The Five-Star Manager Workshop

A 90-minute virtual workshop where you'll explore the five behaviors of human-centered leadership and join a growing community of leaders practicing them together.

Add your name to our Five-Star Leader List and you’ll be the first to receive free tools and resources, and invites to events like this.

Most managers were never taught how to lead people.

Not because they don't care, and not because they haven't tried. It's because most organizations promote people for being excellent at their jobs — not because anyone ever taught them how to support other humans.

And yet, every day, you're expected to navigate hard conversations, build trust, coach people through setbacks, and keep a team motivated. Often without anyone showing you how.

That's a lot to carry alone.

If you've ever wondered whether you're giving the right kind of feedback, how to celebrate your employees with intention, or what it really takes to be a great manager, you're not alone. And you're exactly who The Five-Star Manager Workshop was built for.

Leadership isn't something you're born with. It's something you practice.

That belief is at the heart of The Five-Star Manager™ Framework — five behaviors the strongest leaders I know practice again and again, until those behaviors become how they lead: leading with emotional intelligence, building belonging, coaching for growth, creating accountability, and celebrating progress.

The Five-Star Manager Workshop is where you'll start practicing them.

In just 90 minutes, you'll reflect on where you already lead well, where you want to grow, and what you can practice starting Monday morning. You'll leave with a clearer sense of the leader you want to become, and tools you can start using right away.

This isn't a lecture or a folder of ideas you'll forget by Friday. It's a warm, honest space to reflect, connect with other leaders navigating the same things you are, and walk away with something that actually changes how you lead.

What makes this workshop different

The Five-Star Manager Workshop was designed to feel practical, human, and immediately useful — because we believe it’s the only kind of learning that actually changes how people lead.

Research-Informed & Behavior-Based
Every part of this workshop is grounded in leadership research, organizational psychology, and years of real-world coaching — translated into simple and relevant behaviors and tools.

Practical & Immediately Applicable
You'll leave with usable tools, shared language, and one meaningful leadership behavior you're ready to start practicing the moment the workshop ends.

Human-Centered Learning
This is a space built for honest reflection and real conversation, not performance. You'll be invited to participate, ask questions, and learn alongside other leaders navigating the same things you are.

Thoughtful, Engaging & Fun
Growth doesn't have to feel heavy. Expect reflection and honesty, but also connection, story, and a few laughs along the way.

Meet Your Trainer & Coach

Margie (Thirlby) DuBois believes every person deserves to feel valued, respected, and safe enough to know they matter — especially at work, where so many of us spend the majority of our lives. That belief is why she founded The Thirlby Company and created the Five-Star Manager™ framework.

After 12 years in executive leadership, Margie left her 9 to 5 to build the kind of workplaces she wished she'd had — ones where confidence, trust, and belonging are everyday practices, not afterthoughts. She believes human-centered leadership should be non-negotiable at every organization, and that no manager should ever be promoted without the training to feel confident in their role.

As a certified coach, Margie’s workshops are fun, research-informed, and grounded in behaviors you can use right away. Connect with Margie on LinkedIn or follow her on Instagram @margietdubois.

What People Are Saying

“Margie is the most exceptional facilitator I’ve ever worked with. Her insight, emotional intelligence, and skillful delivery creates the space for honest dialogue and leads to meaningful, lasting change.”

— Cassie, EPIC

“Every time I leave a workshop by The Thirlby Co. I feel like a better person. The growth Margie fosters in us as leaders is indescribable. She creates a safe environment and provides the tools for us to step out of our comfort zones and become the leaders we want to be.”

— Participant, VEG ER for Pets

“Margie acutely understands what is needed to deliver a high-quality experience that is both engaging and informative. If you're looking to level up in any aspect of your organization, I highly recommend Margie. She will elevate your business and its potential."

— Emily, Natural Retreats

Frequently Asked Questions