I went through the Rising Leaders class and it was awesome! It helped me better understand leadership, especially if I decide to go that route. The best thing about 5on4 Group was that Ian uses creative ways to help you understand the topic, whether it be a personal story or movie reference.  Ian's delivery really helps the topic click!

I recently completed the Rising Leaders course with Ian Mathews, and the experience and knowledge that I gained was everything that I could have hoped for. I learned new techniques that have not only brought out the best in me, but my co-workers around me as well. I noticed an immediate positive effect in my work and in our company due to the methods that we learned from Ian being implemented. I highly recommend this course for anyone who aspires to further their career and everyday life. Thank you!

Rising Leaders program was a fascinating experience, starting with Ian Mathews as our mentor. The structure of his program is incredible and makes you analyze and have more clarity in many different ways, not only professional experiences but also personal. Ian definitely encouraged me to come out of my caterpillar cocoon and took me out of my comfort zone.  This program challenged me to overcome my fears and helped me get closer to my team. It changed my mindset and perspective in some many levels, and every lesson makes an impact in so many ways.  I have improved confidence and communication when handling escalated situations. The best thing about 5on4 Group training is getting to meet new people and growing professionally and personally.

I am a new construction sales rep focused on growing both my production and my leadership abilities. I recently completed the Rising Leaders program, and it made a real difference in how I work. The training helped me reset my habits, clarify my priorities, and communicate with more confidence and intention. I feel more organized, more consistent, and better equipped to lead conversations with buyers and colleagues. The best part of working with the 5on4 Group is Ian Mathews. He is personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in your success. He takes big leadership concepts and explains them in a way that is simple to understand and easy to implement right away. He has a strong professional background and brings real credibility and insight to every session. I would recommend Rising Leaders to anyone who wants to level up their leadership skills and create meaningful change in their habits, mindset, and performance.

I recently completed the Leadership Essentials class with Ian Mathews at 5on4 Group. I found Ian to be extremely engaging with good energy on every call. The structure allows for participation from every person in the class and engaged discussions were common. The topics were broad and wide ranging so you could find nuggets of wisdom in each class. My particular favorites were the classes on interviewing, team evaluation, and delivering feedback. I would highly recommend this course to any aspiring manager.

I went through 5on4 Group's "Rising Leaders" course. The program’s structure—especially the weekly meetings—created a strong sense of accountability and consistency that supported my growth throughout the course. The thoughtfully designed assignments challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and reflect more deeply on my career goals. These exercises provided clarity and direction, helping me align my actions with my long-term aspirations. While I’ve always valued a growth mindset in my annual goal-setting process, this class equipped me with practical tools and strategies to pursue those goals more effectively. Ian’s personal guidance helped translate intention into action, and I now feel better prepared to lead with purpose. Top Three Impactful Weeks Week 5: Hot Potatoes, Eisenhower Matrix, Dependency Problem. This week sparked a meaningful conversation with my manager about the tendency to delegate problems I’m capable of solving. It helped me shift toward a more solutions-oriented mindset and empowered me to take initiative. Using the Eisenhower Matrix, I was able to prioritize tasks more effectively, resulting in more focused and productive workdays. This experience strengthened my leadership style by emphasizing independence, accountability, and ownership. Week 7: More Feedback Is Not Always Better - This session reshaped my approach to feedback. I learned that quality, timing, and delivery matter more than quantity. I now focus on feedback that is: Specific and action-based Balanced, highlighting strengths and areas for growth Empowering, with clear suggestions for development I’ve also become more intentional about communication norms within my team, fostering a culture of trust, clarity, and continuous improvement. Week 9: Defining Non-Negotiables & Behavioral Interviewing Reflecting on past experiences helped me define my core professional values: Professionalism, Integrity, Confidentiality, Time Management, Growth Mindset, Collaboration, and Adaptability. I created behavioral interview questions aligned with these values using the STAR format. This approach ensures a more intentional and effective hiring process focused on long-term fit and accountability. The weekly cadence was ideal. It provided ample time to reflect, complete assignments, and engage in interviews without falling behind on work responsibilities.

I have taken the Leadership Essentials and Rising Leaders courses. These courses have been pivotal in my career growth. They didn't just teach me how to manage people—they helped me become a professional manager. From learning how to hire the right people to making tough decisions around letting someone go, I now approach every part of my role with greater confidence and clarity. I learned how to coach my team toward growth, give feedback that actually drives performance, and handle difficult conversations with empathy and strength. 

Just as importantly, the courses taught me how to manage up—to communicate more effectively with senior leadership and influence strategically. Every lesson was grounded in real-world strategy, not just theory. I left each session with tools I could apply immediately. Today, I lead with more intention, navigate challenges with professionalism, and contribute to my organization’s goals in a far more meaningful way. I truly credit these courses for helping me grow into the leader I am today.