Luminaries Forge is a 9-month, intensive IT Leadership development program that equips the next generation of IT leaders with applicable, transformative leadership training in a highly personalized and virtual learning environment. Cohorts are limited to 10 students to ensure the optimal leadership learning experience.

We are dedicated to transforming IT professionals into dynamic leaders well-versed in the latest business practices and digital technologies. Our program is meticulously crafted to enhance leadership skills, sharpen business acumen, and boost digital fluency, ensuring IT leaders thrive in today's disruptive digital landscape.

By enrolling students in our program, organizations can cultivate a formidable and innovative leadership bench indispensable for success in the digital age. Furthermore, we aim to elevate the brand value of IT within the corporate sphere, making it an attractive field for the industry's most talented individuals, thereby improving talent attraction and retention rates. We achieve these objectives by offering a comprehensive and interactive learning experience that has been custom-built by IT professionals, for IT professionals, ensuring that the insights and skills gained are both relevant and immediately applicable in the real world.

The Luminaries Forge program is specifically designed for IT professionals who are on the path to becoming the next generation of IT leaders. It is designed for Assistant Managers and above looking to step up into leadership positions and existing leaders within the IT industry who aspire to enhance their leadership capabilities and effectively navigate the complex challenges of today's digital and disruptive business environment. The program is tailored to those committed to their personal and professional growth and seeking to acquire advanced skills and strategies that can be immediately applied to their careers. It is ideal for those who value a personalized, practical, and interactive learning experience that goes beyond traditional theoretical education and focuses on real-world application.

We differentiate ourselves through:

• Exclusive Cohorts: We limit our cohorts to 10 future leaders, ensuring focused attention and enhanced interaction.

• Customized Curriculum: Our agile program adapts to the cohort's pace and interests, providing relevant learning experiences aligned with real-world IT leadership challenges.

• Immediate Application: The curriculum is designed for rapid application so students can implement concepts learned immediately in their workplaces.

• Peer and Expert Networking: Our small classes enable students to build strong, lasting connections with peers and recognized IT experts.

• Value: In addition to an immersive curriculum in IT Leadership development, luminaries will receive additional instruction and certifications relevant to growth in their roles, all included in the tuition.

Download the Luminaries Forge differentiation blueprint.

Participating in the Luminaries Forge program offers a range of key benefits designed to empower IT professionals as they transition into leadership roles:

• Innovative Learning: The program exposes cutting-edge leadership strategies and technological advancements, ensuring participants are well-versed in modern IT leadership techniques.

• Practical Curriculum: Participants engage in hands-on exercises and tackle real-world problems, enabling them to apply what they've learned directly to their roles in the IT industry.

• Personalized Instruction: With a limit of 10 participants per cohort, each future luminary receives focused attention, allowing for a tailored approach that optimizes comprehension, retention, and relevance to each individual's specific needs and career goals.

• Empowering Outcomes: The program's outcome-oriented approach ensures that every lesson yields a tangible skill, plan, or solution, enhancing the participant's capability and confidence as an IT leader.

• Enhanced Interaction: The small cohort size fosters meaningful discussions and dynamic idea exchanges, which are crucial for developing strong communication and leadership skills.

• Network Strengthening: Participants build lasting connections with a tight-knit group of like-minded professionals and recognized IT experts, forming a robust professional network to support their careers beyond the program's duration.

• Immediate Application: The program emphasizes the immediate application of learned concepts, allowing participants to implement new strategies and improvements in their work environment without delay.

• Mentorship and Support: Expert instructors act as mentors during and after the program, providing feedback and support as participants apply new concepts and strategies in their roles.

Luminaries should be prepared to commit to the entire 9-month program, with regular engagement to maximize the benefits of the curriculum and mentorship offered.

Generally, Luminaries will meet every week for 90 minutes with some exceptions such as Insights Programming, Public Speaking, and Inclusive Management training. Please see the Luminaries Forge syllabus for more details.

Additionally, Luminaries will be expected to commit to and complete additional work each week outside of class to complete assignments, projects, and required readings.

Luminaries can reasonably expect to do, on average, between three to five hours of work each week, including the class.

You have taken the first step towards developing a future Luminary in your organization by enrolling them in the program. Now, you must play a crucial role in supporting your employee through several strategies:

• Time Allocation: Recognizing the importance of professional development, managers can provide their student with the necessary time to attend Luminaries Forge sessions and work on assignments. This may involve flexible scheduling or allowing for specific periods of dedicated study time within the workweek.

• Encouragement of Application: Encourage the student to apply new concepts and skills learned within their current role, offering opportunities to lead new initiatives or projects that align with the program's teachings.

• Open Communication: Maintain an open dialogue with the student about their experiences and learnings in the program. This can help you understand their developmental journey and provide relevant support when needed.

• Mentorship: Offer additional mentorship and guidance, sharing insights and experiences that can complement the student's learning. This can also include providing feedback on their growth and development.

• Resource Accessibility: Ensure the student can access the necessary resources to support their learning, such as technology, relevant literature, or opportunities to attend related and recommended industry events.

• Integration of Learning: Support integrating new ideas and approaches into team processes and strategies. This enhances the team's capabilities and validates the student's efforts and learning.

• Recognition: Acknowledge the student’s commitment and accomplishments in the program privately and publicly within the organization. Recognition can be a powerful motivator.

• Creating a Learning Culture: Foster a workplace culture that values continuous learning and development. This can lead to an environment where students feel supported in their educational endeavors.

• Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop where insights gained from the program can be discussed and implemented to improve team performance or organizational practices.

• Support Network: Help build a support network by connecting the student with other leaders or peers who can share experiences, challenges, and advice.

While Luminaries Forge focuses on real-world applications rather than certifications, participants will walk away with proof of completion that showcases their commitment to developing as an IT leader. They can use this Accredible certification on their resume and LinkedIn profile to demonstrate their commitment to IT Leadership Development.

To receive the “LumiForged” certification, Luminaries must perform the following:

• Attend classes and complete all coursework including the final capstone project

• Be an active participant in class discussions and demonstrate knowledge of assigned work

• Obtain the ITIL 4.0 Foundations certification (facilitated by a third-party program)

• Complete the Insights Programming module (facilitated by an expert in the Insights Programming methodology)

• Complete the Public Speaking and Presentations module (facilitated by a renowned Public Speaking coach)

To get started, click the "I'm Ready - Let's Go!" button on our website or visit our "Get Started" page to learn more about the enrollment process.

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Please visit our "Contact" page for details on how to reach out to us. We're ready to answer any questions you have about Luminaries Forge.