2024 Program
Note: We'll continue to update this page with dates as they are finalized! We plan to offer sessions both in-person (if it is safe to gather based on CDC, state, and local guidelines) and virtual. In-person venues will be posted here as they are finalized. See Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Policies here.
Session 1: Orientation + Harvard Business School, Module 1
Thursday, March 14 @ 1:00 - 7:00pm
Friday, March 15 @ 8:00am – 5:00pm
Location: Harvard Business School
F&B: provided by HBS
In the orientation, Chamber learning & development staff welcome the incoming class, facilitate introductions among the group, and outline program content and expectations for the year. Immediately afterwards, participants begin their leadership journey at Harvard Business School in the first module focused on corporate social responsibility and leadership in crisis through business case studies. The first day includes a reception and welcome dinner at HBS while mingling with some of the country’s most prominent minds in business, while the second day includes breakfast and lunch.
Session 2: Individual Action Project Kick-off + Networking Session #1
Tuesday, April 30 @ 2:00 – 6:00pm
Location: TBD
F&B: networking reception (apps + drinks)
Chamber learning & development staff introduce the parameters for the Individual Action Project, an opportunity for participants to apply what they learn in the program to a specific problem or issue in their companies or communities. Afterwards, participants get to know each other in the cohort’s first networking reception.
Session 3: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Frameworks
Tuesday, May 21 @ 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Virtual – Zoom
Diversity @ Workplace, the Chamber’s delivery partner, focuses this session on the critical skills and awareness needed to manage a diverse workforce and to build inclusive environments for equitable workplace experiences. Participants gain an understanding of key DEI concepts, how to advocate for the integration of DEI into their own offices, and identifying and interrupting conscious and unconscious biases in the workplace.
Session 4: Adaptive Supervision
Wednesday, June 12 @ 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: TBD
TSNE Missionworks, the Chamber’s delivery partner, assists participants in finding their preferred supervisory styles that also consider their individual team members’ needs. Participants practice adapting their supervisory approach in several hands-on activities, then engage in a reflection discussion with the Chamber learning & development staff.
Session 5: Effective Communications + Networking Session #2
Wednesday, July 17 @ 1:00 – 6:00pm
Location: TBD
F&B: networking reception (apps + drinks)
Research shows that 60-80% of all difficulties in organizations stem from poor communication between employees, rather than from lack of skill or motivation. This session introduces an innovative and impactful way to change how participants communicate within their own workplaces, run meetings, and establish equitable learning opportunities for their teams. Afterwards, participants continue to connect as a cohort in their second networking reception.
Session 6: Leadership Challenge Kick-Off
Tuesday, August 6 @ 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Virtual
Participants gain special access to go “behind-the-scenes” of one of Boston’s most interesting and influential places of business. Leaders of the organization discuss a challenge or opportunity they face in the coming year, then prepare participants for their Leadership Challenge in their assigned groups. Afterwards, participants discuss the role of civic engagement and civic responsibility in the business world in a new segment designed for BFL.
Session 7: Government Affairs Forum (Optional)
Date TBD
Location:
F&B: provided by Programs
Participants attend one of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Forums, a series investigating the political and business landscapes in Boston and the state of Massachusetts. Speakers vary. This session is optional.
Session 8: Harvard Business School, Module 2
Friday, October 4 @ 8:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Harvard Business School
F&B: breakfast, lunch, snacks provided by HBS
Participants return to Harvard Business School for a follow-up session to module 1 in the spring. Participants continue to dissect, analyze, and discuss case studies as a cohort and in small groups while engaging with returning and new Harvard faculty. This full day session includes breakfast and lunch with focused opportunities to work with Leadership Challenge groups.
Session 9: Leadership Challenge Charrette
Thursday, November 14
Location: TBD
F&B: breakfast light bites + lunch
In their assigned groups, participants develop and deliver a pitch that addresses the challenge set forth by the civic partner introduced in July. The partnering organization’s leaders attend the presentations, provide feedback, then select the top two teams based on the strength of their recommendations. This session provides an important opportunity for participants to apply what they’ve learned in the program and in their own careers to a real-world business problem. Full of buzz and excitement, this session includes light breakfast and lunch.
Session 10: Pacesetters Presentation + Civic Engagement, Part 2
Tuesday, December 3 @ 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Virtual – Zoom
This brand-new session includes a deep dive into understanding the Chamber’s Pacesetters program, examining the importance of procurement and spending with minority business enterprises. The Chamber’s economic inclusion staff engage with participants, take questions, then lead a discussion connecting civic engagement to corporate responsibility. Participants connect their previous sessions in DEI, civic engagement, and Leadership Challenge to current efforts in procurement best practices and fostering meaningful change within the business community.
Sessions 11: Individual Action Project Presentations + Graduation + Reception
Tuesday, December 10
Location: TBD
F&B: networking reception (apps + drinks)
In the final session, participants present their Individual Action Projects in one minute, debrief the experience, then celebrate each other and the cohort’s success in a small graduation ceremony. Immediately following, participants mingle with Chamber staff, board members, and select special guests in the closing networking reception.