Aspiring CEO Leadership Circle
Where Preparation And Opportunity Meet.
The future of our industry depends on the next generation of leaders — and on those willing to put in the work to prepare for the corner office. The Aspiring CEO Leadership Circle equips emerging executives with the insight, confidence, and peer support needed to accelerate their path forward.
This is not a passive learning experience. Each Circle is intentionally small, bringing together up to 10 aspiring CEOs to create a dynamic, intimate environment where meaningful conversations can thrive.
This hands-on, two-year journey blends real-world perspectives from those already in the CEO seat with a curated library of proven content and peer-driven discussion. Participants challenge one another’s thinking, apply new ideas in real time, and build the mindset required to step into the role.
The Aspiring CEO Leadership Circle is invite-only for current senior executives preparing for the CEO role. Whether you are nominating yourself or another leader, please complete the form below so we can learn more and begin the selection process.
I’m Interested
How The 2-Year Program Works
The program focuses on two core areas: Understand the CEO Mandate and Build Your CEO Candidacy.
This program is grounded in proven, real-world CEO preparation designed to be both practical and engaging. Learning is anchored in the book, CEO Ready, and is complemented by a curated mix of additional content, tools, and perspectives.
Throughout the experience, current and former CEOs share real decisions, challenges, and lessons that accelerate leadership growth. Each element of the curriculum is intentionally designed to challenge conventional wisdom and standard practices to create an innovative, growth mindset.
Four In-Person Meetings
Three Virtual Meetings
One Capstone Experience
Ongoing Peer Community
What's In It For You?
For Aspiring CEOs
- Prepare for the realities of the CEO role before stepping into the seat
- Understand the decisions, pressures, and tradeoffs CEOs face
- Position yourself as a stronger candidate for future CEO opportunities
- Build a peer network of future credit union CEOs
For Organizations & Executive Sponsors
- Build a stronger leadership bench
- Retain and invest in high-potential executives
- Strengthen succession readiness before transitions become urgent
- Create continuity between today’s strategy and tomorrow’s leadership
Crafting The Cohorts
This experience requires intention and commitment. Participants engage as enterprise leaders — prepared to challenge assumptions and contribute openly — while applying insights in real time. To ensure impact, each cohort is hand-selected for leaders who are humble, collaborative, open-minded, and eager to learn.
Better
Better
Better
Already Sitting In The CEO Position?
We have a circle waiting for you, too. Discover how our CEO Leadership Circles equip and support those guiding their organizations forward.
Our Facilitators
Chris Howard
SVP
Erin Coleman
Vice President of Industry Impact
Katy Slater
SVP
Paul Dionne
VP of Strategy & Lead Consultant
Let's Work Together!
Learn more about Callahan’s Aspiring CEO Leadership Circle.