
Becoming a great leader is not a switch that’s flipped.
Nor is it a natural-born trait that some are born with and some not.
It’s a process, a journey, one that is a responsibility for each of us to embark on.
Why Leadership Development Training is Necessary
Leadership is a buzzword—one used often and in all types of settings. Definitions of leadership and the differences between leadership and management are covered constantly. Veronica Cochran, Immediate Past CEO of IAAP, says leadership is never generic and it is a responsibility for all of us. Whatever role or title you hold, whatever industry you work in, you have a responsibility to be a leader. The great news is that leadership looks different for each of us. Your leadership purpose is wholly unique to you. Discovering that purpose and stepping into it isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Imagine what your workplace would look like if everyone had increased emotional intelligence, better listening skills, and more self-awareness. That starts with you.
What Makes Academy for Leadership Development Unique
IAAP Academy for Leadership Development provides high-level leadership training designed specifically for office and administrative professionals. All the offerings in Academy are dedicated to helping you find your unique voice and use that voice in your daily life. Join a community of peers on a similar leadership journey who can be a sounding board, a support group, a cheering circle, and everything in between. Academy’s offerings are intended to be linear, beginning with Foundations of Leadership. However, we know everyone is in a different place in their journey, so read through each program description to find your perfect place.
Take the first step today; your life will never be the same.
IAAP Academy for Leadership Development Offerings

Foundations of Leadership
We lead up. Whether you’re new to IAAP or not, you’ve probably heard the phrase. As true as it is, it still takes practice. Foundations of Leadership is a one-of-a-kind leadership experience specifically designed for the unique role of the administrative professional. Alongside a small community of your peers, you’ll explore skills and mindsets to fully embrace the “we lead up” mantra. With exercises such as instruction from faculty, shared learning experiences with small cohorts, mentoring from Academy alumni, and game changing personal coaching, you’ll develop a leadership mindset that will help you lead up—and beyond.
Benefits of Foundations of Leadership
Increased emotional intelligence
Higher self-awareness based on 360 feedback surveys
Enhanced public speaking skills
Honed critical thinking skills
Benefits of Aspire Leadership
Better communication skills to assert your value and readiness to move into a management space
Ability to practice delegation and meeting management
Learning to advocate and encourage direct reports to help them achieve their goals

Aspire Leadership
Aspire Leadership is designed to prepare and equip administrative professionals who aspire to excel at people management or executive level support. Whether you are seeking a new role or you already have a role managing people or providing executive level support, Aspire Leadership will challenge and change your mindset and focus on the critical competencies needed to succeed.
Do you already hold a supervisory position and want to learn how to do it bigger, better, faster, stronger? This two-and-a-half-day program is also for you!
Practice!
View the available leadership positions available within IAAP to put your newly developed leadership skills to work!
IAAP Academy Alumni Community
All Academy alumni have access to the Alumni Community to stay connected and engaged. Feel free to use this platform to brainstorm, celebrate your accomplishments, or solicit solutions to a challenge you are facing.
Want to stay up-to-date on Academy news?
Add your email to the list to receive real-time information on current and new Academy offerings.