Foundations of Leadership is a new dynamic leadership development program designed in partnership with Bellevue University for professionals across various industries who are ready to step into leadership roles or enhance their existing skills. Through interactive workshops, expert-led discussions, and real-world applications, participants will gain essential leadership competencies, including effective communication, team management, and strategic thinking. This cohort-based program fosters collaboration and networking among professionals from diverse backgrounds, providing a supportive environment for growth. Elevate graduates will lead with vision, empower with purpose, and inspire teams to deliver results.
Register for 2026 View Foundations One PagerIdeal for high performing individual contributors, rising leaders, first-time managers with limited experience in leading teams, and professionals looking to refine their leadership skills, this program provides practical tools and insights to effectively lead teams, departments, and organizations. Whether you are stepping into leadership for the first time or seeking a refresher, this experience will equip you with the confidence and skills needed to lead with impact.
"The most useful resource ever provided to me was this class. The things I learned not only help me personally and professionally but provided the boost to believe in myself in all aspects of my life. My next career move will have the best foundation because of AIM."
Register for the Fall 2026 cohort.
August 13: 1 – 5 p.m.
Management focuses on processes. Leadership focuses on people. In this opening session, participants explore impactful leadership by examining various leadership styles and how they inspire vision, model values, and prioritize the needs of others. Participants will learn practical strategies to apply these styles in their own contexts to foster growth, collaboration, and high performance while empowering others to exceed expectations.
August 27th: 1 – 5 p.m.
This interactive session explores how effective leaders use motivation to elevate performance. Participants examine key motivational models, performance management strategies, and the impact of meaningful feedback and rewards. Through practical application, they will learn how to deliver constructive feedback and create an environment that drives engagement, accountability, and improved results.
September 10th: 1 – 5 p.m.
Effective leadership begins with self-awareness. In this session, participants explore how their personality style shapes communication, problem-solving, conflict management, and relationship-building. By understanding how their natural tendencies impact team dynamics, participants will learn how to adapt their leadership approach to strengthen relationships, improve alignment, and drive stronger organizational performance.
September 24th: 1 – 5 p.m.
In today’s evolving workplace, change is constant. This session equips leaders with practical strategies to navigate organizational transformation by combining strong leadership principles with effective change management practices. Participants will explore the dynamics of change, learn how to motivate teams through transition, identify barriers to progress, and strengthen their leadership during times of uncertainty.
October 8th: 1 – 5 p.m.
Coaching is a powerful yet often underutilized leadership strategy. In this session, participants develop essential coaching skills to guide and empower employees toward higher levels of performance. They will learn how to foster a culture of continuous growth, increase engagement, and integrate coaching practices into their leadership approach to unlock potential and drive sustainable results.
October 22nd: 1 – 5 p.m.
Conflict, when approached effectively, can strengthen teams and improve outcomes. In this session, participants examine their personal conflict perspectives and how those views shape their leadership approach. They will learn how to leverage diverse viewpoints to enhance critical thinking, strengthen communication, and transform conflict into opportunities for innovation and improved team performance.
November 5th: 1 – 5 p.m.
High-performing teams do not happen by accident. In this session, participants explore the dynamics that shape team effectiveness and the leadership behaviors that influence success. They will identify common barriers such as unclear roles, poor communication, and unresolved conflict, and develop proactive strategies to strengthen collaboration and guide teams through the stages of development.
November 19th: 1 – 5 p.m.
Leadership development is a continuous journey. In this final session, participants reflect on their growth, strengthen authentic leader-follower relationships, and create actionable plans for sustained development. The focus is on earning trust, maintaining momentum, and translating what was learned into lasting impact within their organizations and communities.
December 3rd: 12 – 4 p.m.
Your organization must approve and register you to participate. The class is structured for higher engagement with instructors and personalized attention. The registration deadline is 24 hours prior to the first session.
Participation: Class size and seats are limited.
A Selection Committee will choose participants based on their leadership potential, motivation, ability to identify and solve IT challenges, and interest in the program.
Joining AIM is not required to apply. However, AIM membership is necessary to join the Elevate Academy. If you are selected and your organization is not an AIM member, the membership team will contact you, and you will need to complete a membership agreement with fees before the orientation.
Participants cannot begin the program without a current AIM membership.
For more info email: elevate@aiminstitute.org
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Payment:
Payment is due at the time of registration. AIM will consider alternative payment arrangements upon request. All requests must be submitted via email and include the circumstances that warrant a payment plan.
Refunds:
Withdraw 45 days or more before the first class to receive a full refund.
Withdraw between 44 and 31 days before the first class to receive a 50% refund.
No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made 30 days or less before the first class.
Transfers:
Registration may be transferred to a colleague at any time.
""The program opens your eyes to the everyday life of leadership and measures whether you have it in you to be a leader.”"
"“The entire class experience was amazing and worthwhile. If you are a manager or are thinking about pursuing leadership, this class is a must.”"
