American Express Leadership Academy
A Common Purpose Program for nonprofit leaders in partnership with the American Express Foundation
A leadership development experience supporting a new generation of Resilient Changemakers across the Americas
Overview
For over a decade the American Express Leadership Academy has aimed to strengthen the sector by building the capacity of its leaders.
This year we are bringing together Resilient Changemakers who are addressing complex challenges in the nonprofit sector. The program is transformative by design – supporting leaders to drive change forward in their worlds.
Nonprofits are facing high leadership turnover and burnout at a time when their services are needed the most. We transformed the Leadership Academy to help nonprofit leaders accelerate their development and build new skills to meet the unique challenges of this moment.
Who is it for?
The Academy is for people in the nonprofit sector who are intentionally striving to be better equipped to respond adaptively to challenges and keep going in the face of adversity.
As a Resilient Changemaker you are looking to:
- have a growth mindset and be continually learning
- have (or are striving for) high levels of grit and perseverance
- see failures as minor setbacks, with the tenacity to bounce back quickly and turn challenges into opportunities
- maintain a positive attitude when faced with change
- set the pace in leading from the front and
- take creative action to drive innovation.
In so doing you can move your organization forward, with a greater potential to create a wider impact in society, because you are better able to cope with the pressures of our modern world.
Why choose the Academy?
At the end of the experience, you will leave with:
Greater self-awareness, understanding and confidence in their role as a leader
Greater resolve and stamina for leading change, particularly in times of uncertainty
Greater ability to connect with others using the power of storytelling
A deeper commitment to addressing key issues currently effecting the non-profit sector
The program
The six-month Academy will begin in February 2023 (online) and be delivered over 3.5 days (in person) in March 2023 in New York. We are delighted that Taproot & TED will be supporting the Academy at various points.
Pre-program (part 1)
(3.5 hours online)
Welcome to your group and introduction to Executive Coaching
Pre-program (part 2)
(online)
Complete a 360 Evaluation linked to being a Resilient Changemaker
Pre-program (part 3)
(online)
1:1 coaching session based on your 360 Evaluation
Day 1
(8 hours in-person)
Inspiring change and managing self in uncertain times
Day 2
(8 hours in-person)
Bringing the outside world in an immersive experience
Day 3
(8 hours in-person)
The power of storytelling
Day 4
(4 hours in-person)
Moving onwards with renewed commitment
Post-Program (Part 1)
(online)
A follow up 1:1 coaching session
Post-Program (Part 2)
(3 hours online)
Translate session focusing on what is has been like back in your organization post Academy experience
UK American Express Leadership Academy Highlights | Common Purpose
Participants of the UK American Express Leadership Academy reflect on the impact of the program, as well as what they have learnt about leadership.
Hong Kong American Express Leadership Academy Highlights | Common Purpose
Participants on the American Express Leadership Academy in Hong Kong reflect on their key takeaways from the program, as well as how the Academy has impacted them as leaders.
Apply
When
February 15, 2023: Program Kick Off (online)
March 1, 2023: TED Workshop (online)
March 20-23, 2023: Academy in New York (in person)
To apply, please fill out the application form and attach the following:
- A link to any storytelling or social media activity that provides an insight into you and your work
- A letter of recommendation from your line manager (500 words maximum)
You must be based in the Americas to apply.
Applications which are accepted will be fully funded.
Closing date for all applications is 23 January 2023.
The final cohort will be announced in January 2023.
Common Purpose is delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with American Express, in designing and delivering a re-shaped and re-imagined leadership experience for the nonprofit sector. One that will not only strengthen the sector, by building the capacity of its leaders, but also inspire Resilient Changemakers to address some of the sector’s most complex challenges.
Brought to you by
American Express Foundation
This site is managed by Common Purpose, not American Express. Information entered will be subject to Common Purpose privacy policy and terms.
Funding for the American Express Leadership Academy is provided by American Express. Common Purpose is responsible for the overall program including curriculum design and content, delivery and administration of the American Express Leadership Academy.