Executive Leadership Development Program

Those who should attend include:

• Upper-level management
• Executives
• Those managing large teams that require delegation and leadership

Example Titles of Past Participants

• Assistant Store Manager
• Category Manager
• Buyer
• Assistant Director of Retail Operations
• Directors of HR, Finance, IT, Marketing, Operations, Perishables, Private Brands, etc.
• District Manager
• District Director
• Store Director
• Store Manager
• Regional Managers/Directors

Program cost is $3,750 per person. Cost includes lodging, breakfast, lunch, most dinners, class materials, and 4 days of premier leadership programming.

Scholarships
Scholarships, if awarded, cover program and travel costs for the participant. Travel costs are reimbursed at the end of the program.

Scholarship Application

To be considered for a scholarship the candidate must meet the scholarship requirements below and apply for one or both of the scholarships by March 31, 2026. The application should summarize how the candidate has shown themselves to be a high-impact performer in your organization, how they have shown to be committed to inclusive leadership, and the the impact this training could have on their trajectory for your business and/or the industry.

PepsiCo Leadership Scholarship Eligible candidates are high-potential individuals with a strong commitment to inclusive leadership that show a clear vision for their future contributions to their organization and the independent grocery industry.
Women Grocers of America Scholarship Candidate must be an individual who identifies as a woman.

Class Dates May 31 - June 4, 2026  in Ithaca, NY

DRAFT AGENDA

An overview of example sessions are below.

Pre-work Assessments

• FIRO-B - Assesses your interpersonal needs and the impact of your behavior in the workplace.
• The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument - Conflict management assessment
• Benchmarks for Managers - A comprehensive 360-degree assessment for middle-to upper-level managers that measures 16 competencies critical for success, as well as 5 possible career derailers.

The Challenge of Leadership Today (Virtual Kickoff)

The challenge of leadership today is to effectively guide and motivate individuals and teams in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. Leaders must be able to navigate a wide range of challenges, including globalization, technological advancement, diversity and inclusion, and environmental and social responsibility. They must also be able to adapt to new situations and think creatively to solve problems and seize opportunities. In addition, leaders must be able to effectively communicate and collaborate with others, both within their organizations and externally, to build and maintain relationships and achieve common goals. Overall, the challenge of leadership today is to navigate these and other challenges while still effectively leading and inspiring others to achieve success with coaches and others.

Virtual One-on-One Coaching Sessions

• Leadership coaching sessions utilize the assessments to guide participants to develop their leadership skills. During these sessions, the coach utilizes individual assessments designed to measure the client's personality traits and characteristics, including their preferences, strengths, and areas for development.
• The results of the assessment will help participants understand their unique strengths and how they can use these to achieve their career goals. During the coaching session, the coach may also help the client identify any potential areas for improvement and develop strategies for addressing them.

Example Class Instruction at Cornell University

• Strategy Today - Strategically link leadership principles with dynamic strategic considerations in the context of an ever-evolving business landscape. This program sets the stage for executives to explore the intricacies of leadership within a constantly changing world.
• Creating a Culture of Inclusion Through Conscious Allyship - Today’s leaders are faced with complex, ambiguous and diverse work environments. Now, more than ever, one must learn to become a stronger advocate for employees in order to drive positive workplace change, navigate workforce challenges and optimize opportunities for even better organizational outcomes.
• Decision Making and Leadership Case Study - Equips participants with strategic frameworks and analytical tools to navigate complex business challenges and make informed choices. Through interactive case studies and simulations, executives enhance their critical thinking abilities and develop a systematic approach to decision making that balances risk and reward.
• Management Team Leadership - Participants apply business skills, leadership, teamwork, and strategic finance into practice via a business simulation and see the results immediately. The simulation software adds a new perspective to traditional classroom teaching and provides real-world experience in a no-risk environment. The best way to learn is by doing, and at PI Experiential Learning we use sophisticated business simulations coupled with analytical tools and world-class delivery to train leaders and managers at all levels.
• Ropes Course - Participants engage in a series of group initiatives and challenges. These exercises require groups to brainstorm, plan, implement, evaluate, and improvise in a team environment. The low and high elements courses promote trust, communication, collaboration, and leadership among participants. While participants have the opportunity to stretch their comfort zones and engage both mentally and physically, these challenges are not designed to be physically strenuous.
• Attracting and Inspiring a Changing Workforce - Why do people join your company? What makes them stay?  What are the common misconceptions people have about a career in grocery?  Join Nick Nickitas, Founder of Rosie (acquired by Instacart), and Dave Makar, Head of Marketing, to examine how independent retailers should think about acquiring, motivating, and retaining top talent.
• Leadership Presence: Marking the Connection - For anyone who wants to become more effective in connecting with others through increased ease and presence when speaking in public or private. Learn by doing to refine your public speaking skills and build confidence in your presence.
• Personal Leadership Development Plans - Delve into self-reflection, honing in on your unique leadership strengths and areas for growth, and craft your personal leadership development plans. The outcome is a tailored roadmap for professional advancement, ensuring participants leave not just inspired but equipped with a strategic plan for leadership.
• Forecast for the Future - In a provocative and interactive session, participants create their consensus forecast for the future of the industry, and, in turn, develop strategies that will enable their firms to cope with and prepare for the future.