Feb 9-10

ET Zone for all sessions

Feb 25

1-3pm

Kick-off of Program (Washington, D.C.)

At the mandatory program kickoff, participants will connect in person at the DISCUS office with their cohort and course facilitator to build relationships, set shared goals, and lay the groundwork for a meaningful learning experience.

Each participant will also receive a leadership assessment to guide their work in the months ahead and engage in unique and powerful hands-on experiences. (Hotel and meals included)

Values Discovery & Alignment + Capstone Ideation

Learn a framework and methodology to move through organizational change. Defining values will lead to clearer decisions when you commit yourself to an action that you can take every day.

March 11

1-2:30pm

Innovating in the Industry, Part 1

Leaders who embrace an entrepreneurial mindset think critically and creatively, effectively solve problems, collaborate within teams, and persist toward the best possible outcomes. DISCUS Leadership Academy will incorporate a program-long capstone project where participants will become certified in the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) curriculum to develop and present an innovative idea for the industry.

March 25

1–4pm

Dare to Lead, Part 1

It takes vulnerability to learn how to face risk, uncertainty, and tough conversations with clarity and empathy to show up and lead with courage. Identify what you stand for and build meaningful and authentic connections with your teams, colleagues and customers.

April 8

1–2:30pm

April 22

1–3:30pm

Innovating in the Industry, Part 2

Giving & Receiving Feedback + Capstone Check-in

Giving and receiving feedback is essential to our development as leaders and as people. Learn not only how to develop better content in your feedback, but also how to deliver it in a more effective way.

May 6

1–4pm

Dare to Lead, Part 2

May 20

1–2:30pm

Innovating in the Industry, Part 3

June 3

1–3pm

Executive Presence – The Art & Science of Owning All the Rooms

One's "executive presence" often gets credit when it comes to winning a room, nailing a presentation, developing strong relationships, or even closing a sale. It's also named as a factor in promoting a team member or leader.

June 17

1–4pm

Dare to Lead, Part 3

July 1

Independence Day Week

July 8

1–4pm

July 22

1–2:30pm

Managing Unconscious Bias

Based upon two core philosophies; one, that we all have biases and that we can all benefit from being better scientists of our own behavior and two, that by becoming aware of these biases and their impacts on our behavior, we can all make small individual changes that add up to significant collective changes in any organization.

Innovating in the Industry, Part 4

August 5

1–4pm

August 19

1–2:30pm

Dare to Lead, Part 4

The Power of the Presentation, Part 1

Develop and deliver a compelling three-minute group presentation aligned with your Innovative Capstone Project. Refine your ability to craft impactful messaging, master delivery techniques, and leverage nonverbal communication to establish rapport and credibility—within the critical first 180 seconds of audience engagement.

Sept 2

1-2:30pm

The Power of the Presentation, Part 2

Sept 16

1–3pm

Race & Allyship

Leaders can support themselves and the organization when acting as an ally – specifically around knowledge, leadership, and culture. Address the current cultural climate regarding racism and discrimination by processing different perspectives around common phrases used, and how they contribute to racism.

Sept

27 - 30

In-person Leadership Summit and Graduation (mandatory)

The summit features additional content, opportunities to connect with alumni, and presentations of the cohort’s capstone projects. This experience culminates in a graduation dinner, at which each participant receives their DISCUS Academy certificate, Dare to Lead certificate, and Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative certificate – and is welcomed into the network of over 200 alumni. (Hotel and meals included)