The workplace has changed — has your leadership? The VSCPA’s Remote Leadership Lab is a hands-on training program designed to help CPAs lead distributed teams with confidence, clarity and impact.
Through a blend of flexible self-paced modules, real-world projects, peer collaboration and live workshops, you’ll gain practical skills you can apply immediately to strengthen communication, boost engagement and drive results in a remote environment.
What you’ll gain:
The Remote Leadership Lab consists of four modules scheduled from Feb. 16 to April 17. Each module is completed within an assigned one-week period, giving participants a clear structure and timeline. To support learning, dedicated office hours will be available for asking questions and getting help with assignments.
Feb. 16–20: Module 1 — Engagement
In this module, we explore why engagement is essential and why leaders at all levels play a critical role in building it. You'll learn a practical methodology for evaluating engagement on remote teams and identifying patterns that impact performance. We’ll introduce the Three Core Pillars of Engagement — Inspiration, Trust and Community — and examine how they work together to create a motivated, connected workforce. You’ll also gain tools and strategies to build strong relationships and intentionally build engagement across remote and hybrid teams. A real-world case study will bring these concepts to life, demonstrating how engagement can be strengthened — even from a distance.
March 2–6: Module 2 — Communication & Collaboration
Building on the foundation of engagement, this module explores communication as a core leadership competency that directly shapes trust, cohesion and team performance. You will learn how to lead remote teams more effectively by strengthening your ability to communicate with clarity, empathy and presence by developing a communication plan supported by the right tools and a clear set of team communication norms.
We’ll explore practical strategies for eliminating ambiguity, adapting communication styles and building understanding across diverse teams. Key concepts include strengthening listening skills, asking meaningful questions and identifying (and avoiding) communication fatigue on remote teams.
We’ll also explore a framework for navigating difficult conversations and delivering feedback that builds trust rather than resistance. A focus on executive presence in virtual settings will help leaders show up with confidence and emotional intelligence — making every interaction a leadership moment.
March 16–20: Module 3 — Productivity & Work-Life Balance
Building on the foundation of engagement and communication, this module focuses on what productivity truly means in a remote setting — and how leaders can drive sustainable performance across distributed teams.
You'll learn why it's important to define productivity in terms of outcomes — not activity — and how to eliminate the common pitfalls that derail remote performance: unclear goals, misaligned priorities and lack of structure. We’ll introduce the Productivity Pyramid — a model that ties performance to clarity, systems, habits and aligned priorities, and explore how leaders can create a consistent weekly rhythm that supports flow and focus.
This module emphasizes time leadership over time management, equipping participants with practical habits for leading their own time, guiding their team’s focus, and minimizing the cognitive load of tools and multitasking. Through real-world frameworks and interactive exercises, leaders will identify productivity blockers and learn how to make small, high-impact shifts.
The session concludes with strategies for turning vision into execution through planning, accountability and measurable outcomes — reminding us that productivity begins with intention and thrives through consistent leadership.
March 30 – April 3: Module 4 — Onboarding, Training & Mentorship
This module focuses on how to strategically onboard and support new team members in a remote environment to accelerate productivity, foster engagement and reduce burnout and turnover. Participants will learn how thoughtful onboarding — starting even before day one — can shape team culture, performance and retention across remote and hybrid settings.
We’ll explore a step-by-step approach to effective remote onboarding — from pre-arrival preparation to first-week integration and beyond. Participants will gain tools to create welcoming experiences, set clear expectations and build strong early connections within the team.
The module also introduces a framework for intentional mentorship and training. A common concern for organizations with remote teams is how to effectively train new hires and ensure junior employees receive meaningful mentorship from a distance. We’ll explore how to bridge the gap and design programs that support skill development, build confidence and help early-career employees see a path for growth within your organization. Leaders will learn how to create personalized learning plans, establish mentorship touchpoints and provide the guidance new team members need to thrive.
The session wraps with strategies for measuring onboarding effectiveness and using feedback to drive continuous improvement. Whether you're building a new onboarding program or refining an existing one, this module offers a practical roadmap to help your people feel supported, connected, and ready to succeed.
Management-level experience.
None
CPAs who lead remote teams.
