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BSMG 0005 - From Technical Expert to Strategic Leader

1031064
Instruction Methods Live Online
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Course Description

Making the shift from the role of technical expert to leader requires a unique set of skills, behaviors and routines. This shift is often viewed as a leap as the individual moves from individual accomplishment and achievement to influence and team performance. During this course, you will discuss, reflect and learn how to do the following:

  • Describe the four stages of leader evolution and the shifts in perspective, skill, behaviors and routines.
  • Define how to build a base of leader influence through trust and credibility.
  • Discuss the skills, routines and techniques needed to build organizational conditions and systems.
  • Think and behave at a more strategic level.

Course Outline/Topics

Develop a context for your leadership

  • Job context and performance standards (What and How)
  • People and relationships (Who)
  • Leadership shift and journey from technical expert
  • The role of technical expertise in leadership

Build competence of credibility and relational trust

  • Skills of effective communication and influence
  • Trust and psychological safety behaviors and routines
  • Active and conflict listening
  • Relationship management strategy

Fostering a strong culture of ownership, team trust and performance

  • Leading a successful team
  • Effective organizational conditions and alignment
  • Ownership for accountability
  • Understanding and leading through motivation
  • Delegation mindset
  • The role of leader as coach
  • Leading vs managing

Communicate and work as a strategic leader

  • The power of vision, belief and purpose
  • Making the leap to strategic leader
  • Strategic communication

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the four stages of leader evolution and the shifts in perspective, skill, behaviors and routines
  • Define how to build a base of leader influence through trust and credibility
  • Discuss the skills, routines and techniques needed to build stronger organizational conditions and systems
  • Think and behave at a more strategic level
  • Reflect on personal leader influence and growth opportunities
  • Develop specific next steps for continued leader development

Who Should Attend

  • Project managers
  • Business analysts
  • Information technology professionals
  • Engineers
  • Product developers
  • Managers in technical environments
  • Anyone interested in building organizational influence

Testimonials

"I learned specific approaches and skills that can be applied on the job."
-Andrew Manz, Duncan Solutions

Instructors

  • Nick Pretasky

Partners & Professional Credits

  • Project Management Institute

Applies Towards the Following Credentials

  • Business Administration Certificate : Core
  • Business Analysis Certificate : Elective
  • Emerging Leaders Certificate : Core
  • Engineering Leadership Certificate : Core
  • Facility Management Certificate : Elective
  • Project Management Certificate : Elective
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BSMG 0005 - 260407V

Expand or collapse BSMG 0005 - 260407V
Apr 07, 2026
Live Online
Available
$895.00
Section Title
From Technical Expert to Strategic Leader
Type
Live Online
Days
T, W
Time
9:00AM to 12:00PM
Dates
Apr 07, 2026 to Apr 15, 2026
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
12.0
Location
  • Online (Central Time)
Instruction Method Options
Live Online  
Course Fee(s)
Registration $895.00
CEUs
1.2 CEUs
Cancel Request Deadline
Mar 24, 2026
Transfer Request Deadline
Mar 08, 2026
Instructors
  • Nick Pretasky
Partners & Professional Credits
  • Project Management Institute
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University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, School of Continuing Education

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sceinfo@uwm.edu

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Nick Pretasky

Nick Pretasky found his leadership roots as he was trained in outdoor leadership at Southern Cross University in New South Wales, Australia. He worked as an outdoor leader and wilderness guide from Maine to Alaska. This is where he founded his motto: As leaders, we can’t summit the mountain without our people. He consistently draws on the mindsets, skills and experiences he learned in the backcountry to set him up to be the leader he is today in the front country. He has been leading and coaching organizations on the topics of self-awareness, components of trust, deep listening, critical conversations and gratitude for 20 years. Nick formally founded Humanistic Leadership, LLC in June of 2023. He works with leaders to build strong and effective strategies that have positive and long-lasting effects on people and organizations.

He graduated with a Master’s degree in Education from Marian University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He continues his journey as a lifelong learner by taking master classes in positive psychology. He is determined and excited to support leaders with the core human skills they need in order to excel in today’s dynamic world of work.

BSMG 0005 - 260407V - From Technical Expert to Strategic Leader

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Online (Central Time)

This is a real-time, scheduled class that you attend online (like on Zoom or Canvas) at the specific dates and times listed.

Live Online

Description
Synchronous instruction delivered virtually, requiring students to participate at specific dates and times. This can involve an entirely online group or students joining a live, in-person class remotely.

Registration

CEUs

The continuing education unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized means to document participation in organized non-credit continuing education. One CEU is defined as 10 contact hours of participation in organized continuing education under qualified instruction. The CEU provides a vehicle for employers, professional groups, and licensing agencies to account for participation in non-credit seminars, workshops, and courses.

Nick Pretasky

Nick Pretasky found his leadership roots as he was trained in outdoor leadership at Southern Cross University in New South Wales, Australia. He worked as an outdoor leader and wilderness guide from Maine to Alaska. This is where he founded his motto: As leaders, we can’t summit the mountain without our people. He consistently draws on the mindsets, skills and experiences he learned in the backcountry to set him up to be the leader he is today in the front country. He has been leading and coaching organizations on the topics of self-awareness, components of trust, deep listening, critical conversations and gratitude for 20 years. Nick formally founded Humanistic Leadership, LLC in June of 2023. He works with leaders to build strong and effective strategies that have positive and long-lasting effects on people and organizations.

He graduated with a Master’s degree in Education from Marian University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He continues his journey as a lifelong learner by taking master classes in positive psychology. He is determined and excited to support leaders with the core human skills they need in order to excel in today’s dynamic world of work.

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