Breakthrough Leadership Program

2024 Program Schedule

Virtual Seminars (Wednesdays, 2:00-5:30 pm ET)

• September 18
• September 25
• October 2
• October 16
• October 23

Leadership Symposium (at CSIS headquarters in Washington, D.C.)

• October 7-11

Capstone Presentations (virtual, 3:00-6:30 pm)

• November 6

Overview

The Breakthrough Leadership Program is a collaboration between CSIS and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University designed to accelerate the advancement of mid-career professionals from historically marginalized backgrounds. This unique program blends leadership and communication coaching with seminars on pressing global issues to enhance the skills and insights that high-potential employees need to take on bigger roles within their organizations.

Participants will enhance their global acumen and amplify their leadership and communication over two months through both interactive virtual sessions and an intensive five-day symposium focusing on collaborative experiential learning at CSIS’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

2024 Curriculum

The blended virtual and in-person program coaches rising leaders to fine tune the key skills they need to thrive in today’s global arena and challenges them to apply new principles and methods to their professional roles. Participants will complete and present a capstone Leadership Development Plan designed to accelerate their career trajectories while advancing their organization’s strategic objectives.

Leadership

• Four Frames of Leadership
• Leading for Inclusivity
• Teams and Temperament
• Design Thinking

Communications

• Emotional Intelligence
• Conflict Management
• Storytelling for Leadership Success
• Negotiation
• On-Camera Media Training
• Experiential Leadership: Optimizing Communication and Developing Teams

Global Insights

• Global Drivers of Change
• Digital Futures
• Global Health
• Global Trade
• Regional Perspectives
• Energy Geopolitics and Climate Change

Eligibility

Corporate, nonprofit, and U.S. government sponsors are invited to nominate a diverse cohort of up to three high-potential leaders from historically marginalized backgrounds. Nominees should have at least 6 years of experience and the caliber to serve in senior management positions. Nominees may be drawn from anywhere within the organization’s structure. Candidates may also apply directly.

How to Apply

Use the Nominate button to nominate a rising leader from your organization. Individuals who would like to apply directly may use the Apply button below. Please complete your nomination(s) or application by June 28, 2024.