Defining Leadership is a proven program that takes leaders to new heights.
Defining Leadership
As ICAN’s flagship program for leaders of all levels, now 20+ years and nearly 1,400 graduates strong, Defining Leadership enables participants to discover new avenues to success through a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them. After eight immersive, interactive sessions, graduates leave with greater self-awareness, heightened emotional intelligence and more effective techniques for living and working with authenticity. Defining Leadership is run multiple times a year, with a Defining Leadership for Women series twice a year and a Defining Leadership for Men series once a year. The group size is usually between 14 and 20 participants. These respective programs are open to people of all genders, inclusive of cisgender, transgender and non-binary identities.
See below for full program dates for both upcoming series and to inquire on tuition pricing.
““i had heard this program was life-changing. But, Wow – i didn’t realize how truly life changing it would be for me.”
– 2025 Defining Leadership Graduate
“What I learned about myself and my ability is unmatched to any program I have ever been a part of to date”
– 2021 Defining Leadership Graduate
“I have seen the ROI already and know it will increase more and more.”
– 2023 Defining Leadership Graduate
Enrollment is open for the next Defining Leadership series
Be a part of the next class of graduates who will gain a leadership advantage, be inspired to elevate their potential, and transform their lives, companies and communities!
Defining Leadership takes participants on a journey of knowing themselves more deeply — and translating that into whole-life leadership results. Using that newly discovered knowledge and confidence, participants will build a strong foundation to more fully understand others. In addition to self-assessments, a 1:1 coaching session and self-study, the program’s expert faculty gives exercises that include peer dialogue, experiential learning modules and group interaction during and between sessions. Graduates leave with more clarity and purpose — and a stronger network of fellow leaders, including membership in the Defining Leadership Alumni Network.
Program Includes:
- Faculty expertise
- Custom printed program workbook
- Orientation and celebration for participants and sponsors
- All meals (8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, plus refreshments at Orientation and Celebration)
- Assessments (5 total)
- 1-on-1 Coaching
- 64+ Curriculum hours
- New network with classmates
Session Titles:
- Committing to Authenticity
- Clarifying Your Vision
- Moving to Enhanced Self-Awareness
- Living Your Intention
Specific outcomes include:
- Strengthened strategic thinking abilities
- Greater sense of confidence and accountability
- Ability to think conceptually to visualize the future with more clarity and purpose
- In-depth understanding of key leadership attributes
- Communicate with presence, poise and creativity
- Heightened team-building skills and utilization of team diversity
- Connection to a strong network of experts
- Understand others’ perspectives through knowing yourself more with an emotional intelligence lens
- Membership in the Defining Leadership Alumni Network
Eight sessions to be a more engaged, inspired leader.
Defining Leadership
Split into four, two-day sessions over four months, and taught by expert faculty, Defining Leadership can be a seminal part of your career journey. All Sessions are full-day (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and required, they will take place within the Omaha Metro area. Each session involves small group discussions, interactive exercises and time for introspection, and each graduate receives one hour of individual coaching.
Defining Leadership for Women
Faculty: Jodi Beller and Ginny Curley.
Class 47 | Spring 2026
February 5-6, March 5-6, April 7-8, April 30-May 1 with an orientation on February 4 & a celebration on April 30. Deadline to register: January 20.
Class 48 | Fall 2026
September 3-4, October 1-2, November 5-6, December 3-4 with an orientation on September 2 & a celebration on December 3. Deadline to register: August 12.
Defining Leadership for Men
Faculty: Laura Roccaforte & John Slieter.
Class 29 | Spring 2026
February 19-20, March 12-13, April 9-10, May 7-8 with an orientation on February 18 & a celebration on May 7. Deadline to register: February 2.
Register for our next class
Defining Leadership Helps You Stand Out
Defining Leadership is an intensive, transformational experience, building and bolstering self-awareness, emotional intelligence and leadership agility.
Pricing
For more information on Defining Leadership and to inquire about pricing, please contact us.
Scholarships Available
ICAN offers a Scholarship Opportunities for the Defining Leadership Program.
Non-Profit + Small business Scholarship
If you work for a nonprofit organization or small business, you may be eligible for a scholarship to attend Defining Leadership at a reduced rate.
Defining Leadership Alumni Network
The value of the program’s investment includes access, networking and learning long past graduation with membership in the Defining Leadership Alumni Network.
They Spell It Out
Our expert, certified faculty members are well-versed in the language of leadership. They’ll help you define what success looks like for you and empower you to take hold of your leadership potential, grow in your career and make your goals a reality.
John Slieter, PhD
ICAN Faculty
