Dartmouth LEADS

About the Program

Through the Dartmouth LEADS program, participants will attend:

• Learning Days: Full, in-person learning days that introduce concepts, skills, and tools to support project development journey.
• Coaching Days: Structured and facilitated coaching sessions creating an intentional space for collaborative problem-solving, strategic feedback, and peer support.

Participants can expect to get the following from the Dartmouth LEADS program:

• Developed Project Plan: A real initiative you will implement with confidence and executive-level perspective.
• Leadership Skills: Practical capabilities in communication, strategy, influence, coaching, and more.
• Professional Development: Increased confidence and skills that enable you to expand your role when the time comes.
• Peer Network: Meaningful connections with peers across Dartmouth.

LEADS Nomination Process

Nominations will open November 2026.

More information to come.

TESTIMONIALS

"Being a member of the 23-24 LEADS Cohort was a truly pivotal experience for me as far as professional growth and development. Prior to joining the program, I was advancing in my career, but I struggled with self-confidence and relationship management as my positions became more visible within the organization. The assessments we completed during the LEADS program, coupled with the support of the cohort, allowed me the space to explore my strengths and identify the areas of growth opportunities. Additionally, the expansive panel of monthly speakers not only helped to decode a lot of these assessments, but offered practical, applicable tools that I could incorporate into my daily workflow immediately, with great results. As the program progressed, I could feel a difference in my confidence and demeanor in the workplace, and others around me took notice as well. At the conclusion of the program, which culminated in presenting my Action Learning Project, I was excited to stand in front of my cohort and present – something that I would never have been able to say prior to this program. On top of this professional growth, I have gained a network of peers that I can rely on for support and networking going forward. Overall, the LEADS program has proven invaluable to me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to further their leadership skills."

- Kristin Harrington (23-24 Cohort) 

"For me, the opportunity to participate in LEADS was a privilege that I am truly grateful for. The LEADS experience has set me up to be a confident and self-aware leader. The pace and design of the curriculum and experiences across the 9-month program gave me the time to engage, dig deep, and grow as a leader. From the very beginning of the application process, it was clear that LEADS was a well-organized and thoughtfully designed program; the first session really brought this to light as every small detail about the events of the day and the comfort of the participants had been thoroughly considered. 

In the members of my cohort, I found a wealth of knowledge and experience from different parts of Dartmouth that gave me insights in a broad variety of leadership challenges and mindsets. The extent to which we were able to be vulnerable with each other speaks to the effectiveness of exercises and activities that built a sense of physiological safety within our cohort and we hope to continue learning from each other going forward. I will continue to work on distilling the myriad lessons learned from LEADS.

The wide variety of speakers and coaches that I was able to interact with and learn from really helped me reflect on my strengths and add more skills to my leadership toolkit. I especially appreciated the opportunity to take the various leadership and personality surveys and then have the time to reflect on the results with experts in the area. LEADS focus was to find the best version of myself through the lens of leadership and not to worry about trying to fit into a prescribed version of a leader. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in leadership and I especially recommend it to those who aspire to be better leaders."

- Lilly Linden (23-24 Cohort)

"Participating in the 2023/24 LEADS cohort was an enriching experience, both personally and professionally. Motivated by a desire to take on new leadership responsibilities and build my leadership capabilities, I pursued the opportunity on strong recommendations from past participants.

LEADS utilized several personal assessments and a particularly impactful one for me was the Change Style Indicator assessment. My high Originator score stood out in our cohort, helping me understand my unique approach to change within my team, Dartmouth, and in higher education broadly. This insight has been crucial for improving my communication with those having different change style profiles.

The diverse backgrounds of cohort members brought perspectives from professionals across various campus departments, creating a dynamic environment where we could challenge and support each other’s ideas. Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington’s 4 "I"s of Oppression model, examining Ideological, Institutional, Interpersonal, and Internalized oppression, was particularly in our collective ongoing work to enhance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

One thing that LEADS emphasized is that leader is not necessarily a formal title but can happen from anywhere. Leading from where you are invited me to find and use my "leaderful voice" to confidently share my insights. Through my Action Learning Project, I developed Inspirational Leadership, which has been pivotal in a cross-campus project I was selected to lead following the program. 

The program cultivated a strong sense of community through monthly in-person meetings, small group discussions, accountable partners meetings, puzzle challenges, and many shared meals. The LEADS Cohort became a close-knit community, providing support not only in our professional lives, but through significant life events, such as welcoming a new baby and dealing with illness. 

Overall, the Dartmouth LEADS program has equipped me with the skills and confidence to embrace greater responsibilities and inspire others to grow as leaders. I highly recommend this program to anyone aiming to enhance their leadership abilities."

- Michael Goudzwaard (23-24 Cohort)

"Participating in the LEADS Cohort has profoundly impacted me both personally and professionally. Even before the first session, it was clear that the professional development team leading our cohort invested a lot of time, energy, and thought into designing a high-quality, enriching learning and growth experience. Our cohort was comprised of professionals from across Dartmouth, ensuring that our discussions and learning experiences were powerful and represented a diverse set of perspectives. One of the most significant aspects of the program was its emphasis on self-awareness and personal growth. Through various assessments and reflective exercises, I gained a deeper awareness of, and confidence in, my strengths, areas for improvement, and leadership style. This self-awareness has been invaluable in helping me become a more effective and self-assured leader. LEADS also provided practical tools and strategies that I could immediately apply in my role. Additionally, the program fostered a strong sense of community and support among participants. Networking and building relationships with other leaders were incredibly rewarding, as we shared experiences, offered advice, and supported each other throughout the journey. I now have a network of trusted peers to turn to for guidance and support. Overall, the Dartmouth LEADS program has equipped me with the skills and confidence to take on greater responsibilities and inspired me to continue growing as a leader. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities."

- Courtney Rogers (23-24 Cohort)

"Dartmouth LEADS provided an experiential learning opportunity that allowed me to focus on and develop my natural strengths as an effective leader.  The program also fostered valuable connections with others from across the Dartmouth community. I am now able to connect, learn with and from, other College leaders across the campus. The program created time and space to develop my leadership skills, exposing me to new ways of thinking about what it means to be a leader. I am grateful for having been nominated to be part of the program and to continue my learning in partnership with my cohort as we continue to stay connected. I highly recommend Dartmouth LEADS for those seeking to bolster or refine their leadership style and gain confidence in applying and teaching others their newfound skills."

- Megan Holthoff (23-24 Cohort)