Organizational psychologist Dr. Celina Peerman encourages organizations to use the back-to-school season to rethink how they prepare new, emerging, and experienced leaders for what comes next. As students across Iowa head back to classrooms this month, organizational psychologist and leadership strategist Dr. Celina Peerman says there is another group that should be thinking about learning this fall: the people leading our workplaces. “Back-to-school season is a great reminder that learning doesn’t stop when we finish a degree, earn a certification, or get promoted,” said Peerman. “The strongest leaders I know are continuous learners. They remain curious, keep developing their skills, and recognize that what got them to their current role may not be enough for what comes next.” That need is particularly important for employees stepping into their first people-leadership roles. Organizations frequently promote employees because they are strong individual contributors, technically skilled, dependable, or knowledgeable about the operation. But leading people requires an additional set of skills. from communication and feedback to coaching, accountability, decision-making, relationship building, and navigating change. “A promotion gives someone a new title. It doesn’t automatically give them the skills or confidence to lead people,” Dr. Peerman said. “New people leaders need support as they make that transition. We shouldn’t expect them to figure it all out through trial and error and while that is one way to learn, it shouldn't be the only way.” Peerman, who has spent more than 30 years working in organizational psychology, leadership development, human resources, and operations, believes organizations also need to begin developing leaders before positions become available. “Future leaders won’t wait until we have an opening on the organizational chart,” she said. “They are already on our teams. The question is whether we are intentionally helping them develop the judgment, communication skills, confidence, and ability to lead others that they will need next.” A Back-to-School Checkup for Your Leadership Bench Peerman suggests organizations use this Fall to ask five questions: Who are we developing before they get promoted? What support do our first-time supervisors and managers receive? When did our experienced leaders last intentionally invest in their own development? What will our leaders need to know and be able to do two or three years from now, not just today? If a key leader left tomorrow, who would actually be ready to step forward? Leadership development, Peerman emphasizes, should not be limited to a single class or reserved only for senior executives. It can include mentoring, facilitated learning, stretch assignments, coaching, peer discussions, reflection, feedback, and opportunities to practice new skills. It also needs to continue throughout a leader’s career. “The workplace keeps changing, so leadership has to keep learning,” Peerman said. “We’re asking leaders to navigate new technology, changing employee expectations, increasingly complex workplaces, knowledge transfer, and ongoing change. Continuous learning isn’t an extra anymore. It is part of the work of leading.” For organizations considering where to invest as they finish 2026 and begin planning for 2027, Peerman encourages them to look beyond filling current positions and consider the strength of their entire leadership pipeline. “Your next leaders are probably already working for you,” she said. “Give them opportunities to learn before you desperately need them to lead.” Future leaders won’t wait. Neither should their development. About Dr. Celina Peerman Dr. Celina Peerman is an organizational psychologist, leadership strategist, professional speaker, and author with more than 30 years of experience in human resources, operations, and leadership education. Through The Peerman Group, she and her team work with organizations to strengthen leaders, teams, and workplaces as they navigate change and prepare for the future of work. Peerman is a four-time author, two-time TEDx speaker, and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®) .
Dr. Celina Peerman, organizational psychologist, leadership strategist, and founder of The Peerman Group has been selected as a featured speaker and author for the Global Speakers Summit 2026 (www.gss2026.com), an international gathering of professional speakers and thought leaders from around the world, with member associations of the Global Speakers Federation. Dr. Peerman was chosen from a highly competitive pool of more than 400 global speakers representing 23 countries, underscoring her growing impact and recognition on a global stage. At the summit, she will deliver a session called “DNA of a Keynote” in collaboration with colleagues as they break down critical aspects of delivering effective messages. She will also be recognized as a featured author, showcasing her body of work from “Beautifully Over It.” “This opportunity is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Dr. Peerman. “Leaders everywhere are navigating constant change. The ability to stay grounded in purpose, adapt in real time, and help others move forward with clarity is what defines effective leadership today. This conference for speakers helps me make sure I’m as effective as I can be.” With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Peerman is known for her engaging, research-informed, and highly practical approach to leadership development. Her work supports organizations in building leadership capacity, strengthening workplace culture, and preparing for the future of work. Her selection as both a speaker and featured author reflects not only her expertise, but also the relevance of her message in a world where uncertainty has become the norm. The Global Speakers Summit 2026 will bring together top speakers, authors, and industry experts to share insights, elevate the speaking profession, and foster global collaboration. About Dr. Celina Peerman Dr. Celina Peerman is an organizational psychologist, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), author, and founder of The Peerman Group and Chameleon Learning Systems. She helps organizations build stronger leaders, navigate change, and create workplaces where people and communities thrive.
