Leading with Purpose: Inside Battelle’s Groundbreaking Leadership Development Programs

At Battelle, developing exceptional leaders and ensuring operational excellence are central to our mission. Over the past decade, this commitment has produced transformative training programs: LOLA (Laboratory Operations Leadership Academy) and LOSA (Laboratory Operations Supervisor Academy). These initiatives have shaped the careers of hundreds of professionals and strengthened our organization, fostering a culture of innovation, adaptability and continuous learning.

The Genesis of LOLA: Bridging the Leadership Gap

LOLA was created in response to a clear need identified by Juan Alvarez, Executive Vice President of National Laboratory Management and Operations at Battelle since October 2024, and Chris Bingham, of Idaho National Laboratory (retired). As they managed complex research institutions, they saw that existing leadership development programs did not fully prepare leaders for the unique challenges of the complex research institution environment. What began as a class project in Battelle’s ‘Emerging Leader Program’ quickly evolved into a robust curriculum, focused on managing research institutions through immersive simulations.

LOLA’s structure is rigorous and innovative. Spanning a year and a half, the program features five progressive simulations, each increasing in complexity and realism. The inaugural class welcomed 20 participants, 18 of whom eventually advanced to level 1 leadership roles. These crisis management simulations test participants’ ability to lead under pressure, involving role-playing with stakeholders, including senior Department of Energy leaders, and unpredictable elements to mirror real-world challenges. Each simulation builds on the last, ensuring participants continually develop and apply their skills.

Continuous Evolution and Feedback

LOLA’s success lies in its adaptability. Now in its seventh cohort, the program continues to evolve, incorporating feedback and adjusting its structure to meet changing needs. For example, the upcoming eighth cohort will feature a more compact format, balancing impactful training with logistical realities.

A cornerstone of LOLA is its feedback mechanism. Each participant is observed by a senior leader and an HR professional and receives detailed, actionable feedback. This is complemented by self-assessment and one-on-one debriefs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

“LOLA is more than a training program,” Alvarez explains, “it’s a catalyst for real leadership transformation. We designed it to challenge, inspire and equip our future leaders to navigate complexity with confidence and integrity. Graduates are driving positive change across Battelle and the national laboratory system.”

Over 150 participants have completed the program, with many advancing to senior leadership positions across the national labs. The growing alumni network provides ongoing mentorship and support, further strengthening leadership capacity across the organization.

LOSA: Elevating Operational Excellence

While LOLA prepares future leaders, LOSA was developed to address operational challenges at the supervisory level. Recognizing that first-line supervisors are critical to preventing operational incidents, Battelle designed LOSA in collaboration with top supervisors and experts from the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations. In 2014, Battelle launched LOSA to address these needs.

Ed Anderson, Facilities and Operations Chief Operations Officer at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), an early partner in developing LOSA, and a continuing participant mentor, notes, “LOSA set a new standard for leadership development in our field. The immersive, real-world scenarios build critical skills and foster a culture of collaboration and resilience.”

Jamison (Jamie) Aslin, LOSA manager at LANL, adds, “LOSA is built on the Battelle Safe Conduct of Research principles—eight core values that guide safe operations and decision-making. We teach participants to take personal responsibility, value safety and foster trust so staff feel empowered to raise concerns. Our scenarios help leaders practice these principles, encouraging a questioning attitude and continuous learning.”

LOSA’s approach includes short, intense simulations and role-playing exercises, each lasting about 15 minutes. These highly practical sessions equip supervisors with the skills to respond effectively to real-world situations. Over 5,000 individuals have participated, making LOSA one of Battelle’s most far-reaching training initiatives.

“The focus of LOSA is to help front-line leaders apply the principles of a strong safety culture, as outlined in the Safe Conduct of Research.” Chris Patton (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), LOSA Program Manager for Battelle, explains. “The unique learning style combines simulations with feedback and discussion, creating an environment where leaders learn from one another by sharing their experiences and knowledge. Ultimately, we want frontline leaders to shape a culture where safety and operational excellence go hand in hand.”

Battelle’s investment in leadership and operational excellence transforms how the organization works, innovates and leads. Learn more about Battelle’s national lab programs at https://www.battelle.org/laboratory-management.