ACD Aspiring Leaders Program

Aspiring Leaders Program— new for 2025!

This program is designed for early-career professionals in the chemical distribution industry who are focused on future leadership roles. The ideal candidate is highly motivated and has demonstrated leadership potential through experiences such as leading school clubs, team activities, or taking on informal leadership roles within their organization. The Aspiring Leaders program is tailored for individuals with less than five years of professional experience who are committed to building a successful career in chemical distribution.

Qualifications/attributes of an ideal candidate include, but are not limited to:

• Under five years of professional experience with demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, and commitment to the chemical distribution industry
• High performers who want to build a track record of success to advance their careers
• Individuals who are prepared to engage in self-reflection and introspective work, as well as contribute to the experience of the cohort
• A commitment to staying involved for the full eight-month program
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of Responsible Distribution, environmental stewardship, and ethical leadership

2025 Aspiring Leaders Tentative Curriculum

Please note that this schedule is tentative and may be subject to change.

• February 12 | In-Person (San Antonio, TX)
  • Welcome to the Program
    • Meet your cohort
    • Code of Conduct
    • Get to know ACD
    • Authentic Leadership: Your Leadership Values and Strengths
    • Highly recommended to attend the Regional Meeting in San Antonio, February 10-11
• March 12 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
  • Getting Started as an Industry Leader: Panel discussion with Emerging Leaders Alumni – Virtual
• April 16 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
  • Positive Influence: Leading from Where You Are
• May 14-15 | In-Person (Washington, DC)
  • Optional: Washington Fly-in
    • Optional dinner with Emerging & Executive Leaders on May 13
    • Please note that the Fly-in incurs an additional fee.
• June 11 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
  • Building Community and a Network
• July 23 | 1:00-1:30 pm EST | Virtual
  • Optional: Getting the Most out of ChemEdge
• August 12-15 | In-Person (Louisville, KY)
  • Optional: ChemEdge and Pre-Event Workshops
    • Optional: join the Emerging Leaders for their leadership sessions at ChemEdge.
    • Please note that ChemEdge and pre-event workshops incur an additional discounted fee. Participation in leadership sessions is complimentary.
• September 10 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
  • Planning Your Leadership Growth Strategy & Demonstrating Your
    • Leadership Value: Panel discussion with Emerging Leaders Alumni and program wrap up

Professionals who do not yet meet the Emerging Leaders qualifications are encouraged to apply, as this is a gateway to that program.

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