Elevated Leadership:
More information
Elevated Leadership is a leadership training program created by the nonprofit sector, for the nonprofit sector—designed to support leaders in rising to meet these challenges. Whether navigating difficult conversations, developing a team, leading through uncertainty, or simply trying to stay grounded amidst competing demands, leaders will find practical tools, trusted peers, meaningful support, and a community that understands the realities of nonprofit leadership.
Session Dates
In-Person Sessions (in Calgary)
Lab #1: Thursday, October 1, 1-5pm and Friday, October 2, 9am to 4pm
Lab#2: Thursday, October 15, 9am to 4pm
Lab #3: Thursday, October 29, 9am to 4pm
Lab #4: Thursday, November 12, 9am to 4pm
Lab #5: Thursday, November 26, 9am to 4pm
Virtual Follow-Up Events
December 2026, Date TBD, 2 hours
January 2027, Date TBD, 2 hours
Session Outlines
Intake Conversations
Individual Intake Meeting and Conversation
Confidential one-on-one conversation with program facilitator.
These conversations help:
• Clarify personal leadership goals
• Identify current leadership challenges
• Explore areas for growth and development
• Build connection and trust
Every participant begins with a confidential one-on-one conversation with a program facilitator. The insights gathered help facilitators understand the needs of each individual and as a result shape the learning of the cohort by tailoring examples, discussions, and learning activities to maximize relevance and impact.
Lab #3
Building Capacity, Accountability and Shared Ownership
(How to Develop People Without Carrying Everything Yourself)
Common Challenges
• Delegating effectively
• Developing future leaders
• Accountability gaps
• Staff dependency
• Carrying too much responsibility
Learning Focus
• Develop people through coaching and support
• Delegate effectively while maintaining accountability
• Build ownership and initiative within teams
• Create conditions for others to succeed
• Reduce dependency on the leader
Lab #1: Launch
Leading with Purpose, Presence and Resilience
(How to Stay Grounded When Everything Feels Urgent)
Common Challenges
• Overwhelm from competing priorities
• Difficulty maintaining boundaries
• Leadership fatigue and burnout
• Firefighting and reactive leadership
• Feeling isolated in leadership
Learning Focus
• Leadership strengths and personal leadership style
• Purpose, values, and motivation
• Resilience and capacity management
• Building trusted relationships and community
• Supporting others through listening and coaching
Lab #4
Leading Through Complexity and Change
(How to Lead When the Path Isn't Clear - and Get Clarity)
Common Challenges
• Organizational change
• Uncertainty and ambiguity
• Stakeholder conflict
• Competing priorities
• Strategic decision-making
Learning Focus
• Navigate uncertainty and complexity with grace
• Understand the systems influencing results
• Lead change more effectively
• Engage stakeholders more productively
• Make better decisions when there are no obvious answers
Lab #2
Courageous Conversations and Accountability
(How to Say What Needs to Be Said in Difficult Times)
Common Challenges
• Having difficult conversations
• Performance management
• Conflict resolution
• Addressing toxic behaviours
• Building accountability
Learning Focus
• Navigate difficult conversations
• Address conflict constructively
• Give feedback that strengthens accountability
• Build trust while addressing difficult issues
• Understand the personal patterns that can get in the way
Lab #5
Sustaining Leadership and Growing Impact
(How to Keep Going Without Experiencing Burn Out)
Common Challenges
• Burnout and fatigue
• Leadership isolation
• Maintaining motivation and energy
• Long-term sustainability
• Balancing organizational and personal wellbeing
Learning Focus
• Sustain themselves through demanding leadership roles
• Build practices that support resilience and wellbeing
• Continue growing as a leader
• Strengthen support networks
• Create a long-term leadership development plan
Program Highlights
Throughout the Elevated Leadership program, you will engage in practical learning experiences designed to strengthen your ability to lead at multiple levels—within yourself, your organization, and the broader community.
Leading Self
Develop a deeper understanding of your leadership strengths, values, and patterns through guided reflection and assessment. Strengthen your ability to lead with purpose and build resilience using practical tools and strategies to navigate challenges and setbacks.
Leading Others
Enhance your communication and relational skills through real-time practice and peer learning. Build confidence in navigating team dynamics, giving and receiving feedback, and managing difficult conversations in a constructive and supportive way.
Leading Teams & Organizations
Strengthen your ability to lead within your organization by exploring real-world leadership scenarios and challenges. Learn practical approaches to aligning people and priorities, contributing to healthy workplace cultures, and engaging effectively with stakeholders, including boards.
Leading in Systems
Expand your perspective beyond your organization by examining the broader nonprofit and community landscape. Practice applying systems thinking to complex issues, building partnerships, and working collaboratively across organizations and sectors.
Sustaining Leadership Practice
Apply your learning throughout the program to your own leadership context. Develop a personalized Leadership Plan, reflect on your progress, and identify clear next steps to support your continued growth and impact.
ROI for Organizations
Participants emerge from Elevated Leadership with the mindset, skills, and confidence to create meaningful impact within their organizations and the broader nonprofit sector.
As a result, they are better equipped to:
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Inspire and align others around a shared vision and mission, translating purpose into clear direction and action.
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Foster healthy, inclusive workplace cultures that support engagement, trust, and performance.
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Lead and develop high-performing teams, leveraging strengths and supporting growth in others.
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Navigate change and complexity with greater confidence, adapting to evolving organizational and sector challenges.
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Build and sustain strong relationships with stakeholders, including colleagues, boards, partners, and community collaborators.
About the
Partnership
Elevated Leadership is delivered through a collaborative partnership between Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) in Edmonton and IntegralOrg in Calgary.
Together, we are proud to offer “sister” programs in both Edmonton and Calgary—designed with a shared leadership framework while being tailored to reflect the needs and strengths of each local nonprofit community.
This collaboration is made possible through the generous support of RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), whose investment helps strengthen leadership capacity across Alberta’s nonprofit sector.
