For our community and businesses to prosper, we need empowered leaders to drive solutions and create change. We cultivate and equip leaders with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful impacts on our community.
The Chamber offers leadership development opportunities for any stage of your career. Whether you are a young professional or seasoned executive, our programs will provide you with the information and resources to take your career to the next level.
Through community awareness, education and hands-on experience, our 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.
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.
Ideal for mid to executive level leaders; Professionals committed to growing their career and creating community impact
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, three-month program.
Ideal for emerging leaders and young professionals; Anyone looking for mentor relationships
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.
Ideal for anyone considering serving in public office, either now or in the future
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.
Ideal for C-suite and executive leaders new to their role or the community
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.
Ideal for female professionals of all levels
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.
Ideal for executives deep rooted in creating community impact and fostering relationships with peers
The Diversity Leaders Certification program is an informative program designed to equip business leaders with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in the diversity, equity and inclusion space. Through the Diversity Leaders Certification program, participants will gain a better understanding of how they can lead as an equity-centered leader and make a larger impact on our community.
Ideal for professionals committed to more deeply integrating DE&I into their organization and teams
Boards who are made up of a diverse group of individuals can lead an organization to better serve their stakeholders by bringing a more equitable approach to leadership, while extending the organizations network and bringing a variety of perspectives to the table.
The Charleston Chamber is now offering a four- week seminar to train diverse leaders on how to effectively participate as Board members. This equity centered instruction will prepare our rising minority leaders to be able to compete for opportunities to serve on local boards.
Ideal for minority leaders seeking appointment to organizational boards
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Leadership Team