Format

• Mix of in-person cohort experiences and virtual sessions
• Includes both cohort-exclusive and public-facing events
• Runs from September 2026 through May 2027

Program Kick-Off

September 23, 2026 (in-person)

Launches the cohort experience with opportunities for connection and growth.

Inclusive Leadership in the Age of AI

November 4, 2026 (virtual, open to the public)

Explores leadership and inclusion in an evolving workplace.

Three full-day Leadership Intensive sessions

Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 2027 (in-person)

Provides immersive leadership development and skill-building.

The Gearing Up Awards Luncheon

March 24, 2027 (in-person)

Celebrates leadership achievements and community impact.

Bridging Difference Through Brave Dialogues®

April 14, 2027 (virtual, open to the public)

Focuses on inclusive communication and navigating challenging conversations.

Reflection Session: May 12, 2027 (virtual)

Allows participants to reflect on their learning and plan next steps.

This three-part leadership development experience is designed to build progressively from personal insight to leadership impact. Participants will move from understanding themselves as leaders, to leading effectively in complex environments, to developing and influencing others.

Program Schedule (8:30 am - 4:00 pm)

• January 29: Foundations of Leadership
• February 5: Leadership in Practice
• February 12: Leading Others with Impact

What Participants Will Learn

Day 1: Foundations of Leadership
Participants explore their leadership story to uncover core values, strengths, and sources of credibility. Through the CORE framework (Confidence, Ownership, Resilience, and Engagement), they gain insight into their decision-making and leadership style while creating a clear vision for their future leadership growth.

Day 2: Leadership in Practice
Participants strengthen their ability to navigate workplace challenges through frameworks for strategic relationships, communication, resilience, and self-efficacy. They examine how the brain influences trust, stress, decision-making, and performance, while building skills to manage conflict and lead effectively under pressure through an experiential team challenge.

Day 3: Leading Others with Impact
Participants learn practical coaching and leadership development techniques, including deep listening, powerful questioning, and accountability practices. They apply Organizational Role Analysis (ORA) to translate experience into strategic action and conclude the program by committing to a personal leadership practice that supports lasting impact.

Outcome: Participants leave with greater self-awareness, stronger leadership capabilities, practical tools for influencing others, and a clear plan for sustaining their growth as leaders.

Contact Cindy Hanshaw to learn more, chanshaw@bentley.edu.

What if I/my team can’t attend all program dates?  

The program is offered in different modalities to accommodate as many people as possible and offer flexibility to the participants. We do understand that schedules may not allow everyone to attend every session and we encourage you to prioritize the Three-Day Leadership Intensive dates in Winter of 2027 and the Gearing Up Leadership Awards Luncheon on March 24, 2027. Learning will also be supported online via Brightspace with recaps, previously recorded content and microlearning modules between sessions. 

Is this program only for women? 

The program is open to all genders and allies. While it is designed to help women+ break through the barriers that delay promotion and build momentum for long-term growth, Gearing Up offers applicable skills for all leaders, and research shows that developing women+ benefits everyone in the workplace.

Who do I contact if I have questions or need more information?

Please email Cindy Hanshaw, chanshaw@bentley.edu.