Develop the character, judgment, and leadership skills needed to lead with integrity, purpose, and trust through a flexible, self-paced online certificate that fits your schedule.
Whether you are preparing for your first leadership role, strengthening your leadership skills, or developing leaders across your organization, the Certificate in Leadership Excellence provides a flexible, self-paced framework for leading with character, integrity, and trust.
Every lesson is personally taught by Lieutenant General (Ret) Benjamin C. Freakley, co-founder of the Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security (LDNS) Lab. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, he teaches the Character-Driven Leadership framework that serves as the foundation of the certificate.
Character-Driven Leadership is a commitment to do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons.
This commitment is how leaders earn trust.
Organizations succeed when leaders earn trust, make ethical decisions, and lead with purpose.
Leadership is not defined by position or authority—it is demonstrated through character, integrity, and the ability to positively influence others. Organizations need leaders who earn trust, make ethical decisions, and lead with purpose.
Organizations use the Certificate in Leadership Excellence to onboard new supervisors, develop emerging leaders, strengthen leadership culture, and establish a common leadership framework across teams.
The Certificate in Leadership Excellence explores the principles of Character-Driven Leadership, helping participants strengthen self-awareness, ethical decision-making, sound judgment, and the leadership skills needed to create meaningful impact in organizations, communities, and society.
Complete the certificate at your own pace while immediately applying character-driven leadership principles in your professional and personal life.
What You'll Learn
Lead with Integrity
Develop the ethical foundation and judgment needed to lead with confidence.
Build Trust
Understand why trust is the foundation of effective leadership and strong organizations.
Make Sound Decisions
Strengthen judgment and decision-making in complex and uncertain environments.
Lead Through Change
Develop resilience and adaptability while leading organizations through challenges.
Inspire Others
Build leadership practices that motivate, empower, and develop individuals and teams.
Lead with Purpose
Apply character-driven leadership principles to create lasting impact within organizations and communities.
Ready to Begin?
Whether you are investing in your own leadership or developing leaders across your organization, the Certificate in Leadership Excellence provides a practical framework you can apply immediately.
Questions about the certificate? Contact Kristi Hickman at [email protected].