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AIM Leadership is AIM Institute’s leadership development platform designed to strengthen individuals and organizations through applied, industry-aligned learning. Built for professionals at multiple stages of their leadership journey, AIM Leadership delivers a structured, cohort-based experience that develops the skills required to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Grounded in real-world application, the program emphasizes strategic thinking, effective communication, and practical decision-making. Participants engage with experienced facilitators, industry leaders, and a network of peers, creating an environment that supports reflection, collaboration, and immediate application in the workplace.

AIM Leadership is intentionally designed as a leadership continuum, offering progressive pathways that support both emerging leaders and experienced professionals. Each program builds on the next, ensuring participants can continue to grow their leadership capacity over time while driving measurable outcomes within their organizations.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

01
Foundations of Leadership

02
Impact Leadership

Sessions

  1. Orientation – Embracing impactful leadership and different leadership styles

  2. The Look of Leadership – Understanding personality and leadership effectiveness

  3. Motivating Performance – Unlocking motivation, feedback, and performance management

  4. Changing Leadership – Navigating organizational change
    Performance Coaching – Applying coaching skills to drive engagement and growth

  5. Leading Through Conflict – Leveraging conflict to enhance problem-solving and communication

  6. Developing Your Team – Building high-performing teams and addressing team challenges

  7. Action Leadership and Graduation – Planning ongoing leadership growth and earning trust

  8. Graduation – Reflection, guest speakers, and certificate presentation

Register

See Foundations One Pager

Foundations of Leadership

Ideal for high-performing individual contributors, rising leaders, first-time managers with limited experience in leading teams, and professionals looking to refine their leadership skills, this program provides practical tools and insights to effectively lead teams, departments, and organizations. Whether you are stepping into leadership for the first time or seeking a refresher, this experience will equip you with the confidence and skills needed to lead with impact.

    • Total Sessions: 8 workshops

    • Duration per Session: 4 hours

    • Total Program Hours: 32 hours

    • Delivery Format: In-person, cohort-based

    • Start Date: August, 2026

    • Instructors:

      Mike Freel, PhD

      Nicole Winkler, EdD

    • Also instructing:

      Leadership Steering Committee

  • Digital badge from Bellevue University

  • 32 hours in-session, plus additional time for reflection and exercises

Sessions

  1. Orientation and the Shape of Leadership – Explore senior-level leadership styles and develop leadership plans

  2. 360° Feedback for Leaders – Design assessments and develop action plans from feedback

  3. Creating a Coaching Culture – Apply coaching strategies to enhance engagement and performance

  4. Leveraging Your Personality Type – Self-awareness, team dynamics, and leveraging diverse perspectives

  5. Strategic Leadership – Linking operations to strategy, driving organizational impact

  6. Conflict Through Divergent Perspectives – Using conflict to improve problem-solving, communication, and culture

  7. Leading Teams – Developing high-performing teams and leadership influence

  8. The Ascent Continues… – Continuous growth, reflection, and planning for ongoing leadership development

  9. Executive Leadership Panel – Peer discussion and insights from seasoned leaders

  10. Graduation – Reflection, guest speakers, and certificate presentation

360° assessments guide development and coaching sessions

Cohort-based model encourages peer learning and networking

Executive coaching supports practical application

Digital badges issued by Bellevue University for program completion

Impact Leadership

Impact is the flagship leadership development program offered by the AIM Institute, specifically designed for seasoned professionals aiming for top leadership roles. In partnership with Bellevue University, this immersive experience combines executive coaching, comprehensive 360-degree feedback, strategic planning, and advanced leadership theory into a transformative journey. Through engaging, in-person sessions, participants will strengthen their ability to influence organizational direction, build resilient teams, handle conflict with poise, and drive innovation through strategic leadership. This program serves as a stepping stone for leaders looking to enhance their impact and help shape the future of their organizations.

    • Total Sessions: 8 workshops + Executive Leadership Panel + Graduation

    • Duration per Workshop: 4 hours (Session 8 is 2 hours; Panel and Graduation each 1 hour)

    • Total Program Hours: 36 hours

    • Delivery Format: In-person, cohort-based

    • Instructors:

      Mike Freel, PhD

      Nicole Winkler, EdD

    • Also instructing:
      Leadership Steering Committee

    • Coaching: Two executive coaching sessions per participant (80 total)

  • Digital badge from Bellevue University

  • 36 hours in-session, plus additional time for 360° assessments and coaching sessions

Register

See Impact One Pager

Steering Committee

  • Bruce Peterson

    Division Director,
    The Reserves Network

  • Russ Wagner

    EVP & Chief Information Officer,
    Farm Credit Services of America

  • Scott Spratlen

    Director of Enterprise Applications,
    AG Processing Inc

  • Katie Badger

    IT Project Manager,
    Valmont Industries

  • Jessica Barry

    Director of Information Technology,
    Conagra Brands

  • Jerry Dempsey

    Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships,
    Bellevue University

  • Charles Kaup

    Director of Education,
    AIM Institute

“I am a more competent leader and more confident in my abilities to lead my teams, organize my responsibilities, and develop my team members than I have ever been.”

Christopher Sebranek Mutual of Omaha

"The most useful resource ever provided to me was this class. The things I learned not only help me personally and professionally but provided the boost to believe in myself in all aspects of my life. My next career move will have the best foundation because of AIM."

Michelle Preston Goodwill Industries

Application Details

  • Your organization must approve and register you to participate. The class is structured for higher engagement with instructors and personalized attention. The registration deadline is 24 hours prior to the first session.

    Participation: Class size and seats are limited.

    A Selection Committee will choose participants based on their leadership potential, motivation, ability to identify and solve IT challenges, and interest in the program.

    Joining AIM is not required to apply. However, AIM membership is necessary to join the Elevate Academy. If you are selected and your organization is not an AIM member, the membership team will contact you, and you will need to complete a membership agreement with fees before the orientation.

    Participants cannot begin the program without a current AIM membership.

    For more info email: elevate@aiminstitute.org

    Cancellation and Refund Policy

    Cancellation and Refund Policy

    Payment:
    Payment is due at the time of registration. AIM will consider alternative payment arrangements upon request. All requests must be submitted via email and include the circumstances that warrant a payment plan.

     

    Refunds:

    Withdraw 45 days or more before the first class to receive a full refund.

    Withdraw between 44 and 31 days before the first class to receive a 50% refund.

    No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made 30 days or less before the first class.

     

    Transfers:
    Registration may be transferred to a colleague at any time.

  • Payment:
    Payment is due at the time of registration. AIM will consider alternative payment arrangements upon request. All requests must be submitted via email and include the circumstances that warrant a payment plan. 

    Refunds:

    Withdraw 45 days or more before the first class to receive a full refund.

    Withdraw between 44 and 31 days before the first class to receive a 50% refund.

    No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made 30 days or less before the first class.

    Transfers:
    Registration may be transferred to a colleague at any time.

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