Strong leadership is more than having the natural ability to lead. It develops through intentional learning and the willingness to grow alongside others. Whether you’re stepping into your first management role or leading an entire organization, the challenges of today’s workplace require leaders who can communicate, navigate change and inspire high-performing teams.
To help new and senior professionals build their leadership skills, Abilene Christian University (ACU) is launching two new in-person leadership workshops at its Dallas campus. Designed for leaders at different stages of their careers, the Leadership Foundations Workshop and Executive Leadership Workshop provide research-based strategies that participants can apply within their organizations.
Leadership Foundations Workshop
The Leadership Foundations Workshop is an immersive two-day event on October 28-29, 2026, for new and emerging leaders who want to build their leadership. The workshop’s main goal is to equip these new leaders with the core skills needed to build teams and relationships.
Throughout the two-day experience, participants will explore practical leadership strategies for communicating effectively, coaching employees and fostering trust within their organizations. Topics discussed include:
- Leading with confidence
- Navigating difficult conversations
- Coaching and developing employees
- Building trust and accountability
Participants will also leave with a personalized 30-day Leadership Practice Plan, coaching tools, stronger emotional intelligence and strategies they can implement to boost team performance.
Executive Leadership Workshop
Experienced leaders face increasingly complex challenges that extend beyond daily operations. Executive leadership requires the ability to shape culture, strengthen organizational resilience and guide teams through periods of change.
The Executive Leadership Workshop on October 7-9, 2026, was designed for senior leaders, directors, vice presidents and executives wanting to take their skills to the next level. The workshop covers topics in:
- Strengthening executive presence
- Shaping organizational culture
- Cultivating a resilient team
- Leading through change
At the end of the workshop, participants will develop an Organizational Resilience Blueprint, a 90-day Leadership Commitment, strategies that promote culture within the organization and the tools needed to continue leading in the evolving workplace.
Learn From Experience Leadership Experts
Accomplished leadership professionals with decades of experience in business, government and organizational development lead each workshop, creating an engaging learning environment where participants collaborate on real-world challenges, receive personalized feedback and leave with practical strategies they can immediately implement in their organizations. The instructional team includes:
Brenda McAdoo, J.D., a former FBI hostage negotiator with more than 22 years of experience in leadership, conflict resolution and executive coaching.
Matt Daniel, Ed.D., a leadership expert with over 25 years of experience in organizational change, team effectiveness, and executive leadership development.
Reagan Waggoner, M.S., M.Div, a leadership trainer specializing in emotional intelligence, organizational development and team effectiveness.
Register and Elevate Your Leadership
Leadership is one of the most valuable investments professionals and organizations can make. By improving communication and growing teams, effective leaders bring meaningful change that benefits employees, customers and communities. Each workshop is intentionally designed to be interactive, allowing participants to engage in meaningful discussion, collaborate on leadership challenges and leave with personalized strategies for their own organizations.
Every registration comes with expert instruction, workshop materials, lunch and refreshments, a certificate of completion and a digital badge recognizing your professional development. Participants will also have numerous opportunities to network with fellow leaders, exchange ideas and foster meaningful connections throughout the experience. ACU’s leadership workshops provide practical tools, expert guidance and meaningful connections to help you lead with confidence.
Both workshops will be held at ACU’s Dallas campus in Addison, Texas during October 2026. Eligible ACU partners, employees, students and alumni can also receive a $500 registration discount.
For more information about the workshops, visit our website.