Celebrating
2+ Decades
& 15,000+
Women Leaders

The Women in Leadership Institute is presented by SHRM.

As organizations strive to reach gender parity and increase the number of underrepresented groups in their leadership ranks, executives have an essential role to play.

Now is the time for executives and senior leaders to unlock the power of executive sponsorship in their leadership journeys. As organizations strive to reach gender parity and increase the number of underrepresented groups in their leadership ranks, executives have an essential role to play.

The 2023 Women in Leadership Institute Executive Sponsor Track is an exclusive learning program for executives and senior leaders to become active executive sponsors of women and underrepresented groups in their organizations, empowering them to drive organizational impact.

Combining small-group learning with targeted skill-building, the Executive Sponsor Track enables you to take meaningful strides on your journey as a sponsor. PLUS, you will experience every keynote session at WIL, to gain a better understanding of the workplace advancement hurdles women face.

*All Times EST. Agenda subject to change.

What's Included
  1. 3 days of targeted skill-building on Executive Sponsorship
  2. Small-group Learning Teams of peer executives from other organizations, facilitated by an expert Linkage consultant
  3. Fireside Chat with Wall Street legend Carla Harris
  4. Keynote sessions featuring a world-class lineup of speakers and leaders
  5. Insights from a 360˚ Inclusive Leader Assessment
  6. Playbook guide for HR on how to sustain an Executive Sponsorship program

REGISTER NOW TO JOIN US IN 2023!

Space is limited. Now is the time to secure your pass to the Executive Sponsor Track at the 2023 Women in Leadership Institute!

$7,000

Who is this program designed for?

  • Executives and senior leaders looking to supercharge their inclusive leadership journey and gain critical support on their path to becoming a highly successful executive sponsor of women and other underrepresented groups
  • C-level executives and those up to 2 levels from the CEO with performance management responsibility for 2–3 levels of team members
  • Current Executive Sponsors with established sponsorship programs and those just getting started
  • Executive leaders of organizations sending groups of women leaders to the Women in Leadership Institute in 2023
Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand your level of inclusion through insights from your own 360˚ Inclusive Leader Assessment
  • Articulate your role as an Executive Sponsor, separate from that of a manager, coach, leader, etc.
  • Network and peer-learn with other executives
  • Become a vocal champion of Executive Sponsorship at your organization
  • Understand how to highlight your commitment to the advancement of women leaders at an organizational level

The Experience

 

Three days of immersive learning for executives, filled with small-group learning, facilitated breakouts, and keynote sessions.

*All Times EST

Day 1 Monday, November 13

Duration Agenda
1:00 PM – 1:25 PM Opening Remarks
1:25 PM – 2:15 PM IN HER OWN VOICE: A WOMEN'S RISE TO CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM Be AWARE: Master Your "Inner Critic" to Rid Yourself of Internal Bias and Realize Your Confidence
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM Break
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM Meet and Greet with other executives
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM Break
4:45 PM – 6:45 PM Session 1: Intro to Sponsorship + Understanding the Inner Critic
6:45 PM – 8:15 PM Welcome Reception

Day 2 Tuesday, November 14

Duration Agenda
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM Yoga
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM Breakfast
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Be INFLUENTIAL: Tap into Your Influence to Successfully"Make the Ask"
11:15 AM – 12:15 AM Panel: Intersectionality & Advancement in the Workplace
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM Executive Sponsorship Session 2: Guided Assessment Debrief
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM Networking Social
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM Be INSPIRING: Move Beyond "Proving Your Value" to Multiply YOUR IMPACT and Embrace Your Full Leadership Potential
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM Break
4:45 PM – 6:45 PM Executive Sponsorship Session 3: Tying Your Sponsorship to Inclusion

Day 3 Wednesday, November 15

Duration Agenda
7:30 AM - 8:15 AM Yoga
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM Breakfast
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Be CONNECTED: Embrace "Networking" to Unlock New Possibilities
11:15 AM – 12:15 AM Be CLEAR: Create Your Future Leadership Vision with "Clarity"
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM Executive Sponsorship Session 4: Keynote Speaker Fireside Chat​
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM Break
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM Legends in Leadership Award
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM "How Did We Get Here?" Panel of Women's Leadership Luminaries
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM Break
4:45 PM – 6:45 PM Executive Sponsorship Session 5: State of Inclusion in the Workplace

Day 4 Thursday, November 16

Duration Agenda
6:30 AM - 7:15 AM Yoga
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Executive Sponsorship Session 6: Honoring the Superpowers of Your People
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM Break
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM Be BOLD: Discover the Power of "Branding & Presence"

EXECUTIVE SPONSORSHIP TRACK SESSIONS:

In addition to experiencing expert-led Keynote sessions on the hurdles to advancement for women leaders, executives in this special track will participate in small-group sessions.

By the end of the program, each sponsor will have a clear action plan of steps to take on their sponsorship journey.

Welcome: Meet and Greet

On day 1 of the conference, your first session will be dedicated to meeting fellow Executive Sponsor Track participants, empowering you to begin building relationships with the executives you will be spending the week with. During this time, your facilitator will introduce you to the program and set expectations for a safe space for discussion and sharing.

Session 1: Intro to Sponsorship + Understanding the Inner Critic

During this session, you will discuss expectations and outcomes of the program, including a review and discussion on what sponsorship is, how to be a sponsor, and why it is critically important to organizations. This session aligns with the keynote sessions you experienced at the Institute and will include a facilitated debrief to the “Inner Critic,” a key hurdle to advancement for women leaders, and an overview of “Compassionate Center,” an essential tool for women leaders looking to overcome this hurdle, and for executives looking to unlock the power of their own inclusive leadership.

Session 2: Guided Assessment Debrief

It’s time to unpack the insights from your 360˚ Inclusive Leader Assessment, which is completed ahead of the Institute and is powered by feedback from direct reports and peers. During this session, you will extract insights from your personalized report, allowing you to identify areas of potential growth related to inclusive leadership. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your results with your peers.

Session 3: Tying Sponsorship to Inclusion

How does inclusion impact sponsorship—and why is redesigning workplace inclusion so important when developing and implementing a successful Executive Sponsorship strategy? In this facilitated session, we will explore the link between inclusion, effective leadership, and the cultures of inclusion necessary to creating an environment where employees succeed at the highest levels. We will also experience a guided debrief of the day’s keynote sessions, including a review of the “Bold” and “Clear” competencies within women’s leadership and explore the hurdles associated with them.

Session 4: Executive Fireside Chat with WIL Keynote Speaker

Exclusive! Join your peers for a facilitated Fireside Chat with one of WIL’s keynote speakers. This is your opportunity to meet in a small-group setting with a trailblazing leader who has a long track record of executive sponsorship of women and leaders from other underrepresented groups. Bring your curiosity, questions and conversation starters—this will be an active discussion about how you can unlock your own leadership power to drive organizational and societal change.

Session 5: State of Inclusion in the Workplace

It is time to level-set and understand the state of inclusion in the workplace: What are the biggest challenges to the advancement of women and other underrepresented groups? In this session, we will unpack key barriers and chart an action plan for Executive Sponsorship success. We will explore how to sponsor diverse leaders from different backgrounds, and review how to incorporate the most important drivers of inclusion into your strategy by utilizing Linkage’s research-backed SEE model. The SEE model identifies ways to authentically connect with those who are different from you to build bonds and understanding. During this session, we will also unpack the findings shared during the day’s keynote sessions on the “Connected” and “Influential” competencies within women’s leadership and explore the hurdles associated with them.

Session 6: Honoring the Superpowers of Your People

As leaders, we can model truly inclusive behavior in our day-to-day lives by leading effective, inclusive meetings. During this session, we will review tactics you can apply to your own meetings to generate the open exchange of ideas and higher engagement of all contributors. We will also discuss how each leader can uncover, identify and honor the “Superpowers” of the employees at their organization. Finally, we will unpack the findings shared during the day’s keynote session on the “Inspire” competency within women’s leadership, exploring the hurdles associated with it.

POST-CONFERENCE SUPPORT

After the conference concludes, the journey continues.

Additional Executive Sponsorship Support from Linkage (Optional)

Supercharge your Executive Sponsorship strategy by partnering with Linkage to supplement your internal capabilities and reach underserved populations right now. Linkage works with organizations to deploy top-to-bottom Executive Sponsorship programs that engage executives and sponsored leaders through meaningful, long-term programming and support networks. As an alum of the Executive Sponsor Track at the Women in Leadership Institute, you will gain access to exclusive programming and discounted offerings in this space, empowering you to reach new audiences in your organization in big and innovative ways. Learn more about how Linkage serves  groups of executives at leading organizations.

Learn more and connect with us

Interested in learning more about the Executive Sponsor Track at the Women in Leadership Institute? 

Fill out the form to hear from a member of our team. You will also receive:  

  • Full program information about the Women in Leadership Institute and the Executive Sponsor Track
  • The latest advancing women leaders and diversity, equity and inclusion news and programming from Linkage

The Venue

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

1500 Masters Boulevard
ChampionsGate, FL 33896
Phone: +1.407.390.6664

Hotel charges are not included in the Institute registration fee.

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Enrollment Policy

1. Overview

The Women in Leadership Institute is a four-day immersive learning experience designed to empower women to scale the hurdles to advancement in the workplace. The curriculum includes expert keynote speakers, skill-building leadership sessions and workshops, and strategic networking opportunities with women hailing from organizations throughout the world.

 

2. Scope of Policy

This Institute Enrollment Policy (“the Enrollment Policy”) applies to each participant in the Institute taking part virtually and/or in-person (“Participant”) as well as the organization that such Participant represents (“Client”).  As noted below, this Enrollment Policy shall also apply with full force and effect to Accelerator Participants and the On-Demand Participants as those terms are defined herein.

 

3. Health and Safety

Linkage prioritizes the health and safety of everyone connected to the Institute (including Participants and Clients as well as partners, staff, etc.). To that end, we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation vigilantly, making sure that we are complying with the latest guidance on best practices for health and safety as provided by relevant government and health agencies as well as tracking relevant public health data, including but not limited to vaccination rates/metrics. We will continue to update Participants and Clients as more information becomes available.

For more information about the health and safety precautions we are taking for the in-person part of the Institute, visit the FAQ.

 

4. Assessments

Participants in the Institute are given access to certain and proprietary assessments.  Specifically, (i) Participants with an All-Access Pass gain access to the Advancing Women Leaders 360° Assessment (“360° Assessment”), (ii) Participants who take part as Keynotes Only or Keynotes PLUS Participants gain access to the Advancing Women Leaders Self-Assessment (“Self-Assessment”), and (iii) Participants who take part as Executive Sponsorship Track Participants receive the 360˚ Inclusive Leader Assessment (“Inclusive Leadership Assessment”).  Collectively, the 360° Assessment, Self-Assessment, and the Inclusive Leadership Assessment are referred to in this Enrollment Policy as “the Institute Assessments.”

The Institute Assessments produce standard electronic reports. These assessment results and reports are not designed to serve as the sole basis for any employment decision (promotion, termination, etc.) on the part of Client with respect to any of the Participants assessed.

Participants to be assessed can be changed with written notice at least seven (7) days prior to the launch date for the Institute Assessment.

Institute Assessments must be completed by Participants within the launch window indicated in the accompanying email. Institute Assessments will not be relaunched to Participants who failed to complete their Institute Assessment during the agreed-upon time frame. Once launched, an Institute Assessment may not be transferred to another Participant. Linkage is not obligated to regenerate reports that have already been distributed.

Any Participant who purchases an All-Access Pass or is added to an All-Access Pass group (or who purchases an Executive Sponsorship Track registration or is added to an Executive Sponsorship Track group) less than thirty (30) days but more than fourteen (14) days prior to the opening date of the Institute will receive the Self-Assessment rather than the 360° Assessment. Any Participant who registers or is added to a group fourteen (14) days or less prior to the opening date of the Institute will not receive an Institute Assessment.

 

5. Consent to Communication and Sharing of Data

By participating in the Institute, each Participant hereby consents to Linkage contacting such Participant directly on multiple occasions before, during, and after the Institute. In addition, by participating in the Institute, each Participant in the Institute hereby consents to Linkage sharing information that identifies such Participant individually and makes it possible for other parties (namely, sponsors, partners, and affiliates in the Institute) to contact such Participant directly. Such contact may occur on multiple occasions before, during, or after the Institute, with Linkage ensuring that each such sponsor, partner, or affiliate in the Institute provide the Participant with the ability to “opt out” from receiving such communications from any such sponsor, partner, or affiliate at any time and for any reason.

 

6. Cancellations

  • For Individual or Team: If Client wishes to cancel the participation in the Institute for the Participant or the team of Participants (whatever the case might be), then Client may do so only by providing Linkage with written notice.  In such instance, Client shall be liable for a cancellation fee that equals (i) 25% of the total tuition fee if Linkage receives written notice at least ninety (90) days prior to the opening date of the Institute, or (ii) 100% of the total tuition fee if Linkage receives written notice less than ninety (90) days prior to the opening date of the Institute. Client shall pay such cancellation fee within thirty (30) days of the date of cancellation.
  • For Premier Partner or Institute Partner: If Client wishes to cancel the participation in the Institute as a Premier Partner or Institute Partner, then Client may do so only by providing Linkage with written notice. In such instance, Client shall be liable for a cancellation fee that equals (i) 50% of the total Partner fee if Linkage receives written notice at least one hundred fifty (150) days prior to the opening date of the Institute, or (ii) 100% of the total Partner fee if Linkage receives written notice less than one hundred fifty (150) days prior to the opening date of the Institute. Client shall pay such cancellation fee within thirty (30) days of the date of cancellation.

 

7. Participant Rosters and Substitutions

  • Participation Roster: If Client is participating with a team of Participants or multiple Participants, then Client shall send Linkage a roster of Participants (“Participant Roster”). Participant Rosters provided to Linkage less than sixty (60) days before the opening date of the Institute will be subject to a $200 administrative fee per Participant on the Participant Roster.
  • Substitutions: Client may substitute one Participant for another at no charge with written notice of sixty (60) days or more before the opening date of the Institute. Substitutions made less than sixty (60) days before the opening date of the Institute will be subject to a $200 administrative fee per substitution made. Substitutions made less than thirty (30) days before the opening date of the Institute will result in the substitute Participant receiving the Self-Assessment rather than the 360° Assessment, where applicable. Substitutions made fourteen (14) days or less before the opening date of the Institute will result in the substitute Participant not receiving an Institute Assessment.

 

8. Ticket Transfers and Registration Fees

Ticket Transfers In General

a. For any ticket type transfer, Client is responsible for the change in value at the then-current ticket rate. All notifications of transfer must be provided to Linkage in writing. If Linkage receives notification of transfer after July 1, 2023, then a $200 transfer fee per Participant will apply.

b. Only one transfer is permitted per Client.

c. No transfers are permitted within 90 days of the Institute.

d. All tickets must be used within the calendar year in which the Institute is taking place. Unused tickets cannot roll over to the next calendar year and future iterations of the program.

e. In-Person tickets are limited and, therefore, based on availability.

f. All new fees and costs associated with transfer will be due within 30 days of notification of change.

g. Premier Partners or Institute Partners should refer to their contract for ticket type transfer options.

 

Ticket Transfer Price Differentials

a. Virtual to In-Person: The original value of purchase can be applied toward the then-current in-person pricing, with the Client responsible for the price differential and any applicable change fees. In-Person tickets are limited and, therefore, based on availability.

b. In-Person to Virtual: No refund will be issued on the price differential (if less than original fee paid by Client); however, the credit may be used toward any Institute ticket type, until ticket sales are closed, at current pricing at the time of notification.

 

Additional Fees:

Changes to Client’s tickets or participation level in the Institute shall be subject to mutual agreement and may be subject to changes in pricing in light of Linkage’s pricing structure and other considerations.

Exclusions:

The various ticket and registration fees for participation in the Institute do not include all costs associated with travel and hotel costs to the Institute, Board meetings, and other Institute-related events. All travel-related costs will be the sole responsibility of Participants and/or Client (whatever the case might be) and not Linkage.

 

9. Pre/Post-Institute Learning Program (Accelerator)

Overview:

Some Participants in the Institute who take part in the Institute in-person or virtually may, at an additional cost, also participate in the pre/post-Institute learning program called Accelerator that will extend the program learning with monthly activities for up to one year (“the Accelerator Program”).  Such participants will be referred to herein as “the Accelerator Participants”).

 

Learning Components:

Learning components of the Accelerator Program include (i) an independent learning program called Advancing Women Leaders Essentials (“the Independent Learning Program”), (ii) eleven (11) monthly webinar sessions called Women in Leadership Accelerator Live Sessions (“the Webinars”), and (iii) for those Accelerator Participants who purchase an upgraded Accelerator package, two (2) one-hour virtual coaching sessions called Advancing Women Leaders Coaching Sessions (“the Coaching Sessions”).  Collectively, the Independent Learning Program, the Webinars, and the Coaching Sessions shall be referred to herein as “the Accelerator Learning Components.”

 

General Applicability of Policy:

The provisions of this Enrollment Policy shall apply with full force and effect to the Accelerator Program, the Accelerator Learning Components, and the Accelerator Participants.

 

Additional Special Provisions:

  • Participation in the Accelerator Program is strictly on an individual and unique basis. As such, in the absence of the prior and explicit written consent of Linkage, an Accelerator Participant cannot transfer, share, or substitute his, her, or their participation in the overall Accelerator Program or in any of the Accelerator Learning Components.
  • The Accelerator Program shall end one year after the participant starts the Program. As such, participation in or use of any of the Accelerator Learning Components may not extend beyond that one year timeframe.  By way of example, an Accelerator Participant may not access the Independent Learning Program after 1 year from the start date of the Program and may not receive any Coaching Sessions after 1 year from the start date of the Program.
  • If an Accelerator Participant purchased an upgraded Accelerator package involving the Coaching Sessions, then the relevant Linkage coach shall work with the Accelerator Participant and/or the Client (whatever the case might be) to schedule such Coaching Sessions. The Accelerator Participant and/or the Client (whatever the case might be) shall be permitted to cancel and reschedule a scheduled Coaching Session, but only upon seven (7) days notice to the coach and only on a one-time basis.  Any other cancellation of a Coaching Session shall result in the forfeiture of that Coaching Session.

 

10. On-Demand Participation

Overview:

Some leaders will take part in the Institute after the live event by purchasing available on-demand packages. Such participants will be referred to herein as “On-Demand Participants” and such participation will be referred to herein as “On-Demand Participation.”

 

General Applicability of Policy:

The provisions of this Enrollment Policy shall apply with full force and effect to On-Demand Participation in the Institute, with On-Demand Participants being deemed as part of the definition of “Participants” for purposes and application of this Enrollment Policy.

 

Additional Special Provisions:

  • On-Demand Participation in the Institute is strictly on an individual and unique basis. As such, in the absence of the prior and explicit written consent of Linkage, an On-Demand Participant cannot transfer, share, or substitute his, her, or their On-Demand Participation in the Institute.
  • On-Demand Participation in the Institute shall end on the date specified upon enrollment. As such, On-Demand Participants may not access the various elements and aspects involved with their On-Demand Participation after such date..

 

11. Virtual Access

Virtual participation and access to the Institute takes place involving (i) certain Participants live and in real time during the Institute, (ii) Accelerator Participants as part of the Accelerator Program described in paragraph 9 above, and/or (iii) On-Demand Participants as part of On-Demand Participation described in paragraph 10 above (collectively, “Virtual Access”).  Such Virtual Access is intended for individual device viewing and individual use only on a per Participant basis. Any group viewing or sharing of Virtual Access among multiple individuals is strictly prohibited.

 

12. Institute Materials

All materials, guides, tools, and other intellectual property used, reproduced, or distributed to Participants, On-Demand Participants, and Accelerator Participants in connection with the Institute or the Accelerator Program (collectively, “the Institute Materials”) shall be the sole and exclusive property of Linkage.  Participants, On-Demand Participants, and Accelerator Participants may access and utilize such Institute Materials, but only for the limited purposes provided.  Any other unauthorized use of such Institute Materials is strictly prohibited.

COMPLETE YOUR JOURNEY

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