7 leadership development programs you can apply for now in Birmingham

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Bham Now Momentum
April Benetollo is CEO of Momentum, whose Executive Leaders program is now accepting applications. Photo courtesy of Momentum

Changing times make leadership development programs in Birmingham even more relevant. If you’re wanting to find ways to grow as a leader and advance your career, we found seven programs you can apply for now.

1. Dare to Lead, based on the research of Brené Brown

McDonald Graham
Dr. Lisa Graham and Dr. Julie McDonald, organizational psychologists and engaging, inspiring leaders. Photo via McDonald Graham

“Who we are is how we lead.”

Brené Brown

What: Dare to Lead™, a two-day workshop based on the research of Brene Brown

Why: “Our ability to be self-aware, compassionate, creative, innovative and connected to one another all spring from recognizing, valuing and embracing our own and others’ humanity.  We know that these human characteristics are absolutely essential in the workplace.”

When: May 5-6, 2020, 8AM-5:30PM. An additional workshop is now scheduled for September 29-30.

Who: Drs. Julie McDonald and Lisa Graham of McDonald Graham, LLC will be leading 16 participants through exercises that will enable them to tackle the hardest parts of their roles as leaders.

The goal is to create a good blend of people from different companies who don’t have access at their organizations; there will be a cap on the number of participants from any one organization. 

Where: 2100 Southbridge Parkway, Suite 490, Birmingham, AL 35209

Register here: $2200 per per participant, $2000 if you register by March 31, 2020. Two reduced rate spots are available for people who work in nonprofits. 

Email with questions, to be notified about future sessions or to inquire about reduced-rate spots.

2. Momentum’s Executive Class

What: a 9-month program that develops leadership skills, confidence, and connections among Alabama’s most promising women. 

With a combination of 360° assessment testing, following a personal leadership plan, co-mentoring, and expertise from top leaders, the curriculum is designed to:

  • Provide tools and resources to inspire and educate women to serve in leadership roles
  • Network these leaders to learn and work on problems together
  • Enhance the image of executive women in business and community
  • Attract and retain the nation’s brightest women to help solve business and community challenges

When: begins September 2020

Apply: deadline April 30th

3. Leadership Birmingham

leadershipbirmingham 7 leadership development programs you can apply for now in Birmingham

What: A program that brings together a group of 50 leaders from diverse backgrounds to learn about current issues and challenges in our region.

Why: to help local leaders learn more about the challenges and opportunities in our region so they can work together to create innovative solutions. 

Through monthly meetings where they explore issues and exchange ideas, participants come away with information and networks to be more effective leaders. 

When: Nominations for the 2020-21 class year closed February 10, but previous applicants who would like to be considered again can turn in application updates by Friday, April 10, 2020. Application forms are also due on that date.

Who: 50 leaders who are chosen based on leadership abilities, career accomplishments,  volunteer activities, community contributions, and commitment to help shape a better Greater Birmingham. 

Registration: $1750, need-based scholarships available. 

Apply or update a previous year’s application.

4. Leadership Hoover

Why: to develop a class of qualified, highly motivated individuals who are interested in expanding their leadership skills, deepening their sense of civic responsibility, and becoming more involved in helping their community as a whole while learning first-hand about the issues and needs in the City of Hoover.

Who: a diverse cross-section of leaders from Hoover who are committed to participating in and completing the program. Nominations of people actively involved in political campaigns are discouraged.

Nominations: now being accepted for the 2020 – 2021 Leadership Hoover Class. Individuals must be nominated by a current class member, an active alumnus, or a Leadership Hoover Board Member. Each person may nominate two (2) individuals for consideration. Nominations close on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 5PM CST.

Contact: 205.541.6864

5. Leadership Vestavia Hills

What: Leadership Vestavia Hills is a program designed to develop the leadership potential in the community.

Why: The goal is to provide a foundation of knowledge whereby potential leaders can enhance the economic growth and the quality of life of Vestavia Hills.

Who: 20 leaders representing a cross-section of the community including business, labor, education, the arts, religion, government, community-based organizations, ethnic and minority groups.

When: September-April, 1st Thursday of the month, 8AM-4:30PM, monthly clases + group project. Alumni are expected to serve on a LVH class day committee for the coming year, pay LVH yearly dues and participate in two alumni activities each year. 

Nominations: Class members, alumni and other community organizations can nominate potential participants. Applications accepted March 1-31. 

Cost: $645, with limited partial needs-based scholarships. Scholarship requests must be made at the time of application. 

Contact: Denene Lemke, President of LVH or Sam Duffey, Recruitment/Selection Committee Chair

Apply now

6. Leadership Alabama

What: Leadership Alabama develops a network of relationships and provides a structure for this network to seek mutual understanding of problems and priorities for Alabama’s future. It encourages its members to act, individually and together, to help our state reach its full potential.

Who: 40-45 established leaders across Alabama, ages 25-40.

How: applications and reference interviews required. Nomination guidelines

Registration:  $1750, substantial scholarships available based on need

Contact: Ashley Watley, 334.303.5005

7. Vistage Executive Summit

What: Vistage is the world’s largest executive coaching organization for small and midsize businesses. This is a one-day summit with top-notch keynote speakers, breakout sessions and engaging conversations. 

Why: Helping high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, families and communities.

When: Thursday, November 12, 2020, 7:15AM-4:30PM.

Who: This conference is for innovative leaders and disruptors. 

Where: The Harbert Center, 2019 4th Ave. North, Birmingham, AL.

Get more information


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Now tell us, Birmingham, have you done one of these leadership programs? Which one would you most like to apply for? Tag us on social @bhamnow and let us know.

Sharron Swain
Sharron Swain

Writer, Interviewer + Adventurer | Telling stories to make a difference

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