provides an opportunity to learn, reflect and grow alongside both experienced mentors and emerging leaders from across the region.

Registration for the 2026 Leadership Discovery program is open through Friday, August 28.