Emerging Leaders
HARDI’s Emerging Leaders Program originated in 2014 and has assisted hundreds of individuals on their career development journeys in the HVACR space.
Through access to learning and networking platforms, the Emerging Leaders Program assists in developing the next generation of HVACR industry leaders. These platforms develop participants' core leadership and functional skills as well as expand their networks.
Participants attend the annual Emerging Leaders Conference three times over three years to fine-tune and grow their executive-level skill set, connect with mentors, and network with other future leaders. In addition, the Emerging Leaders also attend HARDI's Annual Conference for a robust, four-hour session covering a vast array of industry-relevant topics.
Who is an Emerging Leader?
An Emerging Leader is any employee of a HARDI member organization who has been recognized as having the talent and potential to someday advance to the executive level of the organization.
Sometimes, in the case of family-owned companies, this is the next-generation owner. Other times, this is an unrelated individual who has demonstrated leadership potential.
The program combines Leadership and HVACR Business Competencies to provide participants with well-rounded strengths:
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Self-leadership
Self-leadership involves heightened awareness of leadership skills (regardless of role), self-assessment in expected areas, emotional management, influence, adaptability, and effective self-management for desired outcomes.
Team Leadership
Successful leaders develop team leadership skills, using emotional intelligence from self-leadership. They foster relationships, collaborate, resolve conflicts, manage expectations, hold teams accountable, and lead through change effectively.
Organizational Leadership
Organizational Leadership focuses on setting strategic goals, motivating teams to achieve them, and aligning with the organization's mission, values, and culture to bridge the gap to ideal business states.
HVACR BUSINESS COMPETENCIES
Wholesale Channel Business Knowledge
Understanding wholesale business involves grasping the industrial distribution channel and the relationships among Suppliers/Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Contractors. It provides insight into roles and interconnections within the distribution network.
Financial Literacy
HVAC distribution leaders need basic financial literacy skills to interpret and apply financial strategies effectively. This includes understanding profit and loss statements, balance sheets, sales trends, and budgeting.
Operational Knowledge
Successful leaders should display an understanding of wholesale operations, including organization-specific KPIs, analyzing processes critically, and grasping cost-to-serve dynamics.
Program Contents
How to enroll
1. Start by registering for the Emerging Leaders Conference.
2. Submit a letter of recommendation:
Each program participant will need a letter of recommendation from their executive leadership or CEO to enter the program. Please submit your letter of recommendation to talent@hardinet.org. The name and email of your sponsor will be required in order to complete the event registration process.
