Step out of your everyday context and into a dynamic five-day learning community. Here you will become steeped in new thinking and new ways of approaching your challenges, and make connections with innovative leaders from across sectors and around the world. You will leave with the the insights, tools, and practices that will strengthen your leadership and help you engage more effectively in your workplace and your world.

The Institute sets the stage by bringing together elements that cultivate hospitality, inquiry, nowness, and courage. True hospitality welcomes all aspects of ourselves, as well as the differences that others present. A culture of inquiry invites our real questions and curiosity. We recognize that sometimes we must stay with not-knowing and ambiguity long enough to allow for real insight and solutions to emerge. Nowness is the environment we create when we are fully present to ourselves, each other, and the challenges we face. All of these qualities require courage – to be genuine, to take risks, and to act with clarity and decisiveness, even in the midst of turmoil and change.

This year's Summer Institute will weave themes of natural wealth, sustainable economies, and story-telling throughout the week. We look forward to critical conversations and rich learning that will sustain and empower our work in the months to come.

How it works

This five-day intensive features 15-hour modules led by internationally recognized and respected leaders working at the edge of emerging new fields. Choose the module that best addresses your current leadership challenge and focus.

Action Inquiry: Transformational Leadership in the Midst of Action
with Bill Torbert & Mary Stacey

The Art of Hosting Conversations and Collaborations Across Generations
with Monica Nissén, Chris Corrigan, & Tim Merry

Coping with Chaos: Tools and Practices from Human Systems Dynamics
with Glenda Eoyang & Wendy Morris

Embodied Leadership – Empowered Life
with Wendy Palmer

Leader as Coach
with Sarita Chawla & James Flaherty

Leader as Shambhala Warrior
with Margaret Wheatley, James Gimian, & Jerry Granelli

Organizational Trust: Cultivating Authenticity, Commitment, and Collaboration
with Ruben Perczek, Susan Skjei, & Steve Clorfeine

Each morning begins with a 45-minute session of mindfulness meditation, which clears the way for fresh insight and authentic communication. Two creative process workshops engage the intelligence of the body and the senses, while freeing up creativity. The arts are also woven throughout the five-day schedule. Plenary dialogues and keynotes inject big-picture thinking and tap into the collective experience and intelligence of the program community. These sessions are planned and announced during the months preceding the Summer Institute. Meal breaks are times for networking and conversations indoors and outside on the university patios and grounds. Wooded walking trails crisscross the university campus, and the on-site fitness center is open throughout the day. For the mid-program open evening, you have the option of exploring historic Halifax or joining a coastal kayak and barbecue outing. The evening schedule also includes a dance featuring Nova Scotian talent, a cash bar on most evenings, and a closing banquet.

Why attend

• Learn how to engage others in more effective and meaningful ways of convening, organizing, and getting the work done.
• Strengthen the core of your leadership and learn how to sustain your authentic leadership presence and awareness in challenging environments.
• Tap into the experience and wisdom of an inspired community of leaders and change agents.
• Return to your home context with the clarity, openness, confidence, skills, and relationships needed to achieve your goals.

Schedule

The program begins with dinner on June 21 and concludes with a celebratory banquet on June 26, with departure on the 27th. Here is the Schedule Overview.

Who else will be there

250 forward-thinking leaders and change agents from business, government, education, NGOs, and civil society. Here is a partial list of organizations that have been represented at previous ALIA Institute programs.

Program fee: $2800 - early reg fee held over

All fees are in Canadian dollars. Includes program tuition and meals (except for dinner on June 24). Reasonably priced dorm accommodations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For details, and for other options, see Accommodations and Travel, at left. See the Registration page for cancellation policy.

Discounts: A 10% discount is available to teams of three or more from the same organization. A 10% discount is also available to employees of nonprofit organizations or educational institutions, and to full-time students.

Coaching option

Four one-on-one sessions with an Institute-affiliated coach will help you make the most of your program experience and maintain the momentum of your learning in your home setting. Click here for more information.

How to register

• Choose your module and consider taking advantage of the coaching option and the pre-program, Stories that Transform".
• Register online or by fax. Early registration discounts apply. Some modules fill early, so be sure to indicate your second module choice.
• Reserve on-site accommodations at the program venue, Mount Saint Vincent University, by sending an email to reservations@msvu.ca
• Questions? Email us or call +1-902-425-0492.