D-NONE
Executive
Leadership
Institute
8
MONTH
PROGRAM
10-15
PARTICIPENTS
ACCEPTED
$1,750
TUITION INCLUDES
ALL MATERIALS
What We Stand For
DESIGNED AROUND
THREE CORE COMMITMENTS
Mission
Our mission is to develop forward-thinking executives who elevate organizational culture, strengthen community impact, and lead with clarity and intention. We prepare leaders to navigate complexity, inspire teams, and accelerate progress across Richland County.
Relevance
In today’s workplace, leaders must do more than manage; they must intentionally shape culture. The program helps executives adopt the mindsets that drive high-performing teams: clarity, consistency, continuous improvement, and a commitment to bringing out the best in people.
Impact
The Richland Area Executive Leadership Institute equips executives with the mindset, clarity, and practical tools needed to elevate their leadership, strengthen organizational culture, and drive measurable results. Through intentional learning, reflection, and application, executives emerge more strategic, more self-aware, and better prepared to lead high-performing teams with purpose and confidence.
Learning Outcomes
What You’ll Walk Away With
Seven competencies built through guided reflection, practical tools, and real-world application.
01
Leadership Mindset Mastery
Participants understand how mission, culture, and daily leadership behaviors drive organizational performance.
02
Accountability & Ownership
Executives learn practices that strengthen personal accountability and model pride in their work and teams.
03
Adaptive Leadership
Leaders develop tools to navigate change, pursue continuous improvement, and respond effectively to evolving challenges.
04
Culture & Performance Standards
Participants learn how to set, communicate, and reinforce clear expectations that elevate team performance and culture.
05
Strategic Decision-Making
Executives gain methods for making timely, values-aligned decisions that build trust and forward momentum.
06
Constructive Conflict Navigation
Leaders learn techniques to address conflict early, communicate with clarity, and turn tension into productive outcomes.
07
Engagement & Team Connection
Participants acquire strategies to build morale, recognition, and connection that strengthen team cohesion and energy.
Program Partner
BetterCulture Mindset Leadership Program
The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development has partnered with BetterCulture, a nationally recognized leader in executive development and workplace culture transformation. Through this collaboration, participants gain access to cutting-edge, research-driven training designed specifically for senior leaders. The BetterCulture Mindset Leadership Program provides a proven, practical framework that directly links leadership behaviors and organizational culture to measurable business results.
Program Schedule
Eight Sessions,
September–April
Each session focuses on a core principle from the BetterCulture Mindset Leadership framework, giving participants the opportunity to deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their leadership mindset, and apply practical tools that elevate culture and performance. Through this intentional progression, leaders build the clarity, confidence, and consistency needed to positively influence their teams and organizations.
SEP
11
2026
Principle 1
Mission, Culture & Excellence
Leaders set the tone for excellence by aligning daily actions with mission and culture. This principle reinforces the idea that high-performing organizations don’t achieve excellence by accident; they build it through clarity of purpose, intentional behaviors, and consistent leadership modeling. When leaders embody the mission, culture becomes a strategic advantage.
OCT
9
2026
Principle 2
Pride
Pride is the mindset of taking genuine ownership in one’s work, team, and organization. Leaders who demonstrate pride elevate standards, inspire confidence, and create environments where people feel connected to something meaningful. This principle encourages leaders to celebrate wins, honor contributions, and cultivate a sense of belonging.
NOV
13
2026
Principle 3
Growth
Growth-minded leaders embrace learning, feedback, and continuous improvement. They see challenges as opportunities and encourage their teams to stretch beyond comfort zones. This principle strengthens adaptability, innovation, and resilience, qualities essential for navigating today’s rapidly changing workplace.
DEC
11
2026
Principle 4
High Standards
High standards are the backbone of a strong culture. Leaders who uphold clear expectations, follow through consistently, and model excellence create teams that perform with discipline and pride. This principle emphasizes that standards aren’t about perfection; they’re about consistency, clarity, and credibility.
JAN
8
2027
Principle 5
Decisions
Effective leaders make decisions with intention, clarity, and alignment to values. This principle teaches leaders to balance data with judgment, speed with thoughtfulness, and confidence with humility. Strong decision-making builds trust, reduces friction, and keeps teams moving in the right direction.
FEB
12
2027
Principle 6
Conflict
Healthy conflict is essential for growth, innovation, and strong relationships. Leaders who navigate conflict well create psychological safety, address issues early, and turn tension into progress. This principle reframes conflict as a leadership skill, one that strengthens culture when handled with respect and clarity.
MAR
12
2027
Principle 7
Fun
Fun is not a distraction from work; it’s a catalyst for engagement, creativity, and connection. Leaders who intentionally create moments of joy and camaraderie build teams that are energized, collaborative, and committed. This principle reminds leaders that culture thrives when people enjoy working together.
APR
9
2027
Wrap-Up Session
Live Virtual Session with Kim Hoogeveen
The program concludes with a high-impact live virtual session led by Kim Hoogeveen, co-founder of BetterCulture and the 24-year CEO of QLI, a nationally recognized rehabilitation center known for its remarkable workplace culture. He’s a highly sought-after speaker and consultant whose experience spans multi-national companies, high-growth startups, closely held family businesses, and everything in between. This interactive wrap-up reinforces key principles, answers participant questions, and challenges leaders to apply what they’ve learned to move their culture forward. It’s an opportunity to connect the dots, gain executive-level insight, and leave with a clear plan for action.
Your Facilitator
Greg Timberlake, Psy.D.
Greg Timberlake, Psy.D., is a management improvement coach and organizational consultant based in central Ohio, specializing in leadership development, soft-skill coaching, and nonprofit strategy. With a doctorate in psychology focused on organizational development and extensive experience in higher education and executive coaching, Greg helps leaders gain clarity, strengthen communication, and improve team performance. He is a certified DiSC facilitator, a Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute Consultant, and an experienced facilitator of strategic planning and large-group discussions. Through his coaching and consulting practice, Greg supports both nonprofit and for-profit leaders in building capacity, enhancing workplace culture, and navigating transitions with confidence and purpose.
Who Should Apply
Built for Senior Leaders Who Are Ready
The Richland Area Executive Leadership Institute is designed for C-suite executives and senior leaders who influence people, culture, or strategy within their organizations and are ready to elevate their leadership impact. Ideal applicants are those committed to personal growth, aligned with mission-driven excellence, open to feedback, and eager to strengthen decision-making, navigate conflict constructively, uphold high standards, and foster engaged, connected teams. Leaders who want to intentionally shape culture and help move Richland Area Counties forward will find this program especially valuable.
Apply to the Institute
Participant Expectations
What We Ask of You
Commit to Growth
Engage fully, bring a growth mindset, and apply new concepts in real time.
Model Strong Leadership
Demonstrate accountability, ownership, respect, and culture-building behaviors.
Participate Consistently & Professionally
Attend all sessions prepared, engaged, and upholding high professional standards.
Practice Honest Reflection
Assess strengths and blind spots with openness to feedback and self-assessment.
Build a High-Trust Cohort Environment
Maintain confidentiality, support peers, and foster respectful, candid dialogue.
Apply Learning in Your Organization
Use new tools, share insights, and take intentional steps to advance culture and leadership.
Strengthen Community Awareness
Explore local issues, engage with community leaders, and consider regional impact.
Represent Your Organization & Region Well
Lead with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to elevating leadership across the Richland area.
Ready to Lead at the Next Level?
Applications are due June 26, 2026. Space is limited to 15 executives.