Leadership Experience is a certification program designed for those committed to being in leadership positions within their organizations. The certification track develops leaders who will build upon the success of independent distributors and ensure the sustainability of the independent business model.
When you participate in the Leadership Experience program, you are placed in a four-year cohort of 25 to 30 participants that will stay together for the full program. Cohorts provide you with a network of member leaders that will grow together and be a lifelong resource after you complete the Leadership Experience.
As shown in the curriculum schedule below, each year of the Leadership Experience curriculum has a focus area on an independent distributor’s advantage, with multiple core competencies for you to learn and implement.
Learning experiences happen quarterly, in the form of two-to-three-day training events with a call-to-engagement to follow. The in-person training events will take place at Texas A&M and Villanova University, and participants should budget for travel and lodging.
This program brings together industry thought leaders and best-in-class instructors to provide a balanced learning experience between academia and industry.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership Skill | Chart Your Own Destiny | Strategic Generational Growth | Deeper Connections | Nimble & Flexible Decision Making | |
| Competencies | Q1 | Networking | Financial Performance | Team Building | Nimble Leadership |
| Q2 | Personal & Professional Development | Growth Planning | Cultural Leadership | Competitive Innovation | |
| Q3 | Distributor Development | Business Analytics | Community Engagement | Supplier Partnership | |
| Q4 | Team & Talent Development | Digital B2B Acumen | Customer Relationship Building | Negotiation Enablement | |
Leadership Experience is designed for CEOs, current executive leaders and those who are being considered to lead and grow independent distributors. Recommended candidates include:
An application is required to earn your spot in the AD Leadership Experience. Learn more about the application process below.
The investment for the four-year cohort experience totals $25,000.
An application is required to earn your spot in the AD Leadership Experience. This process helps us determine the best cohort for the upcoming year and optimizes your pairing with other executives, or soon to be executives.
Applications will be reviewed by the AD Admissions Committee, including AD executives and business unit leaders, and decisions on acceptance are done by committee. There is a maximum of [30] participants accepted into the program annually. We encourage you to take your time with the preparation of your application.
The Motivations Survey is an examination of what’s driving you to earn a spot in the Leadership Experience. Questions will ask you to reflect on why you’d value joining, how you act (or will act) as an executive leader, and the lasting impact you’re seeking to have on your organization.
As part of the application process, you’re also required to earn the endorsement of an executive sponsor in your organization. Your executive sponsor will be your mentor during the Leadership Experience guiding your development based on your company’s mission, vision, and core values.
The Executive Sponsor Survey is an examination of why your executive sponsor would value you earning a spot in the program, their future plans for you, and their commitment to guiding you.
March 1, 2024
July 31, 2024
August 5, 2024
September 17, 2024
To begin the application process, please download and complete the [2] surveys below:
Once the surveys have been completed, click on "Apply Now" to submit your full application.