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Leadership Certificate Program


Leadership Certificate Program Details 
Applications for the 2022 Program are now closed. Applications for the 2023 program will open in Fall 2022
DISCUS Academy is dedicated to developing leaders who are committed to improving the industry and themselves through the Developing Leaders and Executive Leadership Programs. The Leadership Program is an eight-month commitment consisting of virtual and in-person elements. Below is a list of program components, along with the program costs. 

Executive Leadership Program
Program Fee: Members - $6,500 / Nonmembers - $8,500

The Executive Leadership Program is designed for experienced professionals with at least 5-7 years of experience, during which they have demonstrated responsibility for cross-functional leadership and/or strategy-level decision-making in the distilled spirits industry. The certificate will build upon your leadership skills and develop your ability to communicate strategy, negotiate skillfully, influence team behaviors, and deliver results. The program will ensure you have the right blend of soft skills and a strategic mindset to achieve performance outcomes at your company. Participation in this program is not contingent upon completing the Developing Leadership Program.

2022 Program Components:
*Program dates will be confirmed prior to the start of the program and participants will be notified

March Introductory Meeting (2-hrs)
March Predictive Index Workshop (4-hrs)
April Leading for Business Results (2-hrs)
April Challenge of Change (2-hrs)
May Diversity & Inclusion Training (4-hrs)
May Diversity & Inclusion Training (4-hrs)
June 7-10 DISCUS Annual Conference (optional)
June - September University of Kentucky Leadership Programming
June Monthly Cohort Call (1-hr)
July Monthly Cohort Call (1-hr)
August Monthly Cohort Call (1-hr)
September Monthly Cohort Call (1-hr)
October Leadership Retreat (mandatory) 
2022 Program Deliverables
  • University of Kentucky Gatton Business School Program Certificate
  • Predictive Index Report & Content
  • Executive Leadership Training
  • Leading with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program
  • Leadership Retreat (hotel and meals included in program fee)
  • DISCUS Academy Leadership Certificate
  • Connected and engaged cohort
  • Better understanding of the self
  • Tools to develop skilled leadership
Developing Leadership Program
Program Fee: Members - $4,000 / Nonmembers - $6,500

The Developing Leadership Program is designed for any professional with an interest in growing their leadership skills. This program will transform early stage managers into true leaders, by learning your leadership style, developing interpersonal skills, and understanding how to build and manage a high-performance team. Entrepreneurs, new managers, and employees with limited management experience are encouraged to apply. 

2022 Program Components:
*Program dates will be confirmed prior to the start of the program and participants will be notified
March Introductory Meeting (2-hrs)
March Type Indicator Workshop (4 hrs)
April CEO Insights and Culture (2 hrs)
April Stress and Health as a Leader (2 hrs)
May Dare to Lead Leadership Training (4-hrs)
May Dare to Lead Leadership Training (4-hrs)
June 7-10, 2022 DISCUS Annual Conference (optional)
June - September Cornell University Leadership Programming
June Cohort Call (1-hr)
July Cohort Call (1-hr)
August Cohort Call (1-hr)
September Cohort Call (1-hr)
October Leadership Retreat (mandatory) 


2022 Program Deliverables
  • Cornell University Program Certificate
  • Type Indicator Report
  • Dare to Lead Certificate of Completion
  • Leadership Retreat (hotel and meals included in program fee)
  • DISCUS Academy Leadership Certificate
  • Connected and engaged cohort
  • Better understanding of the self
  • Tools to develop skilled leadership
Application Dates:
Applications are now open for the 2022 Leadership Program. Applications will be accepted through 11:59pm, January 21, 2022.

Applicants will be chosen based on the following criteria:
  • Demonstrated leadership potential, initiative and commitment to the industry.
  • Those who are emerging leaders seeking opportunities to grow and develop.
  • Applicants should be prepared to engage in self-reflection and introspective work required by this course and be prepared to put their leadership commitment into action following the program.
  • Only candidates who commit to the involvement and participation in the entire program will be considered.
  • In selection, we seek diversity in all aspects (to maximize diversity of the cohort
In addition, for Executive Leadership Certificate Program:
  • 5-7 years management experience
  • Demonstrated responsibility for cross-functional leadership and/or strategy-level decision-making
DISCUS Academy is committed to upholding the principles of diversity and equality in all areas of its work, seeking to ensure that all participants and other stakeholders are treated fairly and equally at all times. In accordance with this policy, women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

To apply, please click on the application below. You will first be directed to pay the application fee before accessing the application.