See How One Learner Promotes Professional Development, Leadership Training, & Team Growth

As a performance manager with a passion for learning, Ted Welpott spends his days analyzing performance metrics and coaching dealership teams in the automotive and technology services industry. But numbers alone don't drive success. Through his leadership training program online, Welpott discovered what makes a good manager in the workplace: purposeful, empathetic leadership. 

Welpott began exploring programs through Workforce Edge in November 2024 and eventually enrolled in a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Northwood University. His employer-funded educational journey offers a powerful lesson for anyone considering continuing education courses: the degree itself is only part of it. For Welpott, pursuing higher education was an opportunity to transform how to lead, how to think, and eventually, how to inspire others through intentional professional development.

"I've always encouraged my employees and people that I work with to learn," says Welpott. "But I felt like my goal was to be a more intentional leader. I wanted to apply proven leadership frameworks directly to my role."

What are the benefits of leadership training?

In his role, Welpott’s work revolves around data and performance metrics. He works with both internal teams and automotive dealerships to align operations with market trends. Yet by continuing leadership development courses, using his education benefits through the Workforce Edge platform, he's gained insights that data alone can't provide. 

"Leadership 10 years ago was different than leadership today,” he explains. “Today's employees expect something different than the employees from the last decade.” The courses in organizational leadership skills allowed Welpott to evolve his approach to meet the demands of today's multigenerational workforce, bettering himself as a manager while also improving his team’s engagement and workplace satisfaction.

What are the advantages of online education programs through Workforce Edge?

While professional development can happen through reading industry publications or online courses, Welpott found unique value in a structured career development program. The key difference? Learning alongside a multifaceted cohort of professionals.

"The advantage of being in a master's program is that you're with a cohort of people. We learn from each other. My experience within my company might be different than somebody who is working in another field, so it gives you insight into different cultures, organizations, and leadership styles."

It's the difference between simply consuming information and wrestling with complex ideas alongside people who see things differently. "Today, it’s easy to become isolated in your bubble," Welpott notes. "When everybody's brain is working and everybody feels comfortable being part of the conversation, that's when you get the best end product." This collaborative environment creates something increasingly rare in today's digital world: meaningful dialogue across industries and perspectives.

How can embracing discomfort lead to leadership growth?

Like many working professionals, Welpott had reservations before starting his program, a common challenge for adults going back to school. He admits that balancing work, life, and school is no small feat, and he wondered if he'd be able to keep up or if the investment would pay off. 

But he recognized that growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone, which is essential for career progression. "I realized that growth often comes from stepping into that discomfort," he says. "I used to hate public speaking, but now I'm OK standing in front of a room of 1,000 people and having a conversation."

The high level of support from Workforce Edge advisors, as well as his employer, made going back to school even easier. "Everything's pretty seamless, and if you need help with something, there's typically been somebody available that gets back to you pretty quickly."

What are the top leadership qualities that can help improve employee retention?

When asked to identify some top leadership qualities, Welpott emphasized empathy, communication, collaboration, and the ability to listen. "One of the most impactful lessons has been learning how to lead with purpose and empathy,” Welpott says. “The coursework has helped me refine my communication style, better navigate change, and foster stronger collaboration across departments and regions.” 

“I’ve been able to apply leadership frameworks directly to my role, whether it's guiding performance reviews, mentoring team members, or aligning strategy with execution.”

Why is career-aligned education so powerful for working professionals?

When asked to summarize what his education experience has meant to him, Welpott chooses one word: "Empowering." Continuing education isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; for Welpott, it's about staying current with skills needed in today's evolving business climate and helping others along the way. 

For others considering online educational programs or career advancement programs, Welpott offers informal career coaching to help colleagues. For example, when a teammate expressed interest in pursuing a similar program, Welpott jumped on a Teams call to walk him through the process, from creating a Workforce Edge account to exploring education providers in the marketplace to applying for approval and finally registering for classes. 

Peer-to-peer support can make all the difference in identifying opportunities for growth. As Welpott notes, many employees don't know about available education benefits at their workplaces. "We have to make sure that everybody knows what's available and help them access it," he says. Having someone who's been through the process makes starting feel less intimidating and helps employees recognize their own potential. 

“Perhaps most inspiring is how this education has reignited my passion for growth. It’s not just about climbing the ladder; it’s about lifting others as you climb.”

What are the ripple effects of one employee pursuing higher education?

Here's what Welpott figured out: when you invest in your own development, it doesn't stop with you. You show up differently. You lead differently. And people notice. They start asking questions and feel encouraged to start their own programs. “I’ve seen firsthand how intentional leadership can create ripple effects across an organization, and I’m excited to keep building on that momentum.”

When learners pursue online educational programs through their employer, that’s the real return on investment: a culture where continuing professional development becomes contagious.

At Workforce Edge, our online educational programs and continuing professional development courses provide the skills assessments, career coaching, and structured learning that drive real career progression and can shape your future. 

Learn more about your employer-provided education benefit and see if your company already partners with Workforce Edge.