The Practices That Separate High-Performing Teams from Average Ones Leadership is often mislabeled as a collection of “soft skills,” but the reality is far more practical: great leadership is about driving results, increasing alignment, and accomplishing more with the people and resources you already have. In this session, we will explore the leadership habits that separate high-performing teams from average ones…focusing on humility, self-discipline, accountability, and teamwork as operational advantages, not abstract ideals.

This Mid-Career Accelerator Course is a virtual cohort-based leadership program designed for rising and current mid-level professionals in the lumber and building materials industry. Built specifically for those who have moved beyond the entry level but are still developing their leadership identity, this 8-week accelerator bridges the gap between technical know-how and the human skills that drive long-term career growth. Through eight interactive virtual sessions, participants will explore the mindsets and behaviors of high-performing leaders — from understanding how their own behavioral style impacts their team, to navigating conflict productively, delegating with confidence, and motivating others effectively. The program culminates in a powerful exercise around intentional leadership branding, helping each participant define the leader they want to be known as. Cohorts are kept small — no more than 15 participants — ensuring meaningful peer connection, candid conversation, and personalized coaching support throughout the experience.

Leadership transitions can be both exciting and complex for family-owned businesses. In this roundtable discussion, participants will explore practical strategies for preparing the next generation to lead while preserving the values, culture, and legacy that have defined the business across generations. Through shared experiences and candid conversation, family business owners and future leaders will gain insights on succession planning, leadership development, governance, and navigating change with confidence. Join peers who are facing similar opportunities and challenges as they work to ensure a successful transition from one generation to the next.

Storytelling meets professional development in this interactive NAWLA webinar. Panelists share pivotal career moments and lessons learned, offering insights that resonate across experience levels. The Education Committee moderator will guide discussion and audience engagement to maximize shared learning.

Shifts in labor markets, demographic changes, and population trends are transforming the workforce faster than ever before. NAWLA members are facing a competitive landscape where attracting, developing, and retaining top talent depends not just on pay and benefits—but on the quality of leadership. In this session, participants will explore the latest workforce data on population growth, generational shifts, and employment trends, and connect it directly to what matters most: leadership excellence. Together, we’ll uncover how leadership practices influence retention, employee development, and organizational culture—and highlight the five leadership skills proven to create high-performing, engaged workplaces. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Interpret current labor and economic data to identify critical workforce challenges and opportunities. Understand the connection between leadership behaviors and employee attraction, retention, and development. Identify the five most critical leadership skills that strengthen leadership capability and prepare organizations for the evolving labor market.

In the lumber and building materials industry, where relationships, operational know-how, and long-term vision are critical, leadership succession is more than a plan—it's a strategic advantage. This session offers a practical roadmap for developing future-ready leaders from within your organization, ensuring business continuity and long-term growth. Through a real-world case study, participants will explore how to: Build a strong governance foundation with a board and strategic committees aligned to long-term goals. Structure capital and incentive plans to support growth and retain top talent across sales, operations, and leadership. Identify key contributors and create tailored investment and ownership opportunities Establish performance benchmarks and review processes to adapt succession strategies over time. Manage leadership transitions with thoughtful liquidity planning that preserve company cash flow and empower rising leaders. Speaker: Alberto del Pilar, Managing Director | ButcherJoseph & Co.

With US interest rates appearing to have stabilized, will we see a rebound in domestic consumption in 2024? Will overseas remain weak resulting in continued high levels of imports? Will even more capacity come on line in the south, further limiting upside market potential?

Join this discussion to learn and build successful internship programs and expand the future talent pool for the industry.

In this fourth of six webinars, Alex will discuss talent retention. We will explore the reasons why workers choose to leave organizations, identify the top predictors of turnover, and convey the leading factors that drive talent retention

What kind of an organization are you? More importantly, what kind do you want to be in the future? This six-part webinar series is offered to NAWLA members through its affiliation with AEA, and will deliver key insights designed to help business leaders and decision makers elevate their talent-focused activities.