Strategic Executives Program (SEP)

Peer group program for senior executives & senior management helping to grow businesses in Atlantic Canada.

After years of working with founders, presidents and CEOs, it is clear that the most important thing entrepreneurs need to succeed is not just access to capital but rather access to great people to help translate their dream into reality.

Candidates for this program are senior leaders with the power to act when their superior is absent. The role of individuals eligible for this program varies from one organization to another. Some have the responsibility for all areas of operations, some are the inside-facing person, while the CEO is the outside-facing person, and some are the executive focused on specific business needs.

A key success factor for a CEO-senior executive relationship is their mutual level of trust, thus why the CEO is part of the selection and interview process for the candidate.

WMI modelled this program after its Entrepreneurial Leaders Program (ELP) with a focus on building the peer network across the region to help continue to be the catalyst in the region to aid in business growth.

The ideal candidate has many hats to wear and has support from their CEOs to grow professionally and personally to help grow the businesses in the region.

Trust and willingness to invest in growth through professional development for the company and for themselves
Ability and willingness to leverage growth and learnings within their organization.
The “go to” person for the CEO
The COO, GM, CFO, VP or equivalent senior executive
Senior leaders and decision-makers within private companies, government, NGOs and associations.
Maintains operational excellence and sometimes needs to “put out fires”
The one that feels like a partner, with or without equity

About The Program.

Watch this video for a first hand look.

Topics

Leadership

Understanding yourself & your role through personality profiling, peer coaching & goal setting.

Team Building

Developing your team capabilities and enhancing interpersonal processes.

4R’s: Recruitment, Retention, Reward & Recognition

Articulating your employment brand and getting the right people on the bus.

Alignment

Capturing customer needs, managing project fulfillment, product lifecycle, road mapping and prioritization.

Marketing

Amplifying your brand and leveraging social media and PR to increase your visibility.

Selling

Achieving results by making compelling pitches with clear ROI and win:win to both internal and external customers.

Money Matters

Managing the budgets and forecasting the operation. Understanding what financial reports are saying.

Metrics

Creating systems to monitor what has been put in place, KPI’s and dashboards.

Change Management

Continual improvement of all processes and systems based on measurements.

Program Details

The program includes monthly sessions over 9 months, the format consists of:

6 In-Person Sessions x 2 Days Each(Across the Maritimes)
3 Virtual Sessions

Sessions include both external content from speakers and internal content from participants and are moderated by individuals who have first-hand experience as Senior Executives & Leaders. Each session includes:

Goal accountability – tracking monthly progress
Forum updates – sharing bests & worsts
Speakers – learning through practical workshops
Deep dives – improving confidence & decisions
Peer coaching – 1:1 support to set monthly goals

Sessions are designed to facilitate a deep connection between the participants (including speakers). Sessions include ~35% external content from speakers and ~65% internal content from participants.

Session Format & Dates: Each in-person session begins on Tuesday at 1PM with optional group lunch and ends by Thursday 3PM.
*Thursday lunch is optional and self-organized by participants

SESSION 1 : JUN 4-6 (Location: Upper Oxbow, NB)

SESSION 2: JUL 16-18 (Location: Upper Oxbow, NB)

SESSION 3V: AUG 13 (Virtual Session - Morning Only)

SESSION 4: SEP 24-26 (Location: PEI Exact Location TBD)

SESSION 5V: OCT 22 (Virtual Session - Morning Only)

SESSION 6: NOV 19-21 (Location: NS Exact Location TBD)

SESSION 7V: DEC 10 (Virtual Session - Morning Only)

SESSION 8: JAN 14-16 (Location: Upper Oxbow, NB)

SESSION 9: FEB 4-6 (Location: Halifax, NS)

Application Process

DEADLINE: MARCH 31, 2024

Before applying through the link, please review the website and our online directory of alumni. Contact someone you know to get a first-hand account of their experience.

Either the candidate or the CEO / owner can complete the application form.

After completing the application, finalists will be emailed to schedule a joint interview by our moderation team with the CEO and the candidate. 12 – 18 participants will be chosen based on the interview and the fit within the entire cohort.

Due to the short time frame this year, applicants may be contacted to schedule a joint virtual interview by our team with their CEO and the candidate prior to the deadline.

Cost

The total program cost is $7500, which includes speakers, moderation, materials, accommodations, and meals.

A deposit of $1500 must be paid on acceptance into the program to secure your location.

Travel expenses to the location are paid by the company and/or employee, and provincial training grants may be available.

Increase your chances of success by adding on the honest, open, experiences of other leaders who have dealt with similar issues.

Apply Now Nominate

you will be helping to transform the businesses for growth