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Anyone who has excelled in business knows that it can be lonely at the top.

The University of New Brunswick Executive Education Centre at the College of Extended Learning (CEL) has developed a new Executive Education Program: Transforming Leadership, which offers business leaders the opportunity to come together with like-minded executives to connect and collaborate - and transform their leadership skills and their organizations.

Lloyd Henderson, executive director of CEL, says a lot can be learned from this program and it gives executives the chance to challenge their way of thinking.

"The tendency is to work within our own fields and get locked in our particular structures and processes," said Henderson. "The Executive Education Program gives executives an opportunity to step out of their silos and examine how other people in senior leadership positions treat situations or issues that resemble their own. Seeing how others analyze and deal with similar circumstances can open our minds to new ways of conducting business. In doing so, we can learn how to apply more creative solutions to complex business issues moving forward."

In just 15 days, spread over a five-month period, participants will transform their leadership skills with cutting edge practices and processes, knowledge of how other leaders manage change, skills to assess their abilities, and an action plan to meet their goals. They will enhance analytical and leadership skills through one-on-one coaching tailored to their needs, and through facilitators who are experienced business leaders with real-world experience.

One of the many facilitators for the program includes William Draves, CAE, an internationally recognized teacher, consultant, and president of Learning Resources Network (LERN). He co-authored Nine Shift: Work, Life and Education in the 21st century, which is the subject of his presentation.

In an interview with UNB, Draves notes "Executives need a whole new vision and perspective on strategic planning today than just a few years ago. The external environment is totally changing as the new economy takes over. Executives who can think like the 21st century will survive, and their organizations prosper. Leaders who just view the new century through the lens of the last century simply will not be able to confront the challenges, and take advantage of the opportunities, moving forward."

The program is tailored to CEOs, presidents, VP’s, directors and other executives with at least 10 years experience at the senior level in both private and public sectors. It offers expert facilitating and coaching, a flexible schedule, minimal time away from work, and lots of networking opportunities.

The program starts April 30 with a five-day retreat style session at the Crowne Plaza in Fredericton and ends in August with another five-day residential at the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews. Online learning and personalized, one-on-one coaching components are delivered in between. To register or for more information, contact execed@unb.ca or (506) 451-6835.

For media interview requests, contact Belinda Elliott-Bielecki.