Emerging Leaders Program Overview?

20 best Emerging Leaders Program

Think of this not just as a list, but as a roadmap to your leadership journey. The decision you make today could be the spark that shapes your career, your organization, and even the communities you lead.

What You Can Learn Across These Programs

• Global Perspective: Cross-cultural leadership, diplomacy, international collaboration.
• Core Leadership Skills: Communication, influence, decision-making, conflict resolution.
• Strategic Thinking: Leading change, innovation, organizational strategy.
• Self-Awareness: Emotional intelligence, resilience, personal leadership style.

1. Harvard Kennedy School Emerging Leaders Program (USA)

• Duration: 1 week (Dec 7–12, 2025)
• Format: In-person (Cambridge, MA)
• Key Highlights: Simulations, case studies, guest lectures, coaching, Executive Certificate credit
• What You Can Learn: Leadership communication, negotiation, coalition building, policy analysis, crisis management

This program is designed for professionals with 5–15 years of experience across government, nonprofits, corporate, or military sectors. The curriculum blends simulations, communication strategies in the digital age, and policy case studies. Fees are $11,200 (includes tuition, housing, meals, materials). Applications are submitted online, with deadlines on Nov 7, 2025 (Dec session) and Mar 16, 2026 (May session).

2. American Management Association (AMA) – Emerging Leaders Program

• Duration: 3–5 days
• Format: In-person & online (live or blended)
• Key Highlights: Practical skills, peer learning, expert faculty
• What You Can Learn: Communication, team leadership, conflict resolution, strategic thinking

Targeted at professionals with 2–5 years of experience, this immersive program covers essentials of leadership, influence, conflict management, and strategy. Fees are about $3,000, with early bird discounts. Applications are via AMA’s website.

3. Columbia Business School Emerging Leader Development Program (USA)

• Duration: 5 consecutive days
• Format: In-person (New York, NY)
• Key Highlights: 360° feedback, one-on-one consultation, earns 5 CIBE credits
• What You Can Learn: Strategy, decision-making, negotiation, conflict resolution, change management

Targeted at mid-level executives with under 10 years of experience, this program emphasizes organizational problem-solving, strategy implementation, and negotiation role plays. Fees are $12,250, covering meals and materials. Applications are submitted directly via Columbia’s program website.

4. INSEAD Developing Emerging Leaders (France/Singapore – International)

• Duration: 5 weeks
• Format: Online
• Key Highlights: Action Learning Projects, coaching, INSEAD Online Certificate, focus on culture & psychological safety
• What You Can Learn: Emotional intelligence, feedback, change management, collaboration, hybrid workplace trends

Ideal for aspiring or new managers, the curriculum covers leading self, leading others, leading change, and adapting to new workplace trends. Fees vary, with Premium Journey costing €680 extra; group discounts up to 30% are available. Applications are online via INSEAD’s website.

5. Obama Foundation Leaders Program (USA/International)

• Duration: 6–12 months (cohort-based)
• Format: Hybrid (group sessions, small discussions, coaching)
• Key Highlights: Global alumni network of 1,500+, values-based leadership, regional cohorts
• What You Can Learn: Inclusive leadership, relationship building, systems-level issue engagement

Open to leaders aged 24–45 committed to public good, this program emphasizes values-based leadership and systems change. Tuition is scholarship-based or free. Applications are submitted online via Embark, with the Dec 12, 2025 deadline for the 2026–2027 cohort.

6. EWF International Emerging Leaders Program (International)

• Duration: 12 months
• Format: Virtual (monthly workshops)
• Key Highlights: Lumina Spark Assessment, exclusive community, career strategy focus
• What You Can Learn: Strategic decision-making, rapport, conflict management, burnout prevention

For early/mid-career professionals, the curriculum covers leadership style, stress management, delegation, and career strategy. Fees are $3,450 for public cohorts, with discounts for groups. Applications are via registration form or email to info@ewfinternational.com.

7. SNAC International Emerging Leaders Program 2.0 (International)

• Duration: 3 days (Oct 28–30, 2025)
• Format: In-person (Washington, D.C.)
• Key Highlights: Georgetown collaboration, limited to 50 participants, advanced leadership focus
• What You Can Learn: Collaboration, innovation, communication styles, trust-building

Open to graduates of ELP 1.0 or senior managers, the program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and strategic trust. Fees are free for SNAC members or $1,500 for non-members. Applications are via email to lsokoll@snacintl.org.

8. Association Forum Emerging Leaders Program (USA)

• Duration: ~4 months (Jul–Nov 2025)
• Format: Hybrid (Chicago + virtual)
• Key Highlights: Partnership with CCL, 18 CAE hours, networking cohort
• What You Can Learn: Influence, feedback, conflict resolution, disruption navigation

Designed for association leaders, the program includes modules on direction, alignment, influence, and conflict. Fees range from $1,440–$1,730 (members) to $1,870–$2,435 (non-members). Applications are online, with early bird pricing until Jul 2, 2025.

9. Aspire Leaders Program (Global – International)

• Duration: 2–3 months (Oct–Dec 2025 or Feb–Apr 2026)
• Format: Online (live + self-paced)
• Key Highlights: Free for first-gen/low-income students, global peer network, Harvard collaboration
• What You Can Learn: Strengths-based leadership, digital transformation, AI, community action

Designed for students aged 18–29 from limited-income or first-gen backgrounds, the program includes personal development, digital trends, and masterclasses. It is free of charge. Applications take 10 minutes online, with deadlines on Oct 1, 2025 and Jan 21, 2026.

10. Korn Ferry – People Leader Development (Emerging Leaders)

• Duration: 6–12 weeks
• Format: Online blended learning with AI elements
• Key Highlights: Personalized assessments, AI-powered feedback, simulations, organizational customization
• What You Can Learn: Communication, influence, decision-making, strategic thinking, coaching, resilience

Designed for early-career professionals or new managers, this program focuses on influence, coaching, innovation, and resilience. Fees range from $5,000–$8,000 depending on customization. Applications are through Korn Ferry’s portal or demo request.

11. IEDC Emerging Leaders Program (USA/International – Economic Development)

• Duration: Ongoing (committee meets several times/year)
• Format: Hybrid (webinars, conferences)
• Key Highlights: Mentorship, free webinars, networking opportunities
• What You Can Learn: Economic development best practices, mentorship, professional growth

For professionals with under 5 years in economic development or students in related fields, the program offers mentorship, webinars, and conference events. Fees are membership-based, with student applications free. Applications are via mentorship forms or email to maria@iedconline.org.

12. Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) – Leadership Development Program (LDP)

• Duration: 5-day intensive within a 5-month journey (includes pre-work)
• Format: In-person or live online
• Key Highlights: 360° feedback, coaching, peer learning, toolkits, research-based curriculum
• What You Can Learn: Self-awareness, team performance, resilience, authentic leadership, curiosity, compassion, courage

This program is tailored for mid-level leaders or managers with 5+ years of experience. The curriculum includes 2 months of online pre-work followed by 5 intensive days covering self-awareness, team achievement, systems thinking, resilience, and setting direction. Fees are around $7,500 (materials included travel extra). Applications are via the CCL website with credit card payment or other payment gateway; group pricing is available.

13. AASCU Emerging Leaders Program (USA – Higher Education Focus)

• Duration: June–Dec 2026
• Format: Hybrid (intensive + virtual)
• Key Highlights: Campus project, peer learning, strong alumni connections
• What You Can Learn: Leadership philosophy, governance, finance, project management, communication

For mid/senior-level professionals at public universities, admission requires nomination from leadership. Curriculum covers governance, budgeting, crisis leadership, and project management. Fees are $2,500 (members) or $3,500 (non-members). Applications are due Feb 9, 2026, with registration by Apr 10.

14. DDI (Development Dimensions International) – Leadership Development Subscription

• Duration: Flexible, ongoing access
• Format: Online (self-paced, live virtual, in-person options)
• Key Highlights: 200+ courses, scalable for organizations, personalized assessments
• What You Can Learn: Coaching, delegation, innovation, resilience, inclusive leadership, business acumen

Open to professionals at all levels, this subscription provides foundational, team management, and advanced leadership modules, plus specialized tracks like Inclusive Leadership. Fees are about $2,000/year per user, with discounts for volume. Enrollment is online or via DDI for tailored packages.

15. FranklinCovey – All Access Pass

• Duration: 1-year access, renewable
• Format: Online & workshops (live, in-person, on-demand)
• Key Highlights: Unlimited library access, assessments, 24 languages, 35+ years of research
• What You Can Learn: 7 Habits, trust-building, execution strategies, productivity

This pass offers unlimited access to FranklinCovey’s leadership content, including personal effectiveness, leadership roles, execution disciplines, and impact journeys. Fees are around $3,000/year, with organizational pricing available. Applications are via FranklinCovey’s website.

16. BetterUp – Leadership Coaching Platform

• Duration: Subscription-based (monthly or annual)
• Format: Online coaching (1:1 with certified coaches)
• Key Highlights: AI-driven insights, flexible sessions, personalized growth plans
• What You Can Learn: Emotional intelligence, resilience, career growth, decision-making

BetterUp offers personalized coaching sessions, resilience training, and growth planning. Fees average $2,400/year or $75–$250 per session. Enrollment is via BetterUp’s website, with coach matching included.

17. ExecOnline – University-Backed Leadership Programs

• Duration: 6–12 weeks
• Format: Online (self-paced with interactions)
• Key Highlights: Backed by Yale, MIT, Columbia; HD lectures; professor Q&A
• What You Can Learn: Strategy, innovation, leadership, operational excellence

For professionals with 5+ years of experience, ExecOnline offers modules in strategy, innovation, and leadership fundamentals, with electives in AI and analytics. Fees range $4,000–$6,000 per program. Applications are via ExecOnline’s website.

18. Harvard Business School – Program for Leadership Development (PLD)

• Duration: 6 months (modular)
• Format: Blended (Boston campus + online)
• Key Highlights: Mini-MBA style, case-based learning, global network
• What You Can Learn: Strategy, finance, leadership, execution, adaptive leadership

This program is for professionals with 8–12 years of experience and a strong leadership track record. It includes four flagship modules with pre/post work. Fees are $56,000. Applications are via HBS Executive Education portal.

19. Wharton Executive Education – Leadership & Management Program

• Duration: 2–4 months
• Format: Online & in-person (self-paced options)
• Key Highlights: Ivy League faculty, case studies, certificate track
• What You Can Learn: Decision-making, global leadership, innovation, team dynamics

Mid-level managers can pursue modules in leadership essentials, strategic management, innovation, and global business. Fees range $9,000–$12,000. Enrollment is via Wharton’s website.

20. Indian School of Business (ISB) – Emerging Leaders Programme

• Duration: 9 months (Dec 2025 – Sep 2026)
• Format: On-campus & live virtual (blended)
• Key Highlights: Tech-leadership blend, career workshops, industry sessions
• What You Can Learn: Strategic growth, digital leadership, interpersonal competencies, innovation via AI

This program is for mid-level professionals transitioning to senior roles. It includes phases on foundations, strategic integration, adaptability, and innovation. Fees are INR 3,75,000 + taxes. Applications are via ISB ExecEd’s website.