Applications are being accepted for the 2020 Arkansas Business Executive Leadership Academy.
Arkansas Business launched the Executive Leadership Academy two years ago for the state's rising business and nonprofit executives with help from Insight Leadership Group of Northwest Arkansas. The Arkansas Business Executive Leadership Academy is a unique learning experience that includes personal strengths assessment, one- on-one coaching, problem solving and mentorship.
Those poised to be the state's next CEOs, presidents or executive directors, and Arkansas' small-business owners and entrepreneurs, are encouraged to apply. Jan. 17 is the deadline to submit nominations to attend the exclusive program.
“I would highly recommend the Executive Leadership Academy to anyone that is leading a team,” Rose Law Firm CFO and 2019 program graduate Paul Parnell said. “[The Executive Academy equips] you to develop the skills to both identify the different personalities on your team, and the best way to work with that team.”
Arkansas Secretary of Government Transformation and Shared Services Amy Fecher and Southern Bancorp CEO Darrin Williams are among the featured executives scheduled to speak as part of the 2020 Arkansas Business Executive Leadership Academy.
Fecher and Williams are joined by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield CEO Curtis Barnett, Arkansas State University Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir and Delta Dental President CEO Ed Choate during the exclusive, five-session leadership development program, which begins Feb. 14.
Direct access to learn from some of the state’s top executives was one of the most beneficial aspects of the 2019 program, said Michael Johnson, owner of Little Scholars Academy in Maumelle.
“We could ask the speakers anything and they were willing to us give us those answers without holding back,” Johnson said. “I feel more confident as a leader for my company. That has made this investment in training worthwhile for us.”
Dates and session topics scheduled for 2020 include:
Feb. 14
Leading From Core Values
Darrin Williams, CEO Southern Bancorp
Feb. 27
Leading a Healthy Culture
Curtis Barnett, CEO Arkansas Blue Cross
March 13
Leading Through Crisis
Terry Mohajir, Director of Athletics Arkansas State
April 3
Leading Organizational Change
Amy Fecher, Arkansas Secretary of Government Transformation & Shared Services
April 17
Leading Empowered Organizations
Ed Choate, President & CEO Delta Dental
Class size is limited. High-potential candidates and business owners can apply. Nominees will then be selected to participate in the academy, which consists of five Friday sessions between Feb. 14 and April 17.
Tuition for the program is $3,250. Sessions will be held at the Arkansas State University System Office in downtown Little Rock.
Insight Leadership Group of Northwest Arkansas has conducted leadership training for Tyson Foods Inc., Metova, the Hatcher Agency and St. Joseph Health, among other companies across the country. Insight Leadership Group has developed custom curriculum for participants and will provide Total SDI strengths assessments and one-on-one coaching for class members.
For additional information on the Arkansas Business Executive Leadership Academy or to nominate someone from your company, visit ArkansasBusiness.com/Leadership. Questions can be sent to cbahn@abpg.com or by calling (479) 595-9360.
