Aspen Institute Executive Leadership Seminars

In Episode 1 “What do values have to do with leadership?,” we explore a fundamental challenge every leader faces: balancing competing values. Efficiency vs. community, productivity vs. inclusion—how do we weigh these tensions in our decisions? As leaders, we often find ourselves navigating these trade-offs, whether in team settings, business strategies, or broader societal questions. Should efficiency always win? Or is fostering community and trust equally valuable? This segment with Executive Director of Seminars, Todd Breyfogle, challenges us to think deeply about what we mean by justice and how values shape the decisions we make daily—at work, at home, and in society. ?? Explore the full conversation and hear how competing values shape leadership in practice. Listen to the clip from Episode 1 here: https://lnkd.in/eg8XFZUt

Congratulations to Paul Andersen on being named a 2025 inductee to the Aspen Hall of Fame! Journalist, philanthropist, guide, and so much more, Paul's perspective always enlivens a journey and his love of nature, and of a good story, deepens the Seminar experience. Thank you for sharing your talents and your partnership with the Aspen community, Paul. We are all the better for it.

A term often used in our humanistic view of the world, "The Good Society" reflects one’s vision of a just, thriving community and serves as a guide for how they show up in the world. In dialogue, such as in our Seminar settings, we explore what "The Good Society" means to each individual and their role in bringing it to life within their communities and spheres of influence. Rooted in agency, this uniquely personal vision offers a framework for action and hope in times of disconnection, despair, or uncertainty—reminding us there is no single right answer, only the collective pursuit of a better world.

Are you at a leadership inflection point and ready to take your leadership to the next level? There’s no better time to attend our flagship seminar: Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society. Apply for a 2025 seminar by December 31st and lock in 2024 pricing to save $500 on tuition! Simply visit our website, complete the online application, and the discount will be automatically applied once the deposit is paid (deposit deadline of January 31, 2025). 2025 Aspen Executive Seminar Dates ? April 5-11, 2025 in Aspen, CO ? June 7-13, 2025 in Aspen, CO ? August 16-22, 2025 in Aspen, CO ? September 13-19, 2025 in Aspen, CO ? October 4-10, 2025 in Aspen, CO ? November 1-7, 2025 in Aspen, CO Who Should Apply? The Aspen Executive Seminar is designed for experienced leaders from all backgrounds (corporate, non-profit, civil service, military sectors, etc.). Leaders who are facing a professional or organizational inflection point–from promotion to career transition to a merger or acquisition–and are seeking a leadership program that goes beyond management skills training. One that focuses on building greater self-awareness and capacity for self-correction to develop a clearer understanding of your personal leadership values. These are the times to come to Aspen. Don’t miss out on this exclusive pricing!??Apply today and start 2025 with purpose and clarity. https://lnkd.in/eGh-dsRs

In Episode 2--"When is Disagreement Good?"--of our Questioning Leadership series with The Perri Peltz Show, President Danielle Holley of Mount Holyoke College highlights an essential aspect of leadership in today’s polarized environment: the ability to engage in open, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations with those who think differently. True leadership doesn’t shy away from conflict—it embraces it as a pathway to deeper understanding and stronger community bonds. Disagreement, when approached constructively, can bring out the best in us, helping us grow and refine our perspectives. As Danielle shares, "Disagreement and conflict can build community if it's done in the right way." We don’t have to be afraid of engaging with different viewpoints. It’s a way to enrich our lives and become better leaders. Dive into the episode and explore how meaningful dialogue can bridge divides and enhance leadership. Listen to the clip with Danielle Holley here: https://lnkd.in/e-wdzcs2 #Leadership #Dialogue #Community #AspenInstitute #AspenLeadershipSeminars #SiriusXMBusinessRadio

In November, we embrace the theme of gratitude and getting (or staying) engaged, taking a moment to reflect on the journeys that shape us as leaders and as a community. This month’s edition dives into how gratitude and purpose intertwine to sustain our growth, both personally and professionally. In this issue: ? Celebrating 25 Years of Aspen Japan: Join us as we honor Aspen Japan’s 25th anniversary! Founded to foster cross-cultural understanding and leadership, Aspen Japan embodies the global vision that underpins Aspen’s mission to inspire transformative dialogue and collaboration worldwide. ? What we’re reading: “Euphoria” by Lily King. This fall’s staff book club pick invites readers into the lives of anthropologists on a quest to understand humanity. It’s a profound look at leadership’s ethical dimensions and the balance between ambition and collective purpose. ? Scholarship Opportunities: Applications are now open for scholarships to 2025 Aspen Executive Seminars. These awards aim to support leaders from small organizations or organizations with financial constraints to be able to join us for a journey of growth and impact at an Executive Seminar. As we close out the year, we’re reminded of the wisdom in rest, reflection, and listening to our inner guide. Leadership is often about intuition, knowing when to pause, and when to engage. Let’s focus this month with gratitude for our journeys, and the courage to walk our unique paths forward. Subscribe to the newsletter today and get November’s edition in your inbox on Thursday: https://lnkd.in/eygJ-hih

On this Veteran’s Day, we honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country, embodying a commitment to something greater than themselves. Today offers an opportunity to reflect on our own roles within our communities and the bonds that connect us. How are we bound up in our community, and how is our community bound up in us? Veterans exemplify what it means to be part of a greater whole, often placing the wellbeing of others before their own. Their service reminds us to ask ourselves: What actions can we take to prioritize the wellbeing of our community over ourselves? As we pause to remember the courage and sacrifice of our veterans, let’s also consider how we can carry forward their spirit of dedication, service, and unity in our daily lives.

As leaders, understanding the essence of what it means to "be" and "do" as a leader requires us to continuously explore our values, question our assumptions, and refine our mindset. At the Aspen Institute, our Leadership Seminars challenges participants to drill deep into the marrow of leadership—exploring what it truly means to lead, the self-knowledge needed to understand others, and the drive to "do" the right thing. This journey cultivates a mindset rooted in thoughtful reflection and critical thinking, essential for navigating today’s complex challenges. Ask yourself: ? How well do I truly know myself and the values that shape my leadership? ? In what ways am I cultivating a mindset that balances action with reflection? ? What does "doing the right thing" mean in my leadership role, and how do I ensure I’m equipped to pursue it? ? How can a commitment to continuous learning enhance my understanding of others? At a pivotal point in your leadership journey and looking for the time, space, guidance to consider these questions? Contact us to learn more about how our seminars can elevate your leadership and that of your team. #Leadership #Reflection #SelfKnowledge #EthicalLeadership #AspenInstitute #LeadershipSeminars #ProfessionalGrowth

On this Election Day, let’s celebrate the power of our voices. Across the country, early voting has shown us just how committed people are to making their voices heard and participating in our democracy. For 75 years, the Aspen Institute and our Executive Leadership Seminars have upheld the values of pluralism and sought to foster a free, just, and equitable society. We believe that democracy is a shared responsibility, and each vote is a step toward realizing that vision. As we await the results of this historic election, may we reflect on the resilience and importance of our participatory democracy. Thank you for the ways you’re contributing today and every day.

A wonderful introduction to The Aspen Institute In Session video series, which highlights practical wisdom about leadership from across the Institute's vast network. How many names & faces do you recognize? And, of course, stay tuned for full videos in the coming weeks!