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DSM Leadership Intensive

DSM Leadership Intensive is a compact, interactive leadership development experience designed to help new, emerging and aspiring workplace leaders build the awareness, skills and confidence needed to lead effectively at work. 

Designed for team leads, working managers, influence leaders and professionals preparing for leadership, the program blends expert-facilitated learning, applied practice, community engagement and cohort accountability. Participants explore what it means to choose leadership, strengthen their professional presence, get work done through others, navigate stress with intention and understand how their leadership contributes to their organization.

Over the course of six full-day sessions, participants build practical leadership skills they can immediately apply with their teams, projects and organizations. 

Register for DSM Leadership Intensive

Built for Workplace Leadership

This program is designed for professionals who are actively growing into greater leadership responsibility at work. Participants may be managing people, leading projects, influencing across teams or preparing for future leadership opportunities. 

The experience focuses on practical leadership behaviors participants can apply immediately, including self-awareness, communication, influence, accountability, delegation, resilience, problem-solving and strategic perspective. Through interactive sessions, applied assignments and peer reflection, participants strengthen how they lead themselves, work through others and contribute more effectively within their organizations. 

About the Program

DSM Leadership Intensive is a 12-week leadership development experience with six full-day sessions held every other week. Each session combines instructional learning, hands-on application, peer reflection and engagement with business, civic and community leaders across Greater Des Moines. 

Participants will: 

  • Complete assessment-driven learning to better understand their leadership style, strengths, blind spots and behaviors.
  • Practice leadership skills through scenarios, peer coaching and applied assignments.
  • Engage with local leaders and organizations to better understand leadership in action across the region.
  • Strengthen relationships with peers from across industries and organizations.
  • Complete between-session assignments designed to support real-time application.
  • Participate in optional “Challenge by Choice” assignments for additional growth and deeper reflection.

Who Should Participate

DSM Leadership Intensive is designed for: 

  • New and emerging leaders
  • Team leads and working managers
  • Professionals who lead through influence, including those without direct reports.
  • Aspiring leaders preparing for future leadership opportunities. 
  • Organizations looking to invest in the next generation of leadership talent. 

Program Format

DSM Leadership Intensive includes six full-day sessions facilitated every other week over 12 weeks. 

Each session includes:

  • Networking and warm-up activities.
  • Expert-facilitated instructional learning.
  • Lunch and networking.
  • Applied learning, scenarios, peer coaching or community engagement.
  • Reflection and between-session assignment setting.

Lunch is included with the program. 

Program Cost

Program costs includes all six full-day sessions, lunch during each session and applied learning experiences. 

  • Investors and Affiliate Members: $2,000 
  • Non-Members: $2,500

Registration

Registration is required for DSM Leadership Intensive. Space is limited to support a high-quality cohort experience, applied learning and meaningful peer connection. 

Interested participants may register online. Participants will receive confirmation along with additional program details prior to the first session. 

Register for DSM Leadership Intensive

2026 Program Schedule

  • September 1 at the Greater Des Moines Partnership
  • September 17 at the Greater Des Moines Partnership
  • October 1 at Iowa National Guard / Camp Dodge
  • October 15 at Iowa National Guard / Camp Dodge
  • October 29 at the Greater Des Moines Partnership
  • November 5 at Drake University