Rising stars within companies and entrepreneurs across the Capital Region have their work cut out for them as they develop their leadership skills, but it isn’t a journey they have to travel alone. Business Report, in partnership with SSA Consultants, wants to lend a hand.
Those poised to be the region’s next CEOs, presidents or executive directors—or those who already run their own business—have the opportunity to take part in a top-tier leadership program right in their own backyard. The Business Report Leadership Academy, launching in 2017, will offer a dynamic learning experience provided by area experts that combines personal assessment, coaching, applied learning, networking and thought leadership.
The leadership academy is the brainchild of Business Report President and CEO Julio Melara, who studied a similar program in Chicago and developed the idea for Baton Rouge’s own academy over the past year. He has joined forces with Bill and Christel Slaughter, partners at SSA Consultants, who will facilitate Friday sessions throughout the program.
“The leadership academy was developed specifically for rising stars and entrepreneurs to elevate their leadership skills,” Melara says, adding that while most training programs today focus on management, the Business Report Leadership Academy will hone in on executive-level leadership skills.
The selection process will be competitive. Local companies can nominate high-potential candidates—or small business owners can apply—from Nov. 18 to Dec. 22. Thirty nominees will then be selected to participate in the academy, which consists of six Friday sessions held between February and May at the Watermark Hotel in downtown Baton Rouge.
Companies sponsor their nominees for $3,850, which includes all six sessions, meals, receptions, materials, a personal coaching session and valet parking.
Several big names, such as Raising Cane’s founder and CEO Todd Graves and Wampold Companies owner Mike Wampold, have already committed to speak at academy sessions.
Participants will be evaluated through Hogan Assessments, which Bill Slaughter says is the gold standard in leadership evaluations and identifies participants’ strengths and challenges.
While there will be guest speakers and lectures, the academy is meant to be hands on. Slaughter says participants will give presentations, work together and even have homework assignments.
“It will be interactive and interesting,” he says, “and it will be fun.”
If the leadership academy proves successful, Slaughter and Melara plan to continue the program in the fall and in coming years. Nominations currently are open only to the Capital Region.
More information about the Business Report Leadership Academy and application forms for companies that want to nominate candidates can be found at brleadershipacademy.com.
Read more about the leadership academy in a full story from Business Report. Any comments or questions can be sent to editors@businessreport.com.
