In June of this year, I attended the Small Business Expo in Chicago.
During the event, I had the opportunity to do speed networking. Yes, it’s what you think it is.
You have two minutes per discussion to introduce yourself and learn about the many business owners.
Initially, I thought I would be out of my comfort zone. But after trying it once, I was hooked.
It was fascinating to learn about the variety of business in the area.
Also, I observed a reoccurring message from small business owners.
They want to grow as leaders, but can’t afford $1,000s for coaching or workshop, especially if they want to include others.
I also had a light bulb moment. We assume that leadership development is expensive.
We’re creating a leadership gap because of this assumptions: we’re limiting access.
But what if we could leverage AI to bring leadership development to more people.
Since then, I’ve spoken with countless leaders who want to improve but lack access. And often, these are the leaders who need it most — early in their careers, building teams without safety nets or experienced mentors to guide them.
That day in June had me better understand a large group of leaders looking for help and how we can help.
The first gap is access, and the second gap is timing.
Because development isn’t available early, many leaders unintentionally build habits that later must be unlearned as they advance. They lead the only way they know how — often based on limited exposure or survival instincts, not proven leadership principles.
We’re looking to help leaders close both of these gaps.
With our upcoming tool, clients would take up to three 360-type surveys measuring your ability to inspire and elevate peers, teams, and/or an organization.
Then leveraging technology from our partner Axio AI, you can work with an action oriented AI coach, take interactive leadership courses, and/or partner with peers for shared development and grow your network of like-minded leaders (even across companies).
Then with time, you retake the 360-type surveys to measure your progress.
By leveraging AI, analytics, and community (peers), we could provide access to small business leaders and set earlier career leaders down a better initial path.
Our minimum viable product is nearly complete and then we’ll start our beta testing with a planned launch early next year.
That day at the Small Business Expo helped me see something clearly:
There’s a large group of capable, motivated leaders who want to grow — but have been left out of the system.
Next year, when I return, I’ll be excited to share a solution that gives those leaders real options. A way to develop, regardless of company size, budget, or title.
Leadership shouldn’t be reserved for those with bigger budgets.
We all deserve the opportunity to grow into inspirational leaders — and make the improbable possible.
If you’d like to learn more or see a demo of our tool (so far), feel free to reach out.
Christopher Sprague, PhD, is the CEO and Cofounder of the Enluma Leadership Group.
At Enluma, we elevate leaders who inspire. By combining analytics and AI with practical, modern, and actionable leadership development, we help organizations unlock focus, energy, and sustained success.
If you’d like to learn more, reach out via LinkedIn.