Thought Leadership

Leveling the Playing Field

Learn how UNC Executive Development's program for the U.S. Navy has provided insights and strategies that have resulted in substantial savings.

Thought Leadership

Four 1s: A Rubric for Infusing Innovation into Your Team

The Four 1s method is a streamlined approach to infusing innovation within teams by fostering continuous learning and agile thinking.

Thought Leadership

Big Data Insights: 3 Benefits of Data-Driven Decision-Making

Leaders who understand how to transform big data into meaningful insights have an edge in today’s data-driven market.

Thought Leadership

Organizational Transformation: Speeding Up Progress Is Easier than You Think

Leaders who understand how to transform big data into meaningful insights have an edge in today’s data-driven market.

Thought Leadership

Developing High-Potential Leaders: How Can You Get the Best from Your Best?

Discover how to identify and accelerate the development of high-potential leaders in your organization.

Thought Leadership

Motivation Essentials: 3 Key Drivers for Inspiring Success

An organization’s success requires more than just a vision; it needs a motivated and inspired workforce.

Thought Leadership

Let’s Talk Leadership: Engaging Your Audience and Telling a Good Story

To create impactful messaging, leaders should engage their audience and weave in compelling stories.

Thought Leadership

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Ever for Organizations

While technical skills are highly valued in workplaces, social competence and the ability to build relationships are even more critical for organizational success.

Thought Leadership

Why It Is So Crucial to Define Key Terms

UNC Executive Development's Dave Hofmann shares why a common understanding of essential terms is the foundation of effective communication with team members and other stakeholders.

Thought Leadership

How to Make a Good “Ask:” Context, Clarity, and Communication

Insights from UNC Executive Development Senior Associate Dean Dave Hofmann on how to make a good "ask."

Thought Leadership

The Key to Building Strategic Alignment? Trust

Employee trust in their organizations is crucial for creating strategic alignment, adapting to new challenges, and increasing productivity.

Thought Leadership

To Be a True Thought Partner, Change Your “What” to a “How”

Insights from UNC Executive Development Associate Dean Dave Hofmann on how to be a true thought partner.

Be Boss of Your
Cognitive Bias

Cognitive biases present a serious risk to leaders who bear any responsibility for high-level decision-making. Educating yourself and your team on these five common mental traps will help you neutralize them for improved decision-making, team dynamics, and workplace culture.

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UPCOMING

Conferences and Events

  • June 23–24, 2026 | Washington, DC

    Senior Executives Leadership Summit 2026

    At this year’s summit, federal leaders will explore merit, accountability, and performance, gaining practical insights, cross-sector perspectives, and collaborative dialogue to navigate complexity and strengthen leadership effectiveness.

  • August 16-21, 2026 | Chapel Hill, NC

    Civil Service Leadership Program

    The program is a premier, on-campus experience designed for government professionals aspiring to advance their leadership journey and prepare for senior executive roles.

  • October 8, 2026 | Chapel Hill, NC

    Frontiers of Business Conference 2026

    The Frontiers of Business Conference convenes corporate executives, top researchers and policy leaders to share objective, evidence-based solutions for the Kenan Institute’s annual Grand Challenge.

  • November 3-6, 2026 | Chapel Hill, NC

    Talent Management Institute, Fall 2026

    The Talent Management Institute provides simple, science-based, talent-building processes for driving organizational performance. Develop the skills you need to be a talent-building leader.

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Impact Videos

From leading with confidence to communicating with clarity, our short videos offer essential advice for leaders and their organizations while offering insight into how our programs deliver impact.

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