Hawai‘i Leadership Academy: Preparing Executives for the Future
In the idyllic setting of Hawai‘i, a transformative program is gearing up to elevate the leadership landscape. The Hawai‘i Leadership Academy is an intensive training experience tailored for seasoned executives including vice presidents, directors, and senior managers, equipping them for even more significant roles within their organizations.
While many programs focus on first-time managers or emerging leaders steeped in local culture, the Academy addresses a crucial gap in executive education. It focuses on modern business essentials like strategic decision-making, financial acumen, agile leadership, change management, and the integration of AI and future trends. Notably, participants will have the privilege of learning from some of Hawai‘i’s most distinguished business leaders, bringing practical experience to theoretical knowledge.
The Academy will unfold over five half-day sessions, held each Friday morning for five consecutive weeks, and is a collaboration between the Hawaii Employers Council and Hawaii Business Magazine. This partnership came about from a shared vision to nurture executives with at least five years of managerial experience—those emerging leaders poised for growth in challenging environments.
Transformative Learning Experience
“Unlike other programs, the Leadership Academy provides highly curated, immersive learning experiences and insights from C-suite executives,” says Sarah Guay, president and CEO of the Hawaii Employers Council. This program masterfully intertwines skill-building with strategic leadership development, emphasizing intentional networking—ensuring that participants leave not just with knowledge, but also with vital professional connections that can foster organizational growth.
Limited class sizes are a deliberate design choice aimed at offering a tailored learning experience. Tracie Foglia, the Academy’s leader on curriculum development, emphasizes the importance of enrolling individuals at the director level and beyond—those who are crucial to steering business growth and nurturing workplace culture. It’s particularly well-suited for professionals eager to refine their leadership approach and expand their executive network.
Foglia elaborates, “Participants will learn practical, real-world strategies to navigate both current and future challenges, equipping them with tools necessary for leading high-performing teams and fostering employee engagement.” Attendees will glean insights from top leaders, adapting lessons to fit the unique context of Hawai‘i’s business landscape, while also gaining access to a growing network of Alumni that enhances their leadership journey.
Guay adds a vital point: “Access to other cohort members provides a broader understanding of how leadership concepts apply across various organizations, significantly enhancing their learning experience.” They will also earn a certificate, symbolizing their commitment to excellence in local leadership—a credential that will gain prestige as more cohorts pass through the Academy.
Upcoming Sessions and Costs
The first cohort’s sessions are slated for Fridays, specifically on September 12, 19, 26, and October 3 and 10. Networking sessions will begin at 7 a.m., with training activities running from 8 a.m. to noon, primarily hosted at the Hawaii Employers Council’s headquarters in Honolulu.
The investment for each participant is set at $3,500, with an early bird discount of $500 available for those who enroll by June 1. After this date, a 10% discount will be offered to nonprofit organizations. Interested individuals can register for the program via hecouncil.org/LeadershipAcademy2025 or reach out to Foglia through email at tfoglia@hecouncil.org.
A Unique Inaugural Experience
Though the Academy aims to run biannually, Guay notes that the inaugural cohort holds a special significance. “Participating in a foundational cohort fosters a unique pride and a stronger network that drives the evolution of the program,” she explains. The singular experience of being part of the first cohort creates a foundation for future development initiatives and bolsters collaboration among participants.
The Need for Advanced Leadership Training
In an era where employee engagement is critically low on a national scale, organizations recognize the urgency of retaining leadership talent. Guay highlights this issue, stating, “In Hawai‘i, retaining experienced leaders is crucial—we must focus on keeping our exemplary employees and leaders rather than continuously searching for replacements.”
Publisher Kent Coules of Hawaii Business agrees, asserting that the Leadership Academy equips participants with the skills to confidently navigate increased responsibilities and make a significant impact on their teams and organizations. Foglia echoes this sentiment, describing the enriching experience gained from interacting with a cohort of fellow leaders, enhancing both individual and collective insights.
The program emphasizes an efficient approach to learning—offering roughly 20 hours of concentrated, interactive sessions designed for leaders to engage with real challenges while applying key insights. This dynamic structure ensures participants not only absorb knowledge but also seamlessly integrate it into their leadership roles.
