In2Leadership: Forging Future-Ready Risk & Insurance Leaders

MALVERN, PA – February 05, 2026 – The Institutes CPCU Society, in a strategic partnership with the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, has announced In2Leadership 2026, an immersive leadership program poised to address the seismic shifts reshaping the risk management and insurance landscape. The event, scheduled for April 28-29 in Nashville, moves beyond traditional training to offer practical, actionable skills tailored for an industry navigating unprecedented technological disruption, economic volatility, and a deepening talent crisis.

As professionals grapple with the dual pressures of digital transformation and persistent uncertainty, the program’s focus on elevating team performance, leading through ambiguity, and guiding technological change signals a direct response to the sector’s most urgent needs. It aims to equip a new generation of leaders with the tools not just to cope, but to thrive.

Navigating the New Frontier of Risk

The risk and insurance industry stands at a critical juncture. The rapid integration of artificial intelligence, a growing reliance on complex data analytics, and the ever-present threat of cyber-attacks have created a significant digital literacy gap. Recent industry analyses reveal that a lack of technological competency at the leadership level directly hinders business performance. Simultaneously, issues like climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic turbulence demand a level of resilience and strategic foresight previously unseen.

In2Leadership 2026 is designed to confront these challenges head-on. The curriculum, developed and led by UGA faculty, is a direct reflection of the industry's most pressing skill gaps. Workshops such as 'Understanding and Leading Digital Transformation,' led by Associate Professor Aaron Schecter, and 'Resilience and Leading Through Ambiguity,' helmed by innovation coach Steve Nedvidek, are crafted to provide immediately applicable frameworks. This focus on practicality is a core tenet of the program.

“In2Leadership is where risk management and insurance professionals come to sharpen the skills that matter most right now, leading people, navigating change, and delivering results,” said Spenser Villwock, Executive Director of The Institutes CPCU Society. “With UGA Terry College of Business Executive Education as our partner, we are proud to support both emerging leaders stepping into new roles and established leaders who want to elevate their impact for their teams, their organizations, and the people they serve.”

Beyond technical skills, the program acknowledges the increasing value of human-centric leadership. As automation handles routine tasks, abilities like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and effective communication become paramount. The 'Enhancing Team Effectiveness' workshop, led by Dr. Kachi Ekwerike, focuses on these vital soft skills, recognizing that the future of the industry will be built on collaboration, trust, and a leader’s ability to inspire their team.

The Academic Edge: A Partnership for Practical Impact

The collaboration with the University of Georgia Terry College of Business Executive Education elevates In2Leadership from a standard conference to a high-impact academic experience. The Terry College, consistently ranked among the nation's top public business schools, brings a level of academic rigor and research-backed insight that ensures the curriculum is both current and credible. This partnership bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and the complex realities of the modern insurance workplace.

“We’re proud to partner with The Institutes CPCU Society on In2Leadership,” noted Dennis Lanham, executive director of Professional and Executive Education at UGA’s Terry College of Business. “This collaboration brings real-world, applied leadership development to risk and insurance professionals; giving them the capabilities and confidence to lead teams, manage change, and deliver impact where it matters most.”

A key differentiator of the program is its emphasis on tangible outcomes. Upon completion, attendees will earn a digital badge from UGA Terry College of Business Executive Education. In today’s professional landscape, such micro-credentials are an increasingly valuable asset. They serve as a verifiable, shareable testament to an individual's commitment to continuous learning and their mastery of specific, in-demand competencies. For employers, these badges provide clear evidence of a candidate's or employee's skills, streamlining talent management and promotion decisions.

Strengthening the Core: Empowering Volunteer Leaders

In a move that underscores a deep commitment to community building, In2Leadership also features a dedicated development track for the CPCU Society’s volunteer leaders. Recognizing that the health of a professional organization relies on the strength of its grassroots leadership, the program provides specialized training for those who run its chapters, committees, and interest groups. Sessions held before the main event will focus on practical skills like improving member engagement, enhancing communication, and planning effective events.

This investment in its volunteer base is a strategic effort to fortify the industry from the ground up. Stronger volunteer leaders create more vibrant local chapters, foster greater opportunities for networking and mentorship, and ultimately build a more resilient and connected professional community.

“Volunteer leaders are a driving force behind the CPCU Society experience. In2Leadership provides dedicated time for volunteers to build confidence, network with industry peers, develop professionally, and stay informed on industry trends,” stated Elaine George, President and Chair of the CPCU Society Leadership Council. “By turning ideas into action, our volunteer leaders create more opportunities for members to connect, grow, and help advance the industry.”

By offering these parallel tracks, the program creates a holistic ecosystem for development, nurturing both the executive-level decision-makers and the community-level organizers who are essential for long-term industry advancement. This dual focus, combined with the powerful networking opportunities inherent in the gathering, positions In2Leadership as a pivotal event for shaping the future of the risk and insurance profession.