The program combines one-on-one coaching, group learning, and mentorship to create a powerful, personalized experience. Participants gain practical strategies to lead with authenticity, navigate transitions, and expand their influence. If you're ready to invest in your growth—or your firm’s future leaders—this program delivers real, lasting impact.
Elevate Your Leadership Journey
Groundbreakers RISE is a transformational leadership development program designed for women at a pivotal stage in their careers—those ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and influence.
This curated experience blends personalized coaching, dynamic group sessions, and access to a powerful network of peers and mentors —
while gaining the tools for advancing their career with purpose.
What You Can Expect
Why Sponsor a Participant for RISE?
Sponsoring a participant in Groundbreakers RISE is more than professional development; it's a strategic commitment to cultivating inclusive, forward-thinking leadership within your firm.
Participants return with stronger executive presence, clearer career goals, and a deeper understanding of how to lead with authenticity and influence.
Benefits to your organization include:
Increased engagement and retention of high-potential women leaders
Improved leadership capability aligned with business goals
Access to a high-caliber cohort network that fosters industry collaboration
Enhanced internal culture through values-driven leadership development
Tangible ROI in the form of stronger succession pipelines and long-term loyalty
Ideal candidates are those who:
Are mid-career women in private equity, asset management, or related investment roles.
Would benefit from structured support to strengthen their leadership identity, confidence, and effectiveness.
Exhibit leadership potential in a variety of ways—whether by influencing others, leading initiatives, building relationships, or driving outcomes within their role or team.
Are looking to align their career trajectory with the evolving needs of their organization, including internal mobility, succession planning, or enhanced cross-functional impact.
Demonstrate strong performance and initiative in their organization already.
Are open to coaching, peer learning, and self-reflection, and are committed to continuous growth.
Value network-building and mentorship, and want to foster long-term professional relationships that can support both individual and organizational success.
Founder, KSP Inclusion Solutions
Meet Your Coach: Kristen Shanley, PCC
Kristen partners with women leaders to uncover what they truly want from their careers and how to get there with purpose and power.
As an ICF-Professional Certified Coach and founder of KSP Inclusion Solutions, Kristen Shanley brings more than a decade of experience across financial services, asset management, and consulting.
Her background spans strategic people operations, giving her a unique understanding of the leadership landscape her clients navigate every day. With deep industry insight and a passion for unlocking leadership potential, Kristen is a trusted partner for individuals and firms looking to invest meaningfully in their talent. She brings empathy, strategy, and a results-driven mindset to every coaching relationship, ensuring participants walk away with direction, momentum, and a renewed sense of agency in their careers.
November 15, 2025:
Nomination forms due.
December 1-19, 2025:
Participant and sponsor firm goal setting to align with program outcomes.
January - June 2026:
Program run including monthly 1:1 coaching and group sessions.
Program Fee:
$5,000 per participant
Program Schedule
Groundbreakers RISE is supported by our Program Partners
