Develop Your Full Potential as a Leader
Whether you recently shifted from employee to manager or you're a seasoned manager looking to improve your effectiveness as a leader, UC Davis’s programs can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in your leadership role.
Hear from Our Students
Lourdes Moldre, Patient Care Director, Mount Zion Hospital, UCSF Health
“The Executive Leadership Program successfully positioned me as I started fresh in my new role. It reminded me of the key leadership elements, such as adaptive leadership, momentum and strategy. The program enabled me to dig deep on my values as a leader and strengthen my commitment to inclusive leadership and diversity.”
Karen Mendoza, Director, Project Management Office at the California Chamber of Commerce
“This program gave me a new level of mindfulness in my approach to leadership. I have a stronger sense of who I am as a leader and a much more effective set of leadership tools.”
Join a UC Davis Leadership Portfolio Information Session
Discover our leadership development programs can offer in a free online info session. Meet the enrollment coach, learn about program deadlines, course structure, cost, and more, and get your questions answered during a live Q&A.
UC Davis Leadership Development Programs FAQs
- What are leadership development programs?
Leadership development programs help professionals build the skills and confidence needed to lead teams, manage challenges, and grow their careers. Through practical learning and guided development, participants gain tools that support both individual growth and organizational success.
UC Davis’s leadership programs are built to support professionals across different stages of leadership. New managers can build strong foundations, experienced leaders can sharpen their management skills and improve team performance, and executives can continue expanding their professional capabilities. The programs are also ideal for anyone looking to create a more collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
- Which leadership program is right for me?
When deciding on a program, consider your current leadership experience and professional goals:
- -Emerging Leader: Best for new managers, team leads, or individuals aspiring to move into leadership roles with zero to two years of leadership experience. No application is required.
- -Management Development: Ideal for leaders with two or more years of leadership experience who want to strengthen their management and leadership skills. No application is required.
- -Executive Leadership Program: Intended for executive-level leaders with over five years of experience. This program requires an application. Applicants must describe their current role, leadership responsibilities, and goals for joining the program.
Anyone may enroll in the Emerging Leader or Management Development programs if the topics align with their professional goals. Senior and executive leaders seeking a refresher are also welcome to participate in these programs or apply directly to the Executive Leadership Program. For additional guidance or help planning your leadership development path, contact [email protected].
- What do leadership development programs teach?
Leadership programs typically cover emotional intelligence, self-awareness, communication, conflict management, difficult conversations, influencing, delegation, coaching, project execution, financial awareness, strategic thinking, and digital transformation.
UC Davis's leadership programs, with expert instructors, networking opportunities and more, make it easier to grow these skills. In Emerging Leader, for example, new leaders learn effective communication skills, best practices for transitioning into their new role, how to cultivate a growth mindset, and lead a strengths-based team.
