About the Collective

To view the 2023 Leadership Collective application, click here.

AUDIENCE

The intended audience of the program includes all AIA Austin emerging professionals, with a preference given to those who have worked 5 to 10 years in the field. The class of 20 participants will be selected in order to achieve as diverse a group as possible with respect to the knowledge and insight they bring to the table. This group may include up to five Allied Member participants from professions related to architecture.

"For me, LC was an opportunity to check in with myself and my colleagues at a critical point in our careers.  I'm grateful for this program because it provides education, fellowship, equity-training, and support for people who are at a point in their profession when there aren't other opportunities like this." - Christy Taylor, Alumni

LEADERSHIP LAB

Participants will be expected to carry out a series of Leadership Experiments that are relevant to their goals, and allows them to directly apply and test session content. Participants are encouraged to be bold and push beyond their comfort zone. These Experiments may be individual, or involve a larger group with interested professionals in their own firm or professional network. The Leadership Lab model not only strengthens skills learned through practice but also amplifies the program’s impact. 

"Unlike other leadership programs and opportunities, the Leadership Collective is applicable to anyone truly interested in making a difference in their respective discipline." - Marek Hnizda, Alumni

LEADING SELF / LEADING OTHERS / LEADING THROUGH SYSTEMS

The progression of the program expands in scope through the principal topics of Leading Self, Leading Others, and Leading Systems. Each session utilizes active learning and targets the development of at least one immediately executable skill. This model equips participants with the skills and networks needed to attain larger systemic impact in the professional community.

Leading Self
Sessions focus on building self-awareness, setting benchmark program metrics, identifying personal strengths, and teaching effective feedback skills. By introducing these topics early, the program encourages ongoing, effective feedback both among participants and with regard to the program content and delivery.
Leading Others
Sessions focus on the development of skills surrounding participants’ interactions with others, leveraging personal strengths to create cohesive and effective relationships, teams, and groups.
Leading Systems
Sessions focus on analyzing, working within, and building systems to effect adaptive change. This may include keynote speaker sessions open to the broader professional community. Participants will each identify a specific and meaningful leadership challenge to use as a case study in applying program content.

"Being part of the Leadership Collective is like having a backstage pass to life." - Kelly Arnold, Alumni