Engaged Leadership Program

The Engaged Leadership Program is designed for managers and entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step in their career progression. The program will provide resilient leadership training, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities for our future leaders.

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is committed to building thriving communities. The late Dr. Don Rix, a renowned philanthropist and Governor of the Board of Trade, was dedicated to supporting the development of young people. Through his generosity, the Rix Centre for Corporate Leadership Endowment was established in 2009 and has led to the establishment of our Leaders of Tomorrow mentorship program.

Laurie Rix, daughter of the late Dr. Rix:

“Championing the next generation of leaders was a passion and priority of my father. He would be delighted to see this program coming to life, which will teach the many aspects of being an engaged citizen in business and in the community.”

Download Program Syllabus

Through the Rix Centre for Leadership, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has built on Dr. Rix’s vision and is commencing the fourth cohort of the Engaged Leadership Program in January 2025.

Who will benefit:

High-potential managers
Forward-thinking strategists
Innovative leaders
Entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs

Why participate:

Futureproof yourself for the workforce of today and tomorrow
Develop a network of peers and industry trendsetters
Establish yourself as a leader by contributing to the community

Price:

Member - $995 + GST
Non-Member - $1,495 + GST

2025 Cohort Schedule

Cohort A

December 2024 (Date TBC)	ELP Welcome Social
Friday, January 17, 2025	Course 1 – Innovation and Engagement (by BCIT)	8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, February 7	Roundtable 1 A – Speaker TBC	11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Friday, March 7	Course 2 – Change Management (by BCIT)	8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, March 28	Roundtable 2 A – Speaker TBC	11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Friday, April 25	Course 3 – Understanding Board Governance (By Watson Advisors)	8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, May 16	Roundtable 3 A – Speaker TBC	11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
May 2025 (Date TBC)	A Night of Non-Profit Engagement
Friday, June 13	Mentorship Roundtables - Speakers TBC	11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
June 2025 (Date TBC)	Engaged Leadership Grad Night & Networking

Cohort B

December 2024 (Date TBC)	ELP Welcome Social
Friday, January 17, 2025	Course 1 – Innovation and Engagement (by BCIT)	8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, February 14	Roundtable 1 B – Speaker TBC	11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Friday, March 7	Course 2 – Change Management (by BCIT)	8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, April 4	Roundtable 2 B – Speaker TBC	11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Friday, April 25	Course 3 – Understanding Board Governance (By Watson Advisors)	8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, May 23	Roundtable 3 B – Speaker TBC	11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
May 2025 (Date TBC)	A Night of Non-Profit Engagement
Friday, June 13	Mentorship Roundtables - Speakers TBC	11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
June 2025 (Date TBC)	Engaged Leadership Grad Night & Networking

*Please note that participants must attend all three courses in order to qualify for a certificate of completion.
Dates are subject to change

Program Structure

Curated content for emerging leaders

The Engaged Leadership Program consists of 20-30 hours of course material, community engagement, networking opportunities, and roundtables with high-profile business leaders over a six-month period. Program activities start in January and participants are required to attend courses and roundtables and to participate in events and community outreach activities.

2025 roundtable speakers to be announced. Past speakers include:

Hon. Janet Austin

O.B.C.
Lieutenant Governor of B.C.

Sue Paish, Q.C.

CEO
Digital Technology Supercluster

Keith Henry

President and CEO
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)

Ken Sim

Mayor
City of Vancouver

Martin Thibodeau

Regional President
British Columbia, RBC Royal Bank

Chris Lewis

Director of Indigenous Initiatives & Reconciliation
SFU and Former Spokesperson & Elected Councillor, Squamish Nation

Wendy
Lisogar-Cocchia

CEO
Century Plaza Hotel and Co-Founder

Enrollment Eligibility

If you have any questions, please email programs@boardoftrade.com

An undergraduate degree in any discipline — industry experience may be considered in place of an academic degree.
Have a minimum of five years of professional work experience, including two years of management or leadership role^*.
Reside in the Greater Vancouver region for the duration of the program.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

* Most participants have between five and fifteen years of professional work experience.

Learning requirements: To to earn a Certificate of Completion, participants must attend all three courses: Innovation and Engagement, Change Management, and Board Governance.

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