The Leadership Risk Moment
When leaders step into expanded scope, expectations increase immediately. But the operating judgment required at that level develops through experience.
During this period, organizations often see:
Complexity multiplying across teams and stakeholders
Decision velocity slowing as leaders navigate unfamiliar territory
Teams still forming trust and operating rhythm
Stakes increasing across strategy, talent, and execution
The risk is not capability.
The risk is execution during the transition.
What Co/Lab Is
A selective, confidential peer forum for leaders operating at comparable scope across different organizations.
Cohorts are intentionally small and carefully curated:
6–8 leaders
One leader per organization
12-month cohort
Monthly half-day sessions
Sessions function as a facilitated decision forum, where leaders examine real organizational situations with experienced peers.
The focus is practical: helping leaders see complex situations clearly and move them forward with stronger judgment.
Why Companies Sponsor It
At enterprise scale, a single leadership decision made sooner—or executed with greater clarity—can influence millions in revenue, cost, or talent outcomes.
Organizations sponsor leaders in Co/Lab to strengthen leadership effectiveness during critical transitions.
Impact shows up as:
Faster decision velocity
Complex issues move forward sooner.
Stronger execution
Strategic initiatives and change efforts land more effectively.
Better talent navigation
Leaders handle complex people decisions with greater skill.
Greater succession depth
High-potential leaders develop enterprise perspective faster.
Ideal Candidate
Sponsors typically nominate leaders who:
Own material business or organizational outcomes
Lead leaders within multi-layered organizations
Are within first ~24 months of expanded scope
Are identified as high-potential or succession candidates
Demonstrate candor, curiosity, and commitment to growth
Participants are selected based on scope of responsibility — not title.
How Selection Works
Participation is nomination-based.
Sponsor nomination
Candidate application
Co/Lab interview
Cohort assembly based on comparable scope
Sponsor confirmation
This process ensures strong cohort composition and meaningful contribution from every participant.
Understanding the Business Case
Many sponsors ask how organizations evaluate the return on leadership forums like Co/Lab.
We’ve prepared a short ROI briefing outlining:
Where organizations see measurable impact
How decision velocity influences organizational outcomes
Examples of leadership situations leaders bring into the room
→ View the Co/Lab ROI Briefing
Founder
Carrie Gladstone
Founder, LeadHumans
Carrie works with senior leaders navigating complexity, growth, and change management.
Her background spans leadership roles at Deloitte, Progressive, Georgetown University, and venture-backed startups, where she led teams at the intersection of strategy, operations, and organizational leadership.
She has facilitated hundreds of leadership and strategy sessions and is a Certified Coach and EO Forum Moderator.