NGC Experience: Alex Newton
When Alex Newton stepped into a management role at Pendo, a fast-growing SaaS company, he brought with him a strong background in teaching and a passion for guiding others. Despite his enthusiasm and foundational knowledge, he soon found himself at a crossroads: how could he grow beyond the basics and prepare for long-term leadership?
Alex’s manager, who had previously gone through the program, recommended NextGen as a key step in his development journey.
Goals & Motivation
Alex wasn’t seeking a promotion. He was looking for clarity.
“I wasn’t sure what the next step was,” he said. “I wanted to understand whether I wanted to stay a frontline manager or grow into other leadership paths. And I wanted to strengthen my network. I realized I didn’t know many professionals outside of my company.”
He was also searching for practical tools to match the theory he absorbed through books and podcasts.
“I had been reading and listening to podcasts... but I didn’t really know what the next step was. NextGen helped me apply what I’d been learning.”
The NextGen Experience
From the beginning, Alex approached the program with curiosity and diligence. While he initially felt timid and uncertain, the program’s structure (especially the focus on practical application and community) quickly helped him grow more confident.
“We weren’t just hearing leadership concepts. We were applying them in real time, with a diverse group of people from different roles and industries. That made the material and experience really stick.”
Tools for Transformation
One of the most impactful frameworks for Alex was the GROW model, which helped him shift from being a ‘fixer’ to becoming a coach for his team.
“I used to jump in and solve problems for my team. Now, I help them solve problems for themselves - which is still helping, but in a more empowering and sustainable way.”
Another breakthrough came from a session on values-based leadership.
“I had tried multiple times to define my personal values and always got stuck. But through this program and especially with Joe’s writing and facilitation, I finally got there. Now, my values are written out and visible at my workspace. They’ve become a daily anchor for me. My number one value is genuineness. Now, in high-pressure moments, I take a breath and ask myself: ‘What’s the genuine response here?’
Impact
The tools Alex developed didn’t just stay in a binder. He immediately began applying them in one-on-ones, team meetings, and even in high-pressure conversations with executives.
“One session ended and I jumped right into a 1:1 with a quieter team member. I used what I had just practiced and it was the best conversation we’d ever had.”
Even more striking was the transformation of one of his more pessimistic team members. “Using what I learned in the program, I was able to support their growth, and over time, saw a total shift in mindset. They started a recent session by saying, “Let’s make sure we’re approaching this with a yes attitude. That would have been unthinkable a year ago.”
“Now I know—there are moments in one-on-ones or meetings where someone says something and I think, ‘Oh, we need to dig deeper here’... and I know how to do that.”
Personal Application
The impact extended beyond the workplace.
“I’m a father of two. I’ve been using these tools with my four- and six-year-olds. And with my spouse, we’ve been using the feedback model from the program and it’s led to real changes in how we communicate.”
Key Takeaways
The more you bring to this experience, the more it will give back. If you’re willing to do the work, come prepared, engage deeply, and apply what you learn it can be truly life-changing.”
To those considering the program, Alex is clear: “You’re more ready than you think. This isn’t just for managers, it’s for anyone who wants to lead in their life, personally or professionally.”
