Grain & Grow 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.
- Who it's for: Mid-career professionals in the wholesale lumber industry who are ready to step into stronger leadership roles and build the skills that move careers — and companies — forward.
- What participants walk away with: Practical leadership tools, a deeper understanding of themselves and others, a stronger professional network within NAWLA, and a clear, intentional vision for their leadership brand.
Key:
Complete
Next
Failed
Available
Locked
Session #1: World-Class Performers
World-Class Performers: Live Session
06/24/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
06/24/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
Solutions 21 has spent over two decades researching the habits and mindsets of high performing individuals—from senior military officers to championship athletes. In this session, we examine how these insights apply to top performers in the wholesale lumber industry. Participants will explore nine high-performance practices and learn how to apply them to grow as leaders within NAWLA companies.
Session #2: Understanding Human Behavior
Understanding Human Behavior: Live Session
07/01/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
07/01/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
Using our “game film” behavioral model, participants gain insight into how their behavioral tendencies influence communication, relationships, and performance. They'll learn to adapt to others 'styles and work more effectively across teams and departments.
Session #3: People Reading for Leadership
People Reading for Leadership: Live Session
07/08/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
07/08/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
People Reading for Leadership. Participants practice observing verbal and nonverbal cues to identify others’ behavioral styles, improving how they connect with customers, colleagues, and partners
Session #4 : Role Mindsets in the Modern Lumber Workforce
Role Mindsets in the Modern Lumber Workforce: Live Session
07/15/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
07/15/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
Role Mindsets in the Modern Lumber Workforce. The lines between leadership, management, and frontline execution are blurring—especially in the lumber sector, where agility and adaptability are critical. Role Mindset Theory helps participants adopt the right behaviors for their evolving responsibilities, regardless of title.
Session #5: Productive Conflict
Productive Conflict: Live Session
07/22/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
07/22/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
Productive Conflict. Adaptation in our day-to-day is hard enough, but it becomes even more challenging when faced with strong disagreements. Using the Everything Disc Productive Conflict profile, we learn about the various conflict styles, how we can think differently about conflict and ultimately resolve disputes more productively.
Session #6: Direction and Delegation
Direction and Delegation: Live Session
07/29/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
07/29/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
Direction and Delegation. Built around the delegation tendencies of various styles, this workshop will focus on why leaders may or may not delegate to others, along with how to know when and when not to delegate work. Understanding the “five rights” of delegation and direction in this module can empower leaders to make faster, development-focused decisions.
Motivation: Live Session
08/05/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
08/05/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
Motivation. We will continue our discussion of the principles of management with an in-depth discussion about the importance of motivation and how to motivate others. Further, we will tackle misconceptions and identify how best to prioritize these efforts.
Session #8: Leadership Branding
Leadership Branding: Live Session
08/12/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
08/12/2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT) | 120 minutes
In the 21st century leaders must develop their own leadership brands and know why people want to work on their teams. Interestingly enough, it is extraordinarily rare that people even think about their own individual leadership brands. The funny thing is that every leader has a brand— they just don’t know it. Most of the personal brands have developed organically—and unintentionally. Developing your own intentional brand is consider a “leadership superpower” and should not be developed organically. Solutions 21 offers an exercise that intentionally develops your leadership brand.
