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.
Did You Know?
450+ members participated in Chamber Leadership Programs in 2020

Cultivating, inspiring and challenging our region’s leaders
Leadership Charleston
For more than 45 years, the Chamber has offered Leadership Charleston, a yearlong 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.


Facilitating Cross-Metro Dialogues
SC Leadership Exchange
Now more than ever, we must come together to ensure our state is the best it can be.
The Charleston Metro Chamber, Columbia Chamber and Greenville Chamber are joining forces to bring you the inaugural SC Leadership Exchange, where leaders from South Carolina’s three largest metros will come together to have dialogues and build connections across the state. The three-day, virtual conference will facilitate conversations to address issues of common interest to our communities.
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 for more information on the 2021 trip!


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.