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Executive Leadership Program Scholarships to Attend DISCUS Academy


Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Foundation 501(c)3 is pleased to offer three (3) Executive Leadership Program Scholarships to attend the 2025 DISCUS Academy.

The Leadership Certificate Program is an eight-month commitment consisting of virtual and in-person elements.


The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation is able to provide these DISCUS scholarship opportunities thanks to the generous support of Suntory Global Spirits.


Closed for 2024


Scholarships open September 3, 2024

Scholarships close November 15, 2024

Recipients notified January 2025



Please send questions about the application or process to education@distilledspirits.org


The Executive Leadership Program is designed for experienced professionals with at least 5+ years of experience, during which they have demonstrated responsibility for cross-functional leadership and/or strategy-level decision-making in the distilled spirits industry. The certificate will build upon your leadership skills and develop your ability to communicate strategy, negotiate skillfully, influence team behaviors, and deliver results. The program will ensure you have the right blend of soft skills and a strategic mindset to achieve performance outcomes at your company. Participation in this program is not contingent upon completing the Developing Leadership Program.


These scholarships are open to members and non-members of WOTVS as well as members and non-members of DISCUS. DISCUS Academy has set the criteria for selection of recipients and selection of the recipients will be made by DISCUS Academy. Applicants will be chosen based on their demonstrated leadership potential, initiative and commitment to the industry. Participants should be prepared to engage in self-reflection and introspective work required by this course and be prepared to put their leadership commitment into action following the program. The Leadership Certificate will use a selection process that maximizes diversity of the participant cohort.


Applicants will be chosen based on the following criteria:

plicas will be chosen based on the following criteri

  • 5+ years management experience 

  • Demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, and commitment to the industry.  

  • Demonstrated responsibility for cross-functional leadership and/or strategy-level decision-making. 

  • Applicants should be prepared to engage in self-reflection and introspective work required by this course and be prepared to put their leadership commitment into action following the program.  

  • Only candidates who commit to the involvement and participation in the entire program will be considered. 

  • In selection, we seek diversity in all aspects to enrich the cohort with diverse opinions and experiences. 


DISCUS Academy is committed to upholding the principles of diversity and equality in all areas of its work, seeking to ensure that all participants and other stakeholders are treated fairly and equally at all times. In accordance with this policy, minorities, people with disabilities, people of all genders, and veterans are encouraged to apply.


2025 Program Deliverables


  • University of Kentucky Leadership Program Certificate

  • DISCUS Academy Leadership Certificate

  • Predictive Index Report & Content

  • Leading with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program

  • Kick-off Session in DC (hotel and meals included in program fee)

  • Leadership Retreat (hotel and meals included in program fee)

  • Connected and engaged cohort

  • Better understanding of the self

  • Tools to develop skilled leadership

 

2025 Required Program Components (Subject to change prior to program start):


February 27-28

In-person Introductory Kick-off in Washington, DC  (hotel and meals cost included in program fee)

March 7

Type Indicator Workshop + University of Kentucky Intro Orientation (2.5 hrs)

March - April (asynchronous course)



March 28



April 11

University of Kentucky Class #1 – Strategic Planning




Motivation & Accountability (2 hrs)



University of Kentucky Cohort Call #1 (1.5 hrs)


Course #1 Discussion

April (asynchronous course)



April 25

University of Kentucky Class 2: Competitor Analysis



Values Discovery & Alignment (1 hr)

May 16

University of Kentucky Cohort Call #2 (1.5 hrs) 


Course #2 Discussion

June 6

Cultivating Intrapreneurship & Innovation (1.5 hrs)

May - June (asynchronous course)

University of Kentucky Class 3: M&A/ Change Management

June 27

University of Kentucky Cohort Call for class #3 (1.5 hrs)


Course #3 Discussion

July 18

Giving and Receiving Feedback (2 hrs)

June - July (asynchronous course)

University of Kentucky Class 4: Managing Organizational Culture

August 8

University of Kentucky Cohort Call for class #4 (1.5 hrs)


Course #4 Discussion

August - September (asynchronous course)

University of Kentucky Class 5: Motivation at Work

September 5

Resiliency in the Midst of Uncertainty (4 hrs)

September 19



University of Kentucky Class Cohort Call for class #5 (1.5 hrs)


Course #5 Discussion

September 28 - October 1 (3 nights)

In-person Leadership Retreat and Graduation (mandatory) (hotel and meals cost included in program fee)



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