CEIA Academy: Ascend – A Practitioner Mid-Level Management Program

Empower Your Leaders

Elevate Your Organization

During the past several years, CEIA has heard from members about the need for leadership development opportunities. A dedicated task force has developed the ASCEND program to fill this need.

This cohort-based program is designed for emerging and aspiring leaders, or those looking to grow as a leader. The six engaging sessions will be led by experienced practitioners from both the higher education and corporate fields. Monthly synchronous virtual sessions will emphasize networking and reference real-world scenarios.

Investing in leadership development drives productivity, engagement, and long-term success. Our tailored sessions provide actionable strategies to strengthen teams, lead change, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Sessions

Strategic Planning that Will Work for You

• Align daily work with long-term business goals through structured planning
• Learn how to adapt strategies based on market shifts and organizational needs
• Why It Matters:  Companies with strong strategic plans outperform those that react to challenges without a roadmap

Ripple Effect of Relationship-Centric Leadership

•  Build strong professional relationships that drive collaboration and success
•  Discover communication and trust-building techniques to enhance partnerships
• Why It Matters: Organizations with strong relationships have higher employee satisfaction and innovation

Supporting Staff Growth: Creating an Environment of Learning and Development

• Identify creative ways to develop talent through mentorship and skill-building
• Learn how to make professional development accessible to all employees
• Why It Matters: Career growth is a top driver of employee engagement and retention

Mastering Change: Leading Transformation with Confidence

• Gain proven strategies to overcome resistance and drive successful transitions
• Learn to communicate change effectively and get buy-in from employees
• Why It Matters: 70% of change initiatives fail due to poor leadership—this session ensures yours doesn’t

Leading High-Performing Teams

• Discover how to set clear expectations, foster trust, and maximize team strengths.
• Build a culture of accountability, motivation, and sustained performance.
• Why It Matters: Strong teams lead to higher retention, productivity, and business success.

Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

• Learn how to build a feedback-driven workplace that fosters growth and innovation.
• Equip leaders with tools to encourage proactive problem-solving and efficiency.
• Why It Matters: Companies that prioritize continuous improvement outperform competitors.

Cost

• $125 for CEIA members
• $300 for non-members

Session Dates & Times 

All times are Eastern

• Tuesday, May 20, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Tuesday, June 17, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Tuesday, July 22, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Tuesday, August 19, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Tuesday, September 23, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Tuesday, October 21, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Registration Information

Registration is open now and closes May 11. This year’s cohort is limited to 15 participants; no exceptions. 

Additional Questions

Contact David Schwartz: dschwartz@bradley.edu