At United Scrap Metal, we believe leadership is not a title—it’s a commitment to growth. That belief inspired the creation of United in Leadership (UiL)—a development program that equips emerging and experienced leaders with the tools, confidence, and mentorship to thrive.
United in Leadership (UiL)
Empowering Leaders. Inspiring Excellence.
Overview
Learning Pathways
UiL offers four progressive development tracks, each tailored to a different stage in the leadership voyage:
Immersion
Elevate
Rising
Ascend
Each track includes workshops, mentorship, and opportunities to present directly to USM’s executive team.
Program Highlights
UiL participants engage in monthly virtual workshops that build essential leadership skills and foster continuous personal growth. These interactive sessions cover key development areas including communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, time management, goal setting, and business writing. Led by an experienced facilitator, the workshops are designed to be practical, reflective, and immediately applicable to real workplace scenarios. Whether you’re leading a team or preparing for a leadership role, these sessions help participants gain tools and confidence to navigate challenges and lead effectively.
Once a year, UiL participants gather at United Scrap Metal’s Cicero headquarters for a 1.5-day immersive Leadership Forum. This in-person experience offers deeper learning, hands-on leadership simulations, peer networking, and high-impact discussions with members of the executive team. It’s a rare opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and focus fully on leadership growth, team building, and strategic thinking in a collaborative environment.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the UiL experience. Each participant is paired with a dedicated UiL alumni mentor who provides individualized guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback throughout the program year. Mentors draw from their own UiL journeys and professional experience to support mentees through challenges, celebrate milestones, and offer advice that accelerates both personal and professional development.
UiL participants work in teams on real, cross-functional projects that address strategic opportunities or challenges within the organization. These projects foster collaboration across departments, locations, and job functions — helping participants gain a broader perspective of the business. Through this hands-on experience, team members develop their skills in project management, teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving, while also delivering value to the organization.
Throughout the UiL journey, participants have the opportunity to present their learnings, insights, and project outcomes directly to members of the executive team. This executive exposure not only sharpens presentation and communication skills, but also builds confidence and creates visibility across the organization. Feedback from executive leadership further reinforces participants’ growth and affirms the impact of their contributions.
The Mentorship Model
At the heart of the United in Leadership (UiL) program is a dynamic mentorship experience designed to foster connection, growth, and real-time leadership development. Every UiL participant is supported by a mentor from the United in Guiding Mentors — a group of passionate UiL alumni who are committed to paying their experience forward.
These mentors have walked the same path and understand the challenges and opportunities that come with the leadership voyage. They serve not only as guides, but as thought partners, sounding boards, and trusted allies throughout the program year.
What makes this model unique is that participants choose their own mentor — allowing for a more personalized and effective relationship. Selection is based on compatibility in areas such as shared goals, communication styles, and professional experience, ensuring the relationship is meaningful and productive from the start.
The mentorship connection extends beyond structured check-ins. It offers participants a safe space for honest conversations, constructive feedback, and leadership reflection — all within a supportive and trusted environment. Whether navigating a difficult conversation, preparing for a key presentation, or seeking input on project work, participants have a dedicated resource invested in their success.
More than just a support system, the mentorship model helps strengthen the overall leadership culture at United Scrap Metal by building a legacy of leaders who lift others as they rise.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re a current United Scrap Metal team member and want to explore how to be nominated for UiL, speak with your manager or executive sponsor to begin your leadership voyage.
If you’re exploring a career with United Scrap Metal and are inspired by our commitment to leadership development, we invite you to learn more about our culture and opportunities by visiting our Careers page. Join a company where your growth is a priority—and your leadership voyage is just beginning.
Watch the Video
Hear Directly from Our UiL Alumni
Curious about the real impact of the United in Leadership (UiL) program? Don’t just take our word for it — hear directly from past participants who’ve experienced the journey firsthand.
In this video, UiL alumni reflect on how the program shaped their leadership voyage — from building confidence and communication skills to forming lasting cross-functional relationships and gaining valuable exposure to executive leadership. Their stories highlight the personal growth, professional development, and mindset shifts that UiL helped spark.
Whether you’re considering joining the program or simply want to learn more, this video offers an authentic glimpse into what it means to be part of the UiL community — and how it can truly transform the way you lead.
▶ Watch Now and Be Inspired
Explore answers to commonly asked questions about United Scrap Metal’s leadership development program.
United in Leadership – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
UiL is United Scrap Metal’s internal leadership development program designed to grow talent across all levels of the company. It provides structured training, mentorship, and skill-building through a series of tiered development tracks.
UiL is open to team members across the organization—from emerging leaders to seasoned professionals. Participants are nominated based on their performance, leadership qualities, and growth potential.
To invest in people. UiL strengthens our culture of leadership by preparing individuals to take on greater responsibility and positively impact their teams, departments, and the company as a whole.
UiL includes four progressive development tracks: Immersion, Elevate, Rising, and Ascend.
Monthly virtual workshops, an annual in-person Leadership Forum, executive presentations, cross-functional project work, and one-on-one mentorship from alumni.
Each UiL track runs for one calendar year.
Team members must be nominated by an executive or department leader who serves as their sponsor.
Selection is based on tenure, performance, leadership potential, and commitment to professional growth.
No. Participation is by nomination only. Interested team members should speak with their managers.
Each participant selects a mentor from the United in Guiding Mentors group—UiL alumni who offer real-world guidance and encouragement.
Mentors are chosen by the participants to ensure alignment and meaningful support.
UiL is available exclusively to United Scrap Metal team members. However, if you’re interested in joining an organization that invests in leadership development, visit our Careers page to learn more.
Internal team members should speak with their department leader or UiL program contact. External inquiries can be sent to careers@unitedscrap.com