Professional Development
Leadership Programs
We Help Leaders Grow
The Chamber offers programs focused on helping talent become better leaders and citizens, targeted to serve specific groups at different stages of their career paths. We are committed to leadership development as a source of talent development and recruitment.
Through community awareness, education and hands-on experience, the Leadership programs aim to provide the region with an ongoing source of leaders that are prepared and committed to serve as catalysts of positive change in our region.

Cultivating, inspiring and challenging our region’s leaders
Leadership Charleston
For 48 years, the Chamber has offered Leadership Charleston, a year-long program offering an intensive and up-close look at the most challenging issues and opportunities facing our region – Leadership Charleston engages participants in experiences that help them become better community leaders.
Learning from experienced leaders
Leadership Discovery
Leadership Discovery is an accelerated leadership development program for growing professionals and middle managers designed to heighten personal leadership characteristics and skills. Through Leadership Discovery, future leaders will learn from established regional leaders and class peers in this unique mentor-based 3-month program.

See who is working to identify high-growth minority-owned businesses and develop an African American board pipeline for non-profit organizations.

Civic Leaders Academy
Civic Leaders Academy is an advanced and informative public service training program designed to identify, cultivate and train individuals from across our region to both run for public office and serve on appointed boards and commissions. Through the Civic Leaders Academy, individuals will gain a better understanding of data-driven decision making, strong peer relationships and valuable community connections.
Charleston Insight
We invite senior executives who are new to Charleston or new to their position, along with their spouse or partner, to join us for a program like nothing else you’ve experienced in our region. Participants will gain an intensive and up-close look at the most challenging issues and opportunities facing our region, while also networking with peers and fast-tracking their connectivity to our community.


A professional women’s series
Thrive
Thrive provides a platform for connection, information and inspiration among female business leaders and rising female professionals. Women within Chamber member companies will gain knowledge about topics that impact their professional lives and will help to encourage and motivate each other to continue making positive impacts in our region and the world.
Immersive experience to gain insight into another metro
Metro Leadership Visit
Each year, a delegation of local leaders in the public, private and non-profit sectors travel to other communities to garner insight on best practices and program ideas. Innovative ideas introduced during the visit may then be adapted and implemented in the Charleston Region. Stay tuned to learn more about the 2022 Metro Leadership Visit!


Facilitating Cross-Metro Dialogues
SC Leadership Exchange
Join leaders from South Carolina’s three largest metros to discuss the most critical issues facing our state and communities. We will come together virtually to build a shared vision for our state’s future that creates prosperity for all.
The Charleston Metro Chamber, Columbia Chamber and Greenville Chamber are joining forces to inform and drive conversations around:
- The Urban-Rural Divide
- Fueling a 21st Century South Carolina Economy
- Building an Ecosystem to Ensure Minority Business Success
- Building Infrastructure Systems for the Future
- And more…