Illuminated training
by Melissa Overton
Your Turnover Problem Is a Leadership Emergency
Unemployment is at a record low. Competition for talent is at an all-time high.
And right now, your biggest threat isn’t staffing shortages, it’s leadership gaps. Today’s workforce has options. If your leadership isn’t effective, your people will find someone else’s who is.
If your organization is facing:
High Turnover
Leadership Gaps
Poor Communication
Burned-Out Teams
Untapped Potential
Then you're not alone—and you're not stuck.
Let’s talk about how we can customize Illuminated Training for your team.
Whether you're leading from the floor or the boardroom, we’ll build the confidence, clarity, and capacity your people need to lead well—especially when it matters most.
According to the Society of Human Resource Management, depending on the role, turnover costs anywhere between 50-400% of the salary for the role.
Welcome to the real emergency your business is facing: TURNOVER
What’s Causing It?
Leaders promoted because they could do the job—not because they knew how to lead the people doing it
No formal training or coaching to support their transition into leadership.
Not enough time, tools, or team to lead effectively.
Imposter syndrome and fear of failure paralyzing otherwise talented individuals.
Confusing expectations, poor communication, and burnout from all directions.
The result? Skyrocketing costs in recruiting, rehiring, training, and morale.
Illuminate the Path Forward
Welcome to the Illuminated Training: Next Level Leadership Development Series
where we shine a light on the root causes of turnover—and provide real solutions that work.
Led by award-winning speaker, entrepreneur, and author Melissa Overton, this dynamic, customizable series blends decades of experience with cutting-edge leadership strategies designed to elevate leaders at every level.
From ICU shifts to boardroom strategy sessions, Melissa has spent over 25 years in high-stakes leadership roles. She currently serves as the Workforce Development Chair for the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and is the architect behind the Leadership Johnston curriculum—a regional program cultivating confident, equipped, and connected leaders across sectors.
Core Competencies of Illuminated Training
Core Competencies of Illuminated Training
Leadership
Presence & Executive Communication
Strategic Communication & Feedback Delivery
Conflict Management
& Workplace
Civility
Coaching & Performance Development Conversations
Emotional Intelligence & Interpersonal Agility
Employee Engagement & Culture Building
Process Thinking & Operational Awareness
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Silo Busting
Accountability & Ownership Mindset
Influence Without Authority
Change Management & Adaptive Leadership
Applied Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
Core Competencies of Illuminated Training
Leadership
Presence & Executive Communication
Strategic Communication & Feedback Delivery
Conflict Management
& Workplace
Civility
Coaching & Performance Development Conversations
Emotional Intelligence & Interpersonal Agility
Employee Engagement & Culture Building
Process Thinking & Operational Awareness
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Silo Busting
Accountability & Ownership Mindset
Influence Without Authority
Change Management & Adaptive Leadership
Applied Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
What You’ll Gain
The Illuminated Training Series is known for its
Customized content tailored to your workforce and culture.
High-energy, relatable facilitation that engages participants from all levels.
Simple tools that work—designed for real-world, real-time leadership from the minute you leave the class.
Scalable format for frontline employees, mid-level managers, and executives.
Hands-on, interactive learning that increases retention and immediate application.
Boosted morale, performance, and retention across the organization.
Whether you lead welders or white coats, sales teams or support staff, this leadership development experience will meet your team where they are—and help them grow from there.
The ROI: More Than Just Skills
A customized Illuminated Training experience will improve:
Strong leaders don’t just reduce turnover—they raise the bar.
Leadership confidence and competence
Employee engagement and connection
Team cohesion and culture.
Retention and long-term organizational health.
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28-point increase
in employee engagement within one quarter
Turnover dropped
from 20% to 7% in
under two years
Company-wide
buy-in, from new hires to senior leadership
Real-time process
improvements and employee-driven innovation
Training
is now part of KS Bank’s permanent onboarding system
CORPORATE & FINANCE
Illuminated Training Case Study
KS Bank (local community bank with 13 locations)
Challenge:
KS Bank was facing a rising turnover rate (20%), siloed teams, and inconsistent customer service—all intensified by a post pandemic tight labor market and a workforce avoiding conflict rather than resolving it.
Solution:
After hearing Melissa Overton speak at a regional workforce event on recruitment and retention, KS Bank engaged her to conduct a full needs assessment—starting with a secret shopper-style visit to evaluate frontline customer engagement.
What followed was a fully customized training program:
Customer Connection for frontline staff, later expanded to all departments
Busting Silos to address communication gaps and productivity challenges.
results
28-point increase
in employee engagement within one quarter
Turnover dropped
from 20% to 7% in
under two years
Company-wide
buy-in, from new hires to senior leadership
Real-time process
improvements and employee-driven innovation
Training
is now part of KS Bank’s permanent onboarding system
Why it Worked
Melissa’s Illuminated Training delivered:
Bottom Line:
KS Bank transformed its culture from reactive to proactive leadership—and they’re still maintaining the gains.
Actionable insight, not generic lectures.
High relatability across roles.
Engaging, safe environments for growth
Customized content based on actual internal needs—not guesswork.
"The Leadership Johnston County 10-Month Leadership program taught by Melissa Overton was nothing short of excellent. Her approach as a John Maxwell trainer has stood out in the information she has presented. I am a proud 2023 graduate and now an alumni of Leadership Johnston County. Since the completion of this program I have obtained two promotions from my full time and part time jobs. The knowledge
and plethora of information she presented in the course has helped me to become more confident in my speaking and in my way of thinking around leadership. Thank you Melissa Overton for the knowledge and wisdom you have presented in this course."
Shiquita P. Blue, MBA, Ph.D.
Engineering Design Associate
Customer Delivery People Board – Triangle North Representative" I have had the pleasure of partnering with Melissa to support safety and leadership training for 100 employees from various backgrounds. After each session, the feedback was always exemplary. She brings a level of expertise and energy to the classroom that genuinely engages attendees and leaves them with actionable items that they can immediately apply to their work"
Danielle Kroeger
PMP, CSM, LSSGB
" Hi Melissa ~ thank you so much for an excellent PALS review ~ I have taken at least 20courses and yours was awesome and really had tips to help me remember importantpractical stuff ~ THANK YOU !!!! I look forward to learning from you in 2 years. :). HappyFall !!! "
Martha Ann
100% of Participants
reported gaining useful, applicable tools
Leadership Growth
translated to better team communication, morale, and problem-solving
Supervisors
began using new skills immediately and with measurable success
A culture
of confidence and clarity began to take root
And then something amazing happened...
The impact was so immediate and noticeable that within 90 days,
the company asked Melissa to return—this time to train their front-line supervisors.
These new participants shared how their leaders (who had completed the first round) had already started implementing
new leadership techniques—and how it was changing the way teams functioned.
The second cohort gained even more value by building on what their supervisors had already modeled, reinforcing engagement, boosting process improvements, and strengthening buy-in across the board.
MANUFACTURING & INDUSTRY
Illuminated Training Case Study
C3 Store Fixtures
Challenge:
Seven leaders—most promoted from within—found themselves leading teams without formal leadership training. While highly skilled in their craft, they recognized that technical excellence didn’t automatically translate to leadership success.
Solution:
Melissa Overton delivered a 6-week Illuminated Training series for a cohort of seasoned and emerging leaders. The goal: build confidence, boost communication, and strengthen their leadership presence.
Each session began with reflection—and the stories poured in. One supervisor shared how he used conflict
resolution strategies from the training to de-escalate a heate workplace argument, followed by coaching conversations that earned him renewed respect from his team.
“I didn’t think this would apply to a production role, but I was wrong. Every week, I went back and used something I’d learned.”
results
100% of participants
reported gaining useful, applicable tools
Leadership growth
translated to better team communication, morale, and problem-solving
Supervisors
began using new skills immediately and with measurable success
A culture
of confidence and clarity began to take root
And then something amazing happened...
The impact was so immediate and noticeable that within 90 days,
the company asked Melissa to return—this time to train their front-line supervisors.
These new participants shared how their leaders (who had completed the first round) had already started implementing
new leadership techniques—and how it was changing the way teams functioned.
The second cohort gained even more value by building on what their supervisors had already modeled, reinforcing engagement, boosting process improvements, and strengthening buy-in across the board.
Why it Worked
Melissa’s Illuminated Training delivered:
Bottom Line:
From executive leaders to floor supervisors, Illuminated Training created a shared leadership language—and a stronger, more unified workplace.
Practical tools for real-world leadership.
Aligned with a promote-from-within culture.
Cohort-based reflection and accountability.
Ripple effect of modeling and mentorship.
"We were fortunate to have Melissa in to lead the Illuminated Training course for several of our supervisors. The information was extremely relatable and able to be put into practice immediately. Melissa was able to tailor the class to our specific needs with a great combination of instruction and team-building activities. We’ve already signed up for additional supervisors to take the course!"
Carolina Cabinet Co
"I haven't felt thisconfident in my ACLS classes in recent years. I will never go anywhere else from now on!I am so much more comfortable , self assured and mentally equipped to handle a codenow. Thank you for hiring such phenomenal people! I've been telling everyone about you. I look forward to future classes with you and all of your super people! "
Pam Sumeracki
"I have learned an incredible wealth of knowledge from Melissa that can be immediately applied to every type of relationship in my life. I can truly say I understand people better and can hone my interactions to create more harmony and productivity in my day-to-day interactions, thanks to her course. This is one of the most valuable trainings available, and I encourage anyone looking to create more harmony in the workplace and in their lives to take advantage of everything Melissa has to offer."
Brandon Woolley
"The Leadership Johnston County 10-Month Leadership program taught by Melissa Overton was nothing short of excellent. Her approach as a John Maxwell trainer has stood out in the information she has presented. I am a proud 2023 graduate and now an alumni of Leadership Johnston County. Since the completion of this program I have obtained two promotions from my full time and part time jobs. The knowledge
and plethora of information she presented in the course has helped me to become more confident in my speaking and in my way of thinking around leadership. Thank you Melissa Overton for the knowledge and wisdom you have presented in this course."
Shiquita P. Blue, MBA, Ph.D.
Engineering Design Associate
Customer Delivery People Board – Triangle North Representative"I am fortunate to have experienced Melissa’s leadership and coaching skills first hand as a participant in the Leadership Johnston 2023 program. She is an energetic, entertaining, motivating, and captivating instructor. Most employees dread day long
training sessions, but she makes it fun and empowering. Melissa’s training is not just eye opening but practical and easy to implement. She addresses present-day issues and teaches life long skills that people of all ages and career-levels greatly benefit from. Bringing Melissa into your organization is an investment with tremendous results."
Suzanne Ross, Director
Johnston Community CollegeSmall Business Center
"I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa Overton as a leadership trainer. Her dedication, expertise, and ability to inspire change is truly remarkable. What sets Melissa apart is her commitment to tailoring the program to meet the needs and goals of the participants. She has an innate ability to communicate leadership concepts in relatable and actionable ways. The sessions were informative, engaging, inspiring, and focused on personal growth and tangible results. This training was by far the most valuable leadership training I have participated in over my 30 years in the workforce.
In addition to her expertise in leadership training, Melissa demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities. She leads by example, in both her professional career and community involvement, exhibiting the values and principles she teaches. Her passion for leadership development is contagious, and she has a gift for motivating others to strive for excellence."
Kay Stephens
Strategic Enterprise Account Executive
Conterra Networks
Case Study
2.0
KB BANK
While speaking on a panel about recruitment and retention of the workforce in January 2020,Melissa pointed out that with unemployment at 3% or less, today’s workforce is quitting theirjob rather than resolving conflict in the workplace.
She discussed the need for professional development training to increase job satisfaction and overall retention of staff.
In July 2020, KS Bank approached Melissa because they heard her speak on the panel. Melissa was asked to do an undercover client visit to a local branch to evaluate customer engagement with their front-line staff. After this evaluation, Melissa and key KS Bank leaders reviewed a needs assessment and designed a customized course called the Customer Connection which was delivered to all frontline employees in the fall of 2020.
Upon completion of the project, KS Bank performed their annual employee engagement survey powered by The Emmerich Group.
core concepts
CUSTOMIZABLE CONTENT
Often the first level of leadership in an organization is on the job training and orientation from peer to peer. Usually when people are promoted to a formal leadership role, it is because of their ability to do their job well. Some even feel that promotion is the pinnacle of success and that nothing else is needed but to point and direct their staff. Unfortunately, many have never had any formal leadership training, and most don’t even know that this exists. In the Next Level Leadership Development Series, we begin with basic adult learning concepts and then build and expand on understanding how to communicate and develop buy in and teamwork. Upon completion of this series, the learners will leave with an increased level of confidence and actual tools that they can use to better lead and influence their team.
Measured growth
in participant development by the end of the first year
Reinvigorated
program reputation
across the county
Achieved full capacity
enrollment with a waitlist the following year
Increased
sponsorship and investor support due to renewed credibility and impact
Community Leadership
Illuminated Training Case Study
Leadership Johnston
Challenge:
Leadership Johnston, a long-standing community leadership program, was experiencing a decline in interest, reduced engagement, and lacked a structured professional development curriculum. Program sponsors recognized the need for transformation—and called on Melissa Overton to lead the change.
Solution:
Melissa redesigned the program using the Illuminated Training approach:
-
Structured, scalable curriculum rooted in real-world leadership challenges
-
Interactive, cohort-based learning with built-in reflection and application
-
Customized content relevant to participants from government, education, small business, banking, nonprofits, and beyond
Long Term Impact:
Today, Leadership Johnston has doubled in size and continues to fill every seat—with a waitlist—year after year. Graduates leave with stronger leadership skills, broader networks, and tools that translate across sectors.
Immediate Results
Measured growth
in participant development by the end of the first year
Reinvigorated
program reputation
across the county
Achieved full capacity
enrollment with a waitlist the following year
Increased
sponsorship and investor support due to renewed credibility and impact
No Understanding
Some Understanding
Good Understanding
Strong Understanding
Mastery
Why it Worked
Melissa’s Illuminated Training delivered:
Bottom Line:
By applying Illuminated Training, Melissa turned a fading leadership program into a thriving, in-demand experience that’s preparing the next generation of leaders across an entire county.
Strategic program overhaul with measurable outcomes
Content that resonates with leaders across industries
Engaging facilitation that builds connection and confidence
Emphasis on leadership presence, communication, and real-world problem-solving that can be applied immediately personally and professionally.
core concepts 1
Understanding and Appreciating Differences
Today’s workforce is extremely diverse, and all generations are represented in the workplace. This can create a barrier impacting the leaders ability to connect and influence. By exploring Generational Differences, Personality Differences and Unconscious Bias, we examine what factors makeup a person’s behavior. Employees will learn how to use this information to improve communication with each other. Upon completion of this session, participants will not only identify how these factors influence themselves, but also how they impact others and teamwork.
core concept 2
How Adults Think and Learn
The most frustrating moment in a new job is when someone starts orienting you to the workplace without knowing how you like to learn and without knowing what it is that you know. In this session, we will explore what makes training adults different from how we would work with children. We will also explore the different learning style preferences and train people based on their level of expertise. Determining these few factors can accelerate or greatly slow the learning curve and assimilation in the new work environment, as we also discuss how to build critical thinking skills into our onboarding process. Upon completion of this session, you will learn what types of questions to ask the new employee/co-worker to ensure a smoother transition into the workplace.
core concept 3
Professionalism Communication and Conflict Resolution
In the previous learning, we explore crucial components of how to connect with a colleague that we are influencing, but that doesn’t mean conflict disappears. With differing points of view and communication styles, conflict will always exist. In this session, we will explore communication and how conflict occurs, as well as the steps for de-escalation. Upon completion of this session, you will be able to determine the common factors that cause conflict as well as the steps for conflict resolution and how to have a critical conversation. This session concludes with several scenarios that are common to the workplace so that you can use this information to consider how you might resolve them in the future.
core concept 4
Optimizing Your Leadership Potential
Explore the dynamics of team formation and how the best organizations in the world engage with their staff to create stronger teams and develop loyalty in the workplace. Using The Five Levels of Leadership as ascribed by John Maxwell, we will discuss how a promotion doesn’t guarantee success. We will also use The Five Languages of Appreciation by Chapman and White to review the five different ways that staff like to be shown appreciation. Next, we will examine how to build great teams and bust silos by increasing communication across divisions of organizations. Learn what you are doing right as a leader, as well as increase awareness of what can be improved to gain loyalty and credibility in your role to impact organizational health.
core concept 5
Leading and Coaching Your Team to Success
Promotions don’t instantly lead to success. As learned in Core 4, credibility and trust must be earned. A true challenge is the art of coaching a team. Whether it’s coaching towards calendar driven goals or the need to coach an individual in an event driven circumstance, how the situation is approached and managed is crucial to future successes. This session will cover goal setting and how to deliver feedback in a manner that enhances productivity and retention.
core concept 6
Well-Being and Resilience
Especially post pandemic, most workers agree that they are beyond exhausted and have become burned out. Have you noticed the increased call out or the quiet quitting behaviors? The average annual turnover rate of staff has gone through the roof, and many have left their profession all together. While examining the concepts of burnout and busyness sickness, participants will be able to determine whether you are smoking or completely burned out, as well as what happens to your body due to the intense pressure. But don’t worry, we won’t leave them wondering what to do next. In this session, they will also learn tips and tactics to enhance resilience. Studies show that employers who show an interest in the wellbeing of their staff retain them at higher levels. Healthy employees are engaged employees thus reducing the cost of turnover.
Illuminated Training by Melissa Overton
Let’s illuminate what’s possible for your leaders, your culture, and your bottom line.
