Program Overview

The Effective Executive program is Saskatchewan’s most unique and impactful leadership development program, focused on developing and enhancing the leadership capabilities required of senior leaders.The Effective Executive Leadership Program is designed for the professional and personal growth of senior managers and prospective executives from a variety of working environments across North America.

This retreat-based, immersive program is located at the beautiful Elk Ridge Resort in Saskatchewan, and provides a blend of self-development, team development, and practical application. Content is focused on preparing leaders to elevate successfully in senior-leadership roles while optimizing the critical leadership skills, traits and abilities required to lead effectively at all levels.

Accommodations at Elk Ridge Resort are not included. A block of rooms are reserved at Elk Ridge Resort for participants to reserve themselves. In order to guarantee availability, individual reservations must be made by the Room Block Release Date of Wednesday August 17, 2022.

The program content is organized around the development of two cornerstones of executive leadership: Character and Competence.

• Character

  Character: Self-development, focusing on the identification of leadership values, leadership style, and leading in alignment with a clear vision. Programming includes: Identification of personal leadership values to guide daily actions 360-assessment on the six leadership styles, and identification of dominant style and styles which are often avoided 1:1 executive leadership coaching, focused on identify development priorities and supporting practical actions to grow as a leader Development of an aspirational leadership vision and customized career development plan to sustain program outcomes

• Competence

  Competence: Leadership development focusing on the critical competencies required of senior leaders. Competencies include; strategic mindset, instilling trust, leading high-performance teams, inclusive leadership, influencing others, situational leadership and driving results. Programming includes: How to develop a strategic mindset for setting organizational vision and direction, and implementing a plan to execute successfully How to build a culture of trust and psychological safety, resulting in enhanced team performance A highly interactive team-simulation experiences, exposing the critical skills required to build high-performance teams Development of inclusive leadership traits and skills to lead and enhance a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion Development of influencing skills to effectively manage performance, align key stakeholders and advocate for needed resources to execute on strategy How to identify the correct leadership style given specific situations and adapt leadership approach to get the best results How to effectively execute on strategy to drive organizational results

• Pre-program
• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5
• Day 6
• Post-program

• Primary Learning Objectives

  The Effective Executive program is guided by two primary learning objectives:

  1. Develop leaders in preparation to successfully advance into executive leadership positions
  2. Optimize and enhance leadership capability at all leadership levels 
• Who Should Attend

  The Effective Executive Leadership program is ideal for managers and executives with at least five years of experience in a management role from small companies to large corporations, government, and not-for-profit organizations who wish to strengthen their leadership competence and enhance their personal performance.

  The program attracts middle, senior and executive-level individuals from various functions in numerous organizations and industries. It is suited for highly capable and motivated individuals who are responsible for managing resources and getting results.

• How Will This Program Benefit Me

  Edwards Effective Executive is an experience that will provide significant benefits to both you and your organization. Retreat and renew in a destination that is the perfect escape from the day-to-day stress and distractions.

  The program will empower you to:

  • Own your personal leadership values and gain awareness of the vulnerability of leadership
  • Make high impact decisions, set personal goals, problem-solve and activate executive strategy 
  • Become a more effective leader, strategic thinker, and agent of positive change
  • Be able to manage your organization through newly acquired ideas, tools and templates
  • Take control of your lifestyle by returning your focus to healthy living by participating in daily fitness activities and an optional one-on-one coaching session with a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer

  The program will provide:

  • Ample opportunity to network with seasoned professionals from across North America from a variety of organizations and industries. Whether it’s in-class discussions, breaks, dining table groups, or optional extracurricular evening activities, there is always time to share ideas with fellow participants.
• What Is Included
  • Access to digital alumni platform, complete with supporting learning resources
  • Certificate of completion
  • Credential to add to your CV and LinkedIn Profile
  • Executive leadership development assessment
  • Two 1:1 executive coaching sessions (pre-program and post-program)
  • One coaching session with a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer
  • 360 leadership styles assessment
  • Immersive real-time experience in beautiful Elk Ridge, SK
  • Interactive team-simulation experience
  • Custom leadership development plan
  • Personalized leadership values and vision
  • 45.5 CPHR Saskatchewan Continued Professional Development (CPD) Hours
  • 45.5 PMI Professional Development Units (PDU's)

  This program is approved by CPHR for 45.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Hours.

Check out the funding opportunities available through the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant and Re-Skill Saskatchewan Training Subsidy. 

Program Faculty

Our program instructors are top academics from the University of Saskatchewan and industry experts in the areas of Leadership and Management. We also have one of the University of Saskatchewan's respected exercise psychologists to bring a balance of personal development and growth along with professional.

• Instructor Profiles

  	Brett Elmgren, MA, CPHR Brett Elmgren is the President and Founder of Axom Leadership Inc. His work focuses on supporting leaders to find personal empowerment to drive transformational change. Brett Elmgren is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources with over 13 years of professional HR experience working for Saskatchewan’s largest organizations. Most recently Brett Elmgren held the position of Director of Talent Development for Nutrien, and was responsible for leading the global leadership development strategy for over 25,000 employees. Brett played a senior leadership role in bringing together the merger between PotashCorp and Agrium resulting in the creation of Nutrien, by leading the organization design and talent selection process.  Brett holds a Masters Degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan.
  	Brent Pederson, MEd, CPHR Brent Pederson is a trusted talent advisor with 15 years of experience in 2 global consulting firms, has worked in 8 countries, is consistently a top-rated consultant, workshop facilitator, conference presenter, and regularly publishes articles. He previously spent 15 years in the energy sector with 10 of those years in a direct leadership role. Brent primarily consults in the sectors of mining, oil & gas, financial services, and the public sector, specializing in the areas of leadership assessment & development, coaching, performance management, succession planning, organization design, leading change, and innovation. Brent holds a Master’s of Education degree (University of Regina) and Certificates in Power Engineering (SAIT), Organization Design (USC), Adult Education (St. Francis Xavier), and HR Management (Queens). His certifications/designations include: Executive Coaching, Change Management, the MBTI™, the Six Thinking Hats™, and CPHR.
  	Noreen Mahoney, BComm, CPA, CA, MBA, ICD.D Noreen is the Associate Dean Academic and Director of Executive Education at the Edwards School of Business.  She is a facilitator and educator with over 20 years of experience leading people and developing greatness in others. Noreen has a background steeped in business management both in education and experience.   Having successfully led various teams, she is able to back the latest trends in Leadership and Management Development with firsthand “real life” experiences.  She is recognized for having a unique ability to thrive in a collegial, complex and unstructured environment and focus on positive outcomes for all stakeholders with a passion for problem-solving, mentoring, and inspiring trust.  She facilitates various programs through her diverse background including leadership and management, personal financial management, governance, strategy and risk management, financial reporting, and assurance.
  	Gray Ferguson, BSc. Kin, MBA | Fitness, Lifestyle and Nutrition Gray Ferguson is a Supervisor at the Fit Centre at the College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan. He holds a Bachelor degree in Kinesiology, certification as Exercise Physiologist and his MBA through the Edwards School of Business.  He is an exercise physiologist consultant for the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Saskatchewan and works as a personal trainer for amateur and professional athletes.
  	Kristen Cumming Kristen Cumming has spent the past 25 years finding ways to improve the connection between people and their work. Her areas of expertise include engagement, learning, leadership, and execution. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Education degree in Workplace and Adult Learning and instructed eight years with the Bachelor of Management Business Economics program at the University of Alberta – Augustana Campus.
  	Joseph Schmidt Dr. Schmidt’s research is focussed on understanding how strategy, human resource management, and leadership interact to influence employee behaviours and firm performance. He also studies the precursors of group effectiveness and the multilevel influences of group processes on individual and team outcomes. He has published research in a number of practitioner publications and scholarly journals including Personnel Psychology, Psychological Bulletin, Journal of Organizational Behavior, and Journal of Business and Psychology. Prior to joining the Edwards School of Business in 2011, Dr. Schmidt worked in the Vancouver office for the global consulting firm Hay Group, specializing in talent management, performance management, and compensation. He worked in Human Resources for an engineering consulting firm in Calgary before pursuing graduate studies. He also completed a variety of consulting projects for clients in both the public and private sectors as a graduate student.

MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR "This program provides a unique and immersive learning experience for leaders seeking to develop and enhance the capabilities required to lead at a senior organizational level. The program has been thoughtfully designed to incorporate a blend of introspective self-development, social team-development, and real-life practical application. All within the serene setting of Elk Ridge, Saskatchewan. If you’re a leader seeking innovative leadership development in preparation for a senior role, this program is the perfect experience for you. We hope to see you in Elk Ridge!”  Brett Elmgren, Academic Program Director