The Hawaii Leadership Academy is Proudly Presented in Partnership With Our Sponsors:
The Hawaii Leadership Academy is created for Hawaii leaders who want to develop and grow their executive skillsets. An exclusive program, the Hawaii Leadership Academy is created for director-level and above professionals from across the state in all industries and organizations. Offering professional development, strategic leadership growth, intentional networking opportunities, and exposure to Hawaii’s top leaders, the Hawaii Leadership Academy is thrilled to launch its second cohort Spring 2026.
The Hawaii Leadership Academy is a five-week, in-person, half-day dynamic program designed to elevate careers through increased leadership understanding and capacity. The cohort consists of five immersive Friday sessions from September 11 – October 9, 2026. Networking begins at 7 a.m., with focused sessions from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. To ensure a personalized and impactful experience, the cohort size is intentionally limited.
This exclusive academy is tailored for enterprising professionals, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth, leadership development, and insights from esteemed C-suite guest speakers.
Participants will benefit from:
-
Personal and professional development, harnessing their innate leadership strengths.
- Engaging guest speakers, providing fresh perspectives and invaluable leadership insights.
- A powerful professional network, connecting with like-minded peers from diverse industries and organizations.
This transformative experience is designed to inspire growth, expand leadership potential, and foster meaningful connections.
Featured Speakers:
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Jason Chang
President & CEO
The Queen's Health Systems
|
Bob Harrison
Chairman,
President & CEO
First Hawaiian Bank
|
Wendy F. Hensel
President
University of Hawai'i
|
Lori M.K. Kahikina
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
City and County of Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
|
Aaron J. Sala
President & CEO
Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau
|
|
|
Location:
Hawaii Employers Council
2682 Waiwai Loop
Honolulu, HI 96819
*An additional location may be added in Honolulu for the final capstone session.
Agenda:
Session 1: Leadership Impact: Self, Organization, Hawaii – Friday, September 11, 2026
- Networking, check-in, and coffee
- Welcome and introductions
- Agile Leadership for Today
Wearing the multiple hats of leader/manager/coach
Building leadership trust & credibility
Coaching to success and feedback
- Shift in leadership expectations
Holistic well-being
Remote, hybrid teams
People-centric
- Leadership Talk Story with a renowned Hawaii leader
- Community Kuleana
Leadership role & reputation in our community
- Key takeaways & homework assignment
Session 2: Leading through Talent & Culture – Friday, September 18, 2026
- Networking, check-in, and coffee
- Building Talent Strategies to attract & hire the right employees
- Developing a work culture of engagement
Business impacts
Best practices to foster retention through engagement
- Leadership Talk Story with a renowned Hawaii leader
- Winning Organizational Culture
Growing and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders
Appreciation, recognition, & team building
Work-life balance, wellness, and resilience
Key takeaways & homework assignment
Session 3: Leadership Variations – Friday, September 25, 2026
- Networking, check-in, and coffee
- Understanding personal and teamwork preferences & behaviors
Meeting others where they want to be met for improved communication, understanding, and results
- Achieving results through others
Delegation strategies that work
- Influential leadership
Inspiring results from those that don’t directly report to you
- Leadership Talk Story with a renowned contrasting two different leaders
- Leading through Change
Change management best practices
Process improvement tools
- Key takeaways & homework assignment
Session 4: Leading to Preferences – Friday, October 2, 2026
- Networking, check-in, and coffee
- Leading a multi-generational workforce
Nuances and coaching strategies
Communication preferences
Fostering mentorship & succession
- Leadership Talk Story with a renowned Hawaii leader
- Empathy & Emotional Intelligence in leadership
- Healthy Conflict for Success
Conflict styles & resolution skills
- Key takeaways & homework assignment
Session 5: Leadership Strategy – Friday, October 9, 2026
- Networking, check-in, and coffee
- Strategic Thinking & Decision Making
- Elevating your Leadership Teach-back
- Leadership in Action: Applying the Hawaii Leadership Academy Lessons & Experiences
- Graduation celebration
Registration:
Non-Profit: $3,000
Regular: $3,500
The registration deadline is September 2, 2026, or until all 30 seats are filled, whichever occurs first.
How to Register:
-
Members: Please sign in to your account and select Register.
-
Non-Members: To register, please create a free guest account or sign in if you have joined us before.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations and refund requests will not be accepted starting from September 2, 2026. There will be no refunds or rescheduling options for No Shows.
Please register online by signing in and then selecting "Register."