K+W Hosts Inaugural Emerging Leaders Seminar

Firm invests in next generation through hands-on leadership development program

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:40pm

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An isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a group of people working together in a stylized, minimalist business environment, representing the collaborative nature of K+W's leadership development program.K+W's inaugural Emerging Leaders Seminar brought together teams to build trust, sharpen skills, and cultivate the firm's next generation of exceptional leaders.Livermore Today

K+W, a leading engineering and consulting firm, hosted its first-ever Emerging Leaders Seminar earlier this year, bringing together teams to build trust, sharpen skills, and grow the company's next generation of leaders through a series of collaborative challenges and real-world scenarios.

Why it matters

Investing in the development of emerging leaders is a cornerstone of K+W's culture and long-term success. By pairing rising talent with experienced mentors and creating opportunities for hands-on learning, the firm is cultivating leaders who think boldly, collaborate intentionally, and lead with purpose - qualities that will be crucial as K+W looks toward the future.

The details

The inaugural Emerging Leaders Seminar featured a range of team-building exercises and problem-solving challenges designed to push participants out of their comfort zones. Activities included blindfolded team challenges that required trust and communication, high-pressure cooking exercises that demanded collaboration, and real-world scenarios that sharpened decision-making skills. Beyond just skill development, the seminar aimed to foster strong cross-functional relationships and deeper trust among colleagues.

  • K+W hosted its first Emerging Leaders Seminar earlier this year.
  • The seminar took place in 2026.

The players

Emad Sarieddine

Chief Operating Officer at K+W.

Chuck McCallum

CEO of K+W.

Marilynn Stratton

Chief Strategy Officer at K+W.

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What they’re saying

“Collaboration starts with understanding how others think and approach challenges. When our teams build those relationships early, it strengthens how we operate as a firm and how we deliver for our clients.”

— Emad Sarieddine, Chief Operating Officer

“These experiences are where leadership begins to take shape. Mentorship isn't just something we do—it's a responsibility. The leaders who came before us invested in us, shared their lessons, and helped shape how we think and lead. We owe that same investment to the next generation.”

— Chuck McCallum, CEO

“Nothing is more rewarding than mentoring and supporting people as they grow into their potential. As we look toward the future of K+W, we recognize the importance of investing now in the development of our next generation of leaders. Watching this group challenge themselves, support one another, and rise to the moment was incredibly inspiring.”

— Marilynn Stratton, Chief Strategy Officer

What’s next

K+W plans to continue hosting the Emerging Leaders Seminar on an annual basis, further investing in the development of the firm's next generation of leaders.

The takeaway

K+W's commitment to cultivating exceptional leaders through hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaborative experiences reflects the firm's broader focus on investing in its people. This approach not only strengthens individual skills and relationships, but also positions K+W for long-term success by developing a pipeline of bold, intentional, and purpose-driven leaders.