Leadership Development Education and Training

ASU World Innovators Character-Driven Leadership Course

Advancing Character-Driven Leadership

ASU is committed to innovation, global transformation, international impact, and cultivating a global perspective among its students and university partners. Unique among the globe’s higher education institutions, the University is a powerful champion of preparing character-driven leaders committed to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons, in America and around the world.

Leadership Initiatives

ASU World Innovators (AWI)

A comprehensive set of character-driven leadership development programs, from basic to advanced levels, focused on U.S. and international mid-career professionals.

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Principles of Character-Driven Leadership

In this course, learners have the opportunity to master the key concepts and interrelationships of values, ethics and leadership which lead to earning trust, which is the essence of leadership.

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Applied Leadership Experiences

Led by ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab co-founders Amb. Michael Polt and Lt.Gen. Benjamin Freakley, the Lab's Applied Leadership programming introduces students, professionals, and international leaders to the tenents of character-driven leadership through immersive experiences at some of our nation's most significant landmarks.

Leadership Program Highlight

University of Pittsburgh Honors College

During the Spring 2023 semester, over 20 students from the David C. Frederick Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh developed as character-driven leaders through instruction from Lab leaders Amb. Michael Polt and Gen. Ben Freakley and Applied Leadership Experiences at Gettysburg National Military Park and the United States Capitol. The program concluded with student presentations on the leadership lessons of prominent historical figures.

Contact us to learn more about the character-driven leadership programs and/or applied leadership experiences we offer for your students, staff, or community.

Testimonials

General Freakley and Ambassador Polt offer a tremendous opportunity for civic leaders to learn more about our nation’s leaders through an in person walking tour in DC that provides both historical context about the leaders profiled while also illuminating the type of leadership characteristics for each. The presentations and encouraged interaction for all on the tours results in more insight and appreciation of those leaders who have come before us and why their leadership was so vitally important. I encourage everyone to request the opportunity and also to engage with the Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab for all the numerous initiatives it offers.

- Christine Wilkinson, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President and Secretary of the University
President and CEO, ASU Alumni Association
Managing Director, Trustees of ASU
Arizona State University

I attended the LDNS Lab sessions on 'Exploring Character-Driven Leadership' and it turned out to be such a life changing experience. It clarified my vision, boosted my confidence and set me up for a successful career in leadership. The sessions used practical, real life lessons to teach leadership principles by exploring and explaining what leadership truly means.

- Augustine Adepoju
Student, Organizational Leadership
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
Arizona State University

As a strictly online ASU student, sometimes it can be a challenge finding the right ways to be involved in Sun Devil events. I am so happy I made the decision to participate in the Character-Driven Leadership session during Innovation Quarter! What stood out for me most was the intimacy of the session because it really allowed for us to actively engage with Ambassador Polt, Gen. Freakley, and our peers. I especially loved that what we covered during the session reinforced and amplified what I've been learning as an OGL major, because it shows that there is consistency across the disciplines at ASU. I highly recommend this session to anyone wanting to develop in their role as a leader...professionally and personally.

- Najja Meeks
Student
Arizona State University

The "Exploring Character-Driven Leadership" program during Innovation Quarter at ASU was one of my favorite sessions! The engaging two hour long sessions every day were one of the most thought-provoking and enriching experiences I have had, and that's after the virtual format of its programming! I felt close to the other participants despite them being in a different city or country altogether. We discussed multiple characteristics of leaders, including values, ethics, and trustworthiness and the environments in which we lead.

- Tina Sindwaini
Student, Computer Systems Engineering
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Arizona State University