Leading Innovation: Drive Transformational Change from Within
Leading Innovations
Learn to solve the problems your organization doesn't have answers to yet.
In-Person
August 5–7, 2026
Atlanta, GA
Virtual
September 10
October 15
November 12
Hybrid
$7,500
25 hours
Program Overview
Leading Innovations is designed for leaders at any level who are expected to drive change and solve bigger problems. Rooted in the principles of human-centered design, the program equips participants with a structured, repeatable framework for innovation, applied in real time to a genuine challenge in their current role or industry.
Participants work through the full design thinking cycle across the program, from understanding user needs to developing and refining a solution. They leave with an Opportunity Prototype and Pitch that has been developed, tested, and refined across the full program, something ready to present in their organization when it ends.
What You'll Gain
- The discipline to frame the right problem before reaching for a solution
- Practical ideation and prototyping skills grounded in real user needs
- Stronger creative confidence and a repeatable framework for innovation
- The ability to pitch and advocate for ideas in ways that move stakeholders to action
- Greater comfort with ambiguity, iteration, and productive failure
Who Should Attend
Leaders at any level who are expected to drive change, improve processes, or develop new solutions within their organizations, including managers, directors, and senior leaders who need a structured framework for thinking and working differently.
who should attend?
ELC Leadership Pathways is designed for early-to-mid-career professionals (5-7 years of experience), or professionals who are new to people management. If you’re navigating increased complexity, managing diverse teams, or ready to step into your power as a strategic leader, this program is for you.
What sets the elc apart?
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How Participants Rank the elc
Program Curriculum
Leadership Pathways is built around four quarterly sessions, each addressing a critical stage in your leadership development journey. Together, they create a comprehensive pathway from understanding organizational dynamics to positioning yourself as a strategic leader.
The Creative Mindset
Explore the foundations of human-centered design, design thinking, and creative problem-solving. Participants learn to challenge assumptions, embrace ambiguity, and leverage diverse thinking styles. The session culminates in a “How Might We” statement — a focused, actionable prompt that guides their work through the rest of the program.
Key Takeaway: A clear, well-framed How Might We statement that defines their innovation opportunity.
Change Styles and Problem Solving
Each person approaches change differently and those differences shape how they engage with the design process. Participants explore their own change style indicators, examine how those tendencies affect their problem-solving, and develop strategies for collaborating more effectively with people who think differently.
Key Takeaway: A clearer understanding of personal change style and how to leverage it in the innovation process.
Empathy First
Empathy is the foundation of human-centered design. This session develops observational and listening skills, introduces techniques for gathering meaningful stakeholder insights, and explores cognitive biases and behavioral economics principles that shape how people make decisions.
Key Takeaway: A richer, more accurate picture of the people the solution needs to serve, grounded in real observation rather than assumption.
Fail Fast, Fail Forward
Reframe failure as a necessary and valuable part of the innovation process. Using their How Might We statement, participants generate multiple, diverse solution ideas through rapid ideation techniques: building the habit of exploring broadly before narrowing down.
Key Takeaway: A prioritized set of solution concepts, generated through structured ideation and ready to develop into prototypes.
Build It
Participants select a concept, sketch a prototype, and begin evaluating it against organizational strategy, market needs, and business feasibility. They also develop the strategic narrative they’ll need to communicate the value of their idea to key stakeholders.
Key Takeaway: A working prototype and a clear value narrative ready for testing and refinement.
The Future of Work
Examine emerging trends, including AI, automation, and evolving workplace models, and assess how they affect the challenge each participant is working to solve. Participants build a short-term action plan for moving their prototype forward with agility.
Key Takeaway: A concrete near-term action plan for advancing their prototype within a changing business environment.
Pitch It and Course Presentations
Learn best practices for professional pitches, then design and deliver a presentation of their prototype to peers. Participants receive structured feedback and revise accordingly, strengthening both the solution and their ability to communicate it.
Key Takeaway: A refined Opportunity Prototype and Pitch, strengthened through peer feedback and ready to present in their organization.
Your Program Deliverable: Opportunity Prototype and Pitch
A structured, presentation-ready solution to a real organizational challenge. Developed and refined across the full program, from initial concept through testing and iteration, so participants leave with something that has been pressure-tested.
meet the faculty
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leading Innovations designed for?
Leaders at any level who need a structured framework for creative problem-solving and innovation — from managers to senior directors to executives.
Do participants need prior experience with design thinking?
No. The course teaches the methodology from the ground up while applying it to a real challenge immediately. Participants should come with a specific workplace challenge in mind.
What will participants build?
An Opportunity Prototype and Pitch: developed and refined across the full program, ready to present in their organization when the program ends.
How does this course connect to the broader LDE program?
Leading Innovations participants share the opening keynote, evening receptions, lunches, and networking breaks with all LDE participants. Course-specific sessions are held with the Leading Innovations cohort.
Learning in Action
Ready to Find Your Power?
Enroll in Leadership Pathways and join a community of emerging leaders who are navigating complexity, building the cultural intelligence to lead diverse teams, and leading with confidence.
A Decade of Empowering Leaders Like You
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called "Leadership Pathways"?
Leadership isn’t linear—it’s a journey with multiple paths forward. The ELC’s Leadership Pathways recognizes that each leader’s journey is unique. Through our curriculum, peer coaching, and personalized Leadership Charter, you’ll chart your own path to success while learning from others navigating similar challenges.
Is this program right for me if I'm not officially a "manager" yet?
Yes. Leadership Pathways is designed for professionals who are new to leadership—whether you’re managing your first team or expanding your influence without a formal title. If you’re leading projects, influencing decisions, or preparing for a leadership role, this program is for you.
Will I receive any certification or credential?
While there is no formal certification, participants who complete the program receive a digital badge and a personalized Leadership Charter that documents your growth and development.
Can my organization sponsor my participation?
Absolutely. Many participants of The ELC programs are sponsored by their employers as part of professional development initiatives. Contact us to discuss group enrollment options.
What if I can't attend every session?
Sessions are live-only and not recorded to create a confidential, engaged learning environment. We recommend committing to all sessions to get the full value of the program.
How is this different from other leadership programs?
Leadership Pathways combines three elements most programs can’t offer: direct access to The ELC Members and senior executives, small-group peer coaching with ICF-certified coaches (capped at 20 participants), and a 9-month journey focused on the skills that matter most—reading organizational dynamics, building executive presence, and positioning yourself for advancement. You’ll leave with practical frameworks, a personalized Leadership Charter, and a network of peers who become lasting professional relationships.
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