Core Curriculum

Training Modules

1A: Identity of a Leader – The key progression here is: 1) “Who you are” as a leader matters more than “What you do.” 2) Character defines “Who you are.” 3) Strong character earns trust. 4) Trust is essential for effective leadership. Participants reflect on their definition of success (purpose). After reviewing Personal Mission Statement examples, they begin drafting their own and are encouraged to complete it later to affirm their definition of success and leadership foundation.

1B: Key Behaviors of a Leader #1 – This module defines “What You Do” as a leader using a proprietary “LEADER” model: Lay out a Vision (“The Visionary”); Engage Others (“The Collaborator”); Activate Passion (“The Inspirer”); Develop Capability (“The Builder”); Execute with Excellence (“The Finisher”); Replicate Success (“The Sustainer”). This first segment focuses on the first two behaviors. Speakers share practical examples to help participants put new knowledge into action.

1C: Key Behaviors of a Leader #2 – This second segment explains the remaining four Leadership Behaviors of the “LEADER” model: Activate Passion, Develop Capability, Execute with Excellence, and Replicate Success. Once again, speakers share practical examples and illustrations to help participants put knowledge into action.

1D: Inspirational Leadership – This module explores a neglected topic in our highly competitive, fast-paced world - how to truly inspire. Since inspiration touches the heart through a blend of “science” and “art,” this training covers both. It begins with the question, “Are YOU Inspired?” - a key question since leaders can’t inspire beyond their own level. After sharing a powerful model and helpful tips, speakers lead a fun, interactive exercise where participants apply what they’ve learned.

1E: Influential Leadership – This explains how to lead peers when you are not in a position of hierarchical authority, using a powerful three-step model: 1) Logic, 2) Credibility, 3) In Touch. Speakers bring concepts to life by sharing tips, insights, and examples from their deep experience. Concepts from the Identify of a Leader module are included in the Credibility section – since character is essential for credibility. The In Touch section includes engaging/powerful insights on effective storytelling.

1F: Habits for Leadership Success – This powerful course meets people where they are. Our daily thoughts, words, and actions stem from ingrained habits—some healthy, some not. The session begins with a compelling look at how good habits drive success. Then, we examine how habits work, including four key elements: 1) Signal, 2) Urge, 3) Action, and 4) Benefit. After reviewing practical examples of good/healthy habits, participants identify a habit they want to change. With full confidentiality, they’re guided through a process of rewiring it for a healthier, more positive future.

2A: Leadership Emotional Intelligence – This session emphasizes that strong Emotional Intelligence is critical for leaders to excel in Leadership Character and Behaviors (discussed in modules 1A & 1B). A simple/memorable EI model is used: 1) Self-Awareness, 2) Self-Management, 3) Social Awareness, & 4) Relationship Management. For each, concepts are introduced, and then practical indicators of high EI are shared. This equips participants to recognize high EI when they see it, or even better… to know if they have it! Fun/interactive content is included to reinforce key points. 1

2B: Self-Awareness (and Awareness of Others) – This module uses the DISC methodology to help participants understand their style and the styles of others. It’s a great complement to the Leadership Emotional Intelligence and Leading Effective Teams modules. The DISC model includes four main profiles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, & Compliance. Participants assess themselves using the DISC methodology and engage in exercises to gain insights on individual, interpersonal, and team effectiveness. This training is particularly beneficial for existing teams.

2C: Self-Management – Self-Management is a crucial EI skill. This module builds on module 2A and covers three key areas: 1) Self-Control—handling difficult or emotional situations, 2) Initiative—seeing what needs to be done and starting, and 3) Follow-Through—completing tasks. It also addresses one of life’s biggest challenges—time management! Speakers share practical insights on mastering self-management under pressure, with real-life examples.

2D: Conflict Management – This practical session begins by reviewing the key drivers of interpersonal conflict. Understanding conflict at a deeper level is essential for managing it effectively. Speakers then present a four-point model: 1) Context, 2) Behavior, 3) Impact, and 4) Path Forward. Participants identify a current conflict and use this model to develop a plan to manage and ideally resolve their conflict. Speakers share insights and tips to maximize the exercise’s benefits.

3A: Leading Effective Teams – The first leadership experience most people have is within a team (vs. a formal position of authority), so this module is usually of high interest to people from various backgrounds. Speakers share from their experience and explain a proprietary team effectiveness model comprised of “5C’s” (Clarity of purpose, Commitment, Capability, Culture of Trust, Compatibility). This training helps participants perform more effectively as team members and/or leaders and enables them to identify specific improvement opportunities for teams on which they serve.

3B: Effective Meetings – This session helps participants understand how to conduct effective meetings. While anyone can schedule a meeting, it takes special skills and strong discipline to use meeting time most effectively. This session shares important tips on “what to do” and “what not to do” to optimize the effectiveness of all types of meetings.

4A: Entrepreneurial Leadership: Ideation #1 – This module addresses a specialized aspect of leadership for those considering an entrepreneurial venture (commercial or social). The session (with Part #2 below) focuses on the first critically important step in Entrepreneurship – identifying the big idea. The course introduces a five-step model: 1) Clarify your Purpose, 2) Identify a Problem, 3) Connect & Develop, 4) Create Distinction, and 5) Develop a Strategy. Part #1 centers on the first three steps and draws on the deep experience of the speakers and powerful marketplace examples. It also introduces a practical tool prospective entrepreneurs can use to find real-world problems and identify high-potential solutions.

4B: Entrepreneurial Leadership: Ideation #2 – This second session explains the last two steps in the ideation process – 4) Create Distinction, and 5) Develop a Strategy. Speakers share insights and examples and introduce a powerful/practical tool for developing a winning strategy. The session concludes with a case study based on a business idea from the popular “Shark Tank” program. Participants are immersed in learning the five-step ideation model as they work through this fun, interactive case, and the session closes with time for participants to reflect on their learnings and growth opportunities.

4C: Three Keys for Business Success – This module is designed for current business people, who are initially guided through an exercise to identify the “Three Keys”: 1) Excellence in products or services, 2) Honesty and fair dealing, & 3) Superior Customer Service (& Care for People). Next, participants self-assess their own company relative to the keys, and then speakers share tips/insights from their deep experience, with a focus on application to real-world business situations. At the end, participants translate learnings into specific actions to improve the success of their business.

4D: Fundamentals of Project Management – This session provides basic training for new or inexperienced project managers. It introduces two primary project management methodologies (“Waterfall”, “Agile”) and explains their respective uses. Frank perspective is shared that a very high percentage of projects fail! Powerful tips are provided to help project managers beat the odds and succeed on their projects. Engaging examples keep this technical topic lively and interesting.

5A: Career Planning – This session shares how to maximize one’s potential and achieve career success. Key steps are to 1) Define success, 2) Assess skills/experiences, 3) Understand “the system” (culture, policies, practices, reward systems) to be encountered, 4) Develop career plan, 5) Execute the plan, and 6) Evaluate/Adjust as needed. This process should be repeated throughout one’s life and career, focusing not only on the next job/role, but also the long-term career. It is built on the belief that active personal ownership/management of this process is critical to achieving optimal life and career success.

5B: Creating a CV/Resume – This module provides basic training on CV/Resume development for university students or young professionals. A simple “5R’s” model is used (Reflect, Research, Record, Review, Refine), but the real power of the session is the practical tips and experiences shared by the speakers who have deep experience preparing and screening CV’s/Resumes. The session concludes with tips for writing a powerful cover letter to introduce your CV/Resume.

5C: Preparing for an Interview – This session equips university students and young professionals with a strong foundation for employment interviews. Content includes how to secure an interview as well as how to effectively prepare, execute, and follow-up the interview. A centerpiece is the “STAR” model, which guides seminar participants to answer interview questions by explaining a Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Speakers have rich experience on both sides of the interviewing table; they share helpful examples, engaging stories, and important lessons learned over the years.