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Leadership Program Information

Jacob Leadership Institute

2027 Jacob Leadership Institute

Build the Leader You Want to Be.

Six months of interactive leadership development designed to strengthen how you communicate, make decisions, motivate others and influence the people around you.

2027 Applications Are Open

Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern, October 7, 2026

Notification of acceptance: December 1, 2026

Leadership That Goes Beyond a Title

The Jacob Leadership Institute develops a strong pipeline of leaders who can expand the architecture profession's influence in firms, communities and the public setting. The program is designed for professionals at every career stage who want to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships and lead with greater confidence and purpose.

The 2027 Program at a Glance

A small, highly interactive class creates space for discussion, reflection and practical leadership development.

Program Length Six Months
Class Size Maximum 16
Training Format 4 In Person + 2 Virtual
Session Time 12–4 p.m. Eastern
Tuition $900
Graduation 2027 AIA Florida Convention

What You'll Develop

JLI is not about memorizing leadership theories. Participants examine how they actually lead and practice skills they can use immediately in their firms, organizations and communities.

Understand Yourself

Assess your leadership style, identify blind spots and develop greater self-awareness.

Communicate Better

Understand how perspective, bias and emotional intelligence affect communication and decision-making.

Motivate People

Explore practical approaches for strengthening engagement and helping people perform at their best.

Influence Effectively

Develop skills for building trust and influencing clients, colleagues, teams and other stakeholders.

Strengthen Culture

Learn how leadership behavior shapes accountability, collaboration and organizational culture.

Lead With Purpose

Build a personal leadership approach that reflects your strengths, responsibilities and goals.

Tentative 2027 Schedule

Training sessions are scheduled from 12–4 p.m. Eastern. In-person locations will be selected with participant travel in mind.

January 22
Session 1
In Person
February 19
Session 2
In Person
March 19
Session 3
Virtual
April 16
Session 4
In Person
May 21
Session 5
Virtual
June 25
Session 6
In Person
July TBD
Graduation at the AIA Florida Convention in Boca Raton
Graduation

Your Instructor

Michael "Bret" Hood

Leadership Through Science, Psychology and Ethics

Bret Hood spent 25 years as an FBI Special Agent and now works with organizations and leaders around the world. His highly interactive training explores leadership, ethics, organizational culture, decision-making and implicit bias.

JLI participants don't simply listen to lectures. They discuss, question, practice and apply leadership concepts throughout the six-month experience.

Read Bret's Bio

Program Resources

Review the complete program information before submitting your application.

Why JLI?

Hear from architects and emerging professionals who have participated in the Jacob Leadership Institute.

Jacob Leadership Institute testimonial from Hannah Murray, Assoc. AIA
Jacob Leadership Institute testimonial from Shaun Luttrell, AIA
Jacob Leadership Institute testimonial from Nina Giglio, AIA
Jacob Leadership Institute testimonial from Sarit Sela, AIA

Ready to Strengthen Your Leadership?

The 2027 JLI class is limited to 16 participants. Submit your application by October 7, 2026.

Apply for the 2027 JLI Class
Questions about the Jacob Leadership Institute?
Contact Wendy Johnson at wjohnson@aiafla.org or (850) 222-7590 .
 

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