American Express Leadership Academy
A Common Purpose Programme in partnership with the American Express Foundation.

Supporting new leaders for tomorrow through the American Express Leadership Academy

This year, we're celebrating a decade of the American Express Leadership Academy creating impact across the UK's not-for-profit sector, and its fifth year in Hong Kong. We are also delivering the first all-women American Express Leadership Academy in Southern Africa, which focuses on the upliftment and development of women leaders in the not-for-profit sector. Since 2017, we have also run an Academy in Singapore for not-for-profit leaders across the ASEAN. 

Over 800 leaders from the not-for-profit sector who are tackling some of society's most complex issues have attended the Academy programmes in the UK, India, Singapore and Hong Kong. They join alumni of the American Express Leadership Academy programmes around the world.

Charlotte Duerden, Vice President / General Manager UK Consumer Cards and International Currency Cards, American Express

"You leave having built all these relationships with people from all walks of life. The next time a challenging situation comes up at work you can pick up the phone and bounce ideas off someone you trust, who will give you a fresh perspective."

Upcoming programmes and more information

Dates to be confirmed.

Timothy J. McClimon, President, American Express Foundation

“Non-profit and social sector organizations are tackling some of our most challenging issues, and we believe fostering a pipeline of talent will help ensure non-profits thrive in the future. Our Leadership Academy programmes created in partnership with Common Purpose have proven to be an effective tool for building the leadership and business skills that are critical to the sector’s success.”

Brought to you by 

American Express Leadership Academy 

UK American Express Leadership Academy Highlights | Common Purpose

Hong Kong American Express Leadership Academy Highlights | Common Purpose

Impact stories

Alumni share the impact that the American Express Leadership Academy had on their lives.

Discovering the power of effective communication

Joining the Hong Kong American Express Leadership Academy in 2018 gave me a golden opportunity to learn about the practical use of active listening. More...

The Importance of Being Authentic

I’d heard so many good things about the American Express Leadership Academy and was super keen to attend myself having just been promoted to my first Director role. More...

Breaking the silo mentality to discover new leadership possibilities

I am so grateful to have had the inspiring learning opportunity at the Hong Kong American Express Leadership Academy in 2018 where I discovered my potential to be a better leader. More...

A Creative Space, Room to Process and an Affirmation of Integrity

The application for the American Express Leadership Academy was shared with me by a colleague at work and I was really interested in the process from the outset. More...

Leadership enlightenment: A soul-searching journey

As a member of the British deaf community, I have always been attracted to leadership positions because I want to challenge hearing people’s perceptions of me as a profoundly deaf person. More...

Aligning personal and professional priorities as a leader

For me, the American Express Leadership Academy was a different kind of leadership programme. It brought together diverse leaders from the UK’s not-for-profit sector for five days of immersive learning, self-awareness and personal development. More...

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