Nashville, TN — May 7, 2025 — InteraWorks, a global
leader in next-generation leadership development, is proud to announce the
successful launch of the ASPIRE Leadership Institute in collaboration with the
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the Nashville Public Safety Alliance,
and the Best Year Yet® Foundation. This initiative represents InteraWorks’
continued commitment to transforming leadership within public safety.
The ASPIRE initiative is designed to foster purpose-driven conscious
leadership from within the ranks of law enforcement. Pressing issues for the
MNPD and the City of Nashville include the lasting impact of the pandemic,
political dynamics, social media, immigration, economic challenges, overall
perception, and a fast growing and increasingly diverse community. With the
shifting demands and perceptions of law enforcement, a Police Chief Magazine article
on the future of law enforcement stated, “leadership development and training
has never been more important.”
InteraWorks CEO, Laurie Oswald, who drove the development of
this program reflected, “This groundbreaking program is a living example of
what’s possible when vision, partnership, and purpose align. Public safety is
key to everything else that ensures a community thrives. The Nashville Police
and Public Safety Alliance is leading the way in partnering towards this end
and is taking a stand that the responsibility lies with all of us.”
Anne McGhee Stinson, Director of Practice at InteraWorks,
added, “This is a pivotal moment for InteraWorks. For years, I have envisioned
creating leadership programs that empower first responders and law enforcement.
The ASPIRE Leadership Institute is the realization of that vision, combining
our deep expertise in leadership development with the dedication of visionary
leaders like Chief John Drake to foster authentic, future-ready leaders in law
enforcement.”
The program, which has already launched its first two
cohorts comprising sixty officers and professional staff, aims to reach three
hundred personnel over the next three years. This initiative goes beyond
traditional training; it is a transformative movement that fosters resilient,
purpose-driven leaders who will shape the future of law enforcement and public
safety.
Respected public safety veteran, Sam McGhee, has been a collaborative
partner in designing and co-facilitating the program. McGhee recently received
the Leadership Award for his inspiring public safety leadership from the
Aurora, Colorado Chamber of Commerce. The ASPIRE Emerging Leaders program
blends in-person learning, group collaboration, personal coaching, and a
hands-on practicum over nine months – creating a truly innovative experience
for participants.
“After an incredibly fulfilling 45-year career in law
enforcement, I am stepping into a new chapter, one that feels like a dream
realized,” said McGhee. “This institute is dedicated to emerging leaders – those
who will shape the future of law enforcement. These officers and professional
staff, with the unwavering support of their senior leaders, are not just
envisioning the future – they are actively building it.”
With the steadfast leadership of Chief John Drake and the
MNPD, this program is breaking new ground in how law enforcement cultivates
leadership. The partnership with the Best Year Yet® Foundation and the Public
Safety Alliance has enabled innovative funding that removes traditional
financial barriers, allowing for greater access and impact.
Participants are already engaging in modules such as “From Conflict to Collaboration,” “Activating Empathy,” “Inside Out Leadership,” and “Inspiring Through Influence”, which reflect InteraWorks’ commitment to equipping leaders with the necessary skills for future success in law enforcement and public safety. InteraWorks is proud to lead this transformative initiative, setting a new standard for leadership in law enforcement and public safety.
About InteraWorks
InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs based on four defined conditions that must exist for individuals, teams including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent and energy to produce results that matter most. interaworks.com
We’ve defined four conditions that must exist for an individual, team or organization to be effective within the arena of performance and development; Accountability, Focus, Alignment, and Integrity. We’ll continue to explore these and more in our blog and look forward to your engagement and interaction with us. Stay tuned as we engage the edges.