At this spring’s B2B Summit North America, Forrester held its first-ever Future Leaders program — an invitation-only experience designed for early-career professionals identified as rising talent within their organizations.
The inaugural cohort brought together 25 participants nominated by senior leaders and selected to take part in a curated experience alongside the broader Summit agenda. Over three days, they attended keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops while also participating in dedicated programming: roundtables, peer discussions, networking events, and hands-on exercises tailored to their career stage.
The program’s goal was to create space for these emerging leaders to build confidence, expand their networks, and learn how to navigate the next phase of their careers — before they formally hold leadership titles. Over the course of the event, they also shared attendance with other Forrester analysts and seasoned B2B professionals, along with the program facilitators.
We recently sat down with three of the participants — Kaila Wallace, marketing manager at Hughes; Olivia Grogan, field marketing coordinator at Reltio; and Leah Broadaway, regional marketing manager at Keepit — to talk about their experience: what stood out, what surprised them, and what they’re already applying back on the job.
Q: What’s one word that comes to mind when you think about the Future Leaders program?
KW: Gratitude, for sure — but also belonging. I’m often the youngest person in the room or on the team, so to be in a space with so many like-minded people at a similar stage in their careers was really reassuring.
OG: For me, the word is intentional. The entire experience was thoughtfully designed — the agenda, discussions, networking opportunities, and even the informal moments. It wasn’t just another conference track. It was built around where we are in our careers, the conversations we need to have, and the skills we need to grow as leaders.
LB: I would say networking, which sounds dry. But getting to connect with people at a similar life stage — especially at a conference of that size — was incredibly valuable. I wouldn’t have known where to begin if it hadn’t been for the program.
Q: Did you have certain expectations going in? Were they met — and was anything surprising?
KW: I expected to push myself to connect with people, which can be hard for me in new settings. I accomplished that and so much more. During sessions and workshops, my wheels were turning about what I could apply to my role. Although I didn’t want to leave Phoenix, I was excited about what I could bring back to my team.
LB: What surprised me most was the diversity of roles in the program. I assumed everyone would be in similar B2B marketing roles. I’m in channel marketing, so it was great to connect with people in content, sales, and other areas — both as peers and across skill sets.
OG: I was surprised by how quickly the group felt open and connected. The program structure really helped — especially the informal moments like lunches, happy hours, and the concert. It made networking feel less transactional and more human.
Q: What did you enjoy most about the program?
OG: I appreciated how tailored the content felt to where we are in our careers. It focused on things that are immediately relevant: building confidence, growing your network, thinking about career progression, and learning how to show up as a leader before you have the title.
LB: I loved the immersive experience, working through a real-life buying scenario. I’d love to bring something like that back to my team. I also really valued the 1-on-1 analyst meeting — that alone would have made my time at Summit worthwhile.
KW: There was a great session on how to communicate with executives — how to build confidence when engaging with leadership. It reinforced that if you have something valuable to share, you should speak up — but also how to approach those conversations effectively. That was really helpful for me.
Q: Are there any takeaway lessons you’ve begun applying to your work?
LB: I’ve been applying techniques from a negotiation roundtable during our first breakfast session, especially around managing scope creep. When there’s a task that needs to be done, I tend to jump on it, which can overwhelm my bandwidth. We role-played how to negotiate priorities, and I’ve been using that — clarifying what I can take on and where to set boundaries.
KW: I’ve been getting more curious in my role — especially around how we’re using our marketing tools and platforms. Along with my boss, who also came to Summit, I’ve been thinking more intentionally about how our content supports lead generation — making sure it’s aligned and actually showcasing our latest thinking. That curiosity has helped me contribute more broadly and support my team in new ways.
OG: One of the biggest things I’ve taken away — and already started applying — is the importance of expanding my perspective beyond my own organization. It’s easy to get focused on your company’s pace, language, and priorities. Being part of the cohort gave me space to learn from peers in similar roles but different environments and to think more broadly about growth, leadership, and career development.
Q: What would you advise a future participant to do to get the most out of the program?
OG: Fully opt in. Attend the sessions but also take advantage of everything around them — happy hours, dinners, conversations with people you don’t already know. Some of the most valuable moments won’t happen in a workshop but in those informal conversations that shift how you see your career and next steps.
LB: I think the way to make the most of it — and honestly, my favorite advice in general — is to remember there are no stupid questions. Lean in and ask what you need. Someone else in the room is probably wondering the same thing.
KW: Echoing Leah and Olivia — really put yourself out there. Even if you’re nervous, start the conversation or join the discussion. Know that you belong in the room and that you have something to contribute.
