
Standard PME prepares enlisted personnel for the responsibilities of rank and career. It does not fully address the part that determines whether a unit thrives: the day-to-day work of leading people.
Next Level Leader fills that gap.
The course is designed to help shape the identity, reinforce the responsibility, and celebrate the impact of the NCO and Petty Officer.
This is not PME.
Next Level Leader goes deep on the human side of leadership, the side that REALLY matters.
FORMAT: Two-day, instructor-led course
AUDIENCE: NCOs and Petty Officers, all branches and occupational specialties
DURATION: Two consecutive days, approximately eight hours per day
STRUCTURE: Seven structured sessions with facilitated discussion
DELIVERY: On-site at the host installation, led by a Fusewell Strategies instructor
CLASS SIZE: Recommended 20 to 35 participants per cohort
DAY ONE: FOUNDATION, IDENTITY, RESPONSIBILITY
Session 1: Who and What You Are: The full scope of what it means to be an enlisted leader, beyond rank and job title.
Session 2: The Profession of Arms: The history, purpose, and ethical framework that make military service a profession, not an occupation.
Session 3: Enabling the Force: A practical framework for teaching, coaching, and mentoring the service members you lead.
Session 4: Your Roles as an Enlisted Leader: The full range of roles, from standard-setter to caretaker of unit climate to force for stability.
DAY TWO: EMPOWERMENT, CHARACTER, COMMITMENT
Session 5: Mission Command: What mission command requires of the enlisted leader, and how trust determines the latitude the force can exercise.
Session 6: Leading with Confidence and Humility: Two qualities held in balance, the mark of a leader who pursues excellence without limiting the growth of others.
Session 7: Compliance vs Commitment: The difference between people who comply because they must and people who commit because they believe, and how to build the latter.
Renewed sense of purpose in the enlisted leader role
Greater confidence in setting and enforcing standards
A clear understanding of how their leadership affects unit performance
Increased ability to develop subordinates through teaching, coaching and mentoring
A shift from mere compliance to genuine commitment
Practical leadership frameworks

Next Level Leader was built by Joshua Roberts, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant who spent 20 years developing leaders across seven bases worldwide. He was named Air Force Military Training Instructor of the Year two consecutive years, NCO of the Year for three separate wings, and Advanced Weapons Program NCO of the Year for the entire Department of Defense. He personally trained 5,423 Airmen and has developed more than 900 NCOs through Next Level Leader at installations including Ellsworth, Kirtland, Minot, and Holloman.
Next Level Leader adapts to the mission environment and development goals of the requesting unit. Fusewell Strategies works directly with the installation development advisor or professional development committee to align delivery with current command emphasis areas, climate survey findings, and the goals of senior enlisted leadership.
The course can be sequenced to complement existing PME pipelines, professional development days, or command-sponsored training events. A cross-unit cohort model is recommended, which strengthens relationships and builds shared standards across the installation.
“During my tenure as Commander of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota, I leaned on Josh’s expertise to provide a professional development seminar for key leaders in my organization. Josh taught a multi-day course for Non-Commissioned Officers, the most important leadership in the Wing. He motivated them to find a renewed dedication to the military profession and uphold the standards expected of a leader at this echelon. The feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many commented that it was the wakeup call they needed and it restored their sense of purpose. Others stated that he provided new leadership tools that will make them more effective leaders. I definitely witnessed a positive return on investment. The course built a corps of leaders who are more effective at producing positive mission outcomes and taking care of those that they lead. I would love to have Mr. Roberts back, and I highly recommend his services. I’m sure that you will experience the very same immediate and long-lasting impact in your organization.”

“As the Command Chief of the 28th Bomb Wing, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact Josh’s leadership style and teaching brought to the Raiders at Ellsworth AFB. Josh’s understanding of the principles and solid approach to leadership is truly exceptional. He truly connects with and inspires everyone he meets. Drawing from 20 years of service in the United States Air Force, Josh brings a wealth of tested experience and practical knowledge to his teachings. His unique perspective, shaped by both triumphs and challenges, allows him to deeply relate to individuals at all levels and in nearly every stage of a working life. What sets Josh apart is his ability to cut right to the heart of what matters, his method guides individuals to see the truth about themselves and to see their true potential. The approach is not about comfort, but rather about challenging leaders at all levels to grow and overcome obstacles. His unique ability to push people beyond their perceived limits while maintaining their trust is a rare skill.”

“A born leader with an insatiable hunger to continue mastering his craft, Josh is nearly unrivaled in his ability to motivate people, forging teams and guiding them to achieve feats previously unthinkable to its members. I had the privilege of witnessing Josh’s timeless abilities in action where he was vital to our organizational climate and success. He is a powerful presence, blending forcefulness with deep empathy and careful thoughtfulness, evidenced by both his quick decision-making skills and aptness as an advisor and listener. When he stands in front of formations, all in attendance, regardless of hierarchical position, hang on his words with rapt attention. I highly recommend any organization leverage his talent to transform their leadership mindset.”

Bring Next Level Leader to your Installation
Fusewell Strategies will work with your professional development advisor or committee to scope the course to your unit and your priorities.
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