What is this program?
Our thought leadership program for women is the first thought leadership training program designed for women in social change. The framework and curriculum was developed by Wakeman CEO, Vanessa Wakeman, specifically with the goals of the nonprofit leader in mind: fundraising, capacity building and stakeholder engagement.
Why do I need to take a class to learn how to be a thought leader?
Contrary to popular belief, thought leaders are made, not born. There are specific strategies and tactics required to position yourself in a way that stakeholders will be driven and inspired to follow you. It is also important that you have the insights to qualify you as a thought leader.
Where does the program take place?
The program is available as self-paced learning and 1:1 coaching sessions. Participation is through online modules, live Q&A calls, assignments, emails and a private social media community, to engage with other participants, as you wish.
The Wakeman Agency Thought Leadership Program is not a traditional leadership training program. It is focused specifically on teaching you how to leverage your insights and expertise to build a sustainable thought leadership platform. The curriculum focuses on strategy and action, but also on mental roadblocks that often hinder women from evolving as thought leaders.
How is The Wakeman Agency Thought Leadership Program different than other leadership training programs?
The program does not provide you with a thought leadership focus area. It is the expectation that all participants have an idea, issue or innovation that they want to focus on. Through the program, you will be guided in distilling and refining your topic, based on your specific interest and expertise.
If you are an experienced leader, chances are you already have an area of expertise that you see as the foundation for your thought leadership. If you are an early or mid-level professional, and proactively looking to build your thought leadership platform, this program will help you understand everything that you will need to become a thought leader, so you can proactively prepare, but it will not “assign” you an area of focus.
What’s not covered in the program?
Women who want to use their voices to champion a specific issue, or cause, are perfect candidates for The Wakeman Agency Thought Leadership Program.
Women who believe that they have a unique perspective on an issue, that they would like to bring to a larger audience, will benefit from thought leadership training.
Women in the nonprofit sector who need to rally more support for their respective missions.
Women who know that thought leadership is the next step for them, yet who are experiencing internal resistance to seeing themselves in that role.
Am I a good fit for this program? Who is right for The Wakeman Agency Thought Leadership Program?
We’re happy to answer them. You can reach Jennifer Lynn at jennlynn@thewakemanagency.com or 212-500-5953, x113.