Self
Self-reflection is key to an individual's development as a leader. Become more self-aware and intentional through reflection and experimentation in a structured small-group setting.
Self
Harry L. Davis Center for Leadership Leadership Learning Circles
Your Booth-backed personal board of directors.
Leadership Learning Circles (LLCs) bring together Chicago Booth alumni in C-level and senior-level leadership roles who want to develop mutually supportive relationships with their peers.
Each LLC is a select community of 10 or fewer alumni matched by leadership level and group fit. Using a meeting format designed for peer learning, the learning circles encourage members to share on a professional and personal level and tap into diverse perspectives from within their circle.
We ask groups to commit to meet every month for a minimum of 15 months, with a two-month break built in.
TO APPLY FOR THE 2025 COHORT, ATTEND A FALL 2024 INFO SESSION.
See Information Session schedule below.
Application process
We recruit in fall and conduct new-member training in winter. We also welcome applications throughout the year and review them as space becomes available in existing groups.
Eligibility requirements
When creating LLC groups, we consider learning goals and preferences, as well as years of experience, management level, and ability to commit to the program's time requirements. We currently accept applications from graduates of the Full-Time MBA, Evening MBA, and Weekend MBA programs who have at least ten years of post-MBA experience. We also accept applications from all Executive MBA alumni, and from additional Booth community members based on location.
"I enjoy the space to share challenges and hear unique perspectives. Many members of the LLC come from backgrounds very different than my own and I deeply value the perspective they bring to a range of situations."
Application Process
| Recruitment | |
|---|---|
| Information Sessions | September 9 – October 4 |
| Application Due | October 6 |
| Membership Notifications | November 8 |
Onboarding Process
| Training | |
|---|---|
| Virtual training | January – February |
| First meeting | March |
| Facilitator training | March – August |
| Program retreat | Varies by location |
LLCs are based on three key pillars:
Self
Community
Leadership development is limited without the input of others. Build a personal board of directors with peers who are committed to your personal growth and success.
Community
Knowledge
Acquire tools for self-inquiry and relationship-building through custom resources and workshops on topics such as group dynamics and giving and receiving feedback.
Knowledge
Who is eligible?
The LLC program is designed for C-level and senior-level leaders. We currently accept applications from graduates of the Full-Time, Evening, and Weekend MBA programs who have at least ten years of post-MBA experience. We also accept applications from all Executive MBA alumni, and from additional Booth community members based on location.
Where are LLCs available?
We currently operate LLCs in six US cities, including Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Boston, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul; and in London and four cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. Express interest in LLCs for your location.
How are circles created? How do they work?
When we create an LLC group, we consider your learning goals and preferences, as well as management level, years of experience, and ability to commit to the program's time requirements.
We seek volunteer moderators to serve their LLCs on a one-year rotational basis and they receive additional training from us. We provide foundational communications training to all LLC members at the time they join.
What makes an LLC successful?
LLCs succeed when individual members are willing to be vulnerable and share from their best and worst experiences, listen intently, and learn from and with each other.
When do LLCs meet? What is the time commitment?
LLCs set their own schedule internally. We ask groups to commit to meet every month for a minimum of fifteen months, with a two-month break built in. Beyond the initial commitment, we hope that you'll want to continue indefinitely. In general, meetings last 3 to 3.5 hours, including breaks.
Groups can choose to hold shorter meetings, but we ask that they consider the value in using the full time to make sure that every member gets a turn to share.
We also ask new members to attend a one-time training prior to that first meeting.
Are there membership fees?
No, there are no membership fees. With the generous support of our donors, we are able to offer the LLC program free of charge to participants.
If desired, members can designate gifts for the Davis Center on our giving page, or by contacting our executive director, Carolyn Ou.
Upcoming Leadership Learning Circles Events
| LLC 2025 Information Session | September 10, 2024, at 8am CT | Join us for a one-hour information session. |
| LLC 2025 Information Session | September 11, 2024, at 12pm CT | Join us for a one-hour information session. |
| LLC 2025 Information Session | September 11, 2024, at 6pm CT | Join us for a one-hour information session. |
| LLC 2025 Information Session | September 12, 2024, at 4pm CT | Join us for a one-hour information session. |
| LLC 2025 Information Session | September 24, 2024, at 10am CT | Join us for a one-hour information session. |
| LLC 2025 Information Session | September 25, 2024, at 4pm CT | Join us for a one-hour information session. |
| LLC 2025 Information Session | September 26, 2024, at 6pm CT | Join us for a one-hour information session. |
| LLC 2025 Information Session | October 3, 2024, at 10am CT | Join us for a one-hour information session. |