The Leadership Program has deep roots in New York City, and our people embody its hope, diversity and transformative culture. Here, members of The Leadership Program have taught in classrooms, worked with young people in the community and chased their own dreams of art, music, theater and film.
Actor Ted Otis and our other founders envisioned The Leadership Program on a walk through Central Park. From the start, they’ve had two goals: to teach educators to use NYC’s cultural institutions and communities as an educational resource, and to provide effective leadership training in both educational and greater social contexts.
We’re a women-owned business that celebrates diversity and differences. We believe in curiosity, open-mindedness and lifelong learning. We apply those beliefs to our methodology in the classroom and the boardroom to inspire and invigorate schools, communities and businesses.
Our mission is to teach, and our programs are designed to engage your students, teachers or employees and create a transformative experience that empowers them to become the best leaders they can be.
We’re not just consultants. We’re former teachers and current business leaders who understand exactly what it’s like to manage a department of 40 employees or a classroom of 30 energetic students.
We test our programs in-house before we bring them to you. Our office is a leadership lab: Any workshops we use in schools, communities or businesses, we’ve already fine-tuned with our own staff.
Your challenges are our challenges, but we also know that leadership training, the development of social-emotional skills, and team-building workshops are most effective when they’re specific to the organization experiencing them. Because of our experience leading classrooms and boardrooms, we’re able to dial into your unique needs and tailor our programs accordingly.
1. Forge the path. Enjoy the journey.
2. Lead, learn and lead again.
3. Foster an inclusive community through communication, connection and common purpose.
4. Cultivate passion, creativity, joy and a sense of adventure.
5. Respond to challenges and celebrate successes.
6. Create opportunities, embrace change and support growth.
7. Pursue and encourage achievement in every act.
8. Make it, measure it, maintain it and move it forward.
9. Commit to finding strategic and extraordinary solutions.
10. Contribute to positive change.
Caitlin Verhave
Community School Director
At The Leadership Program, we want our staff to continue to learn, grow and connect. Our employees receive 40 hours of training a year – in the fun, innovative and engaging style we bring to schools, communities and businesses.