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Executive Circle

Registration for 2026 not yet available

AQORD’S Executive Circle is a year-long CEO leadership development program. Network with other AQORD CEOs, share challenges and confidences, develop greater clarity and creativity, and explore current leadership issues.

Dates

February 23–24, 2026
April 13–14, 2026
July 27–28, 2026
November 9–10, 2026

Location

Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel
1551 N. Thoreau Dr.
Schaumburg, Illinois, USA, 60173

Cost

$2,500 which includes:
Facilitator & resources (including selected books)
Lodging, meals, and snacks
Logistical coordination

Target Audience

President, CEO, Executive Director
Whether new in the CEO role or seasoned in leadership, Executive Circle is a place for inspiration, professional development, and collaboration. As the facilitator, AQORD President/CEO, Karen Lehman, will guide the group. Executive Circle is a safe setting with trusted colleagues designed to give you space for self-reflection, recharging, and considering your leadership journey.

Registration is limited to the first 9 registrants.

“Executive Circle has been a lifeline to me. I recommend it to leaders I connect with.”

Executive Circle Participant

Program Objectives

Opportunity and space for self-reflection on what God is calling you to in your work.

Attune to, strengthen, and gain greater awareness and insights into your leadership skills and journey.

Mutual sharing of challenges, solutions, best practices, and ideas for greater learning and creativity.

Discuss and learn about integrating faith values into organizational culture.

Experience a safe setting that will foster trust and vulnerability.

Explore new skills and practices, and learn about trends impacting organizations and leaders.

Strengthen collaboration with and support of AQORD member colleagues.

Learn new methods to respond to operational, strategic, and governance issues.

Overview

Covenant

Affirm the code of ethics and ground rules:

  • Speak from experience and avoid giving advice
  • Be quick to listen rather than defend
  • Ask questions over giving answers
  • Fully participate in the gatherings
  • What is said or happens in the circle stays in the circle
  • No phone calls, texts, or emails during sessions (except for breaks)

Affirm the code of ethics and ground rules:

  • Speak from experience and avoid giving advice
  • Be quick to listen rather than defend
  • Ask questions over giving answers
  • Fully participate in the gatherings
  • What is said or happens in the circle stays in the circle
  • No phone calls, texts, or emails during sessions (except for breaks)

Cancellation Policy

Due to the limited number of participants in the Executive Circle, cancellations are discouraged. The following is our cancellation/refund policy:

  • Written cancellation received more than 60 days prior to the first session — a full refund may be given or the full amount paid applied to the next year’s program
  • Cancellation received less than 60 days prior to the first session — registrant will forfeit 50% of the fee for a cancellation
  • Cancellation after the first session — no refund will be provided

Due to the limited number of participants in the Executive Circle, cancellations are discouraged. The following is our cancellation/refund policy:

  • Written cancellation received more than 60 days prior to the first session — a full refund may be given or the full amount paid applied to the next year’s program
  • Cancellation received less than 60 days prior to the first session — registrant will forfeit 50% of the fee for a cancellation
  • Cancellation after the first session — no refund will be provided

Logistics

Each participant is responsible for:

  • Flight/travel expenses
  • Travel meal expenses
  • Transportation to the resort
  • Required readings and any suggested homework

Each participant is responsible for:

  • Flight/travel expenses
  • Travel meal expenses
  • Transportation to the resort
  • Required readings and any suggested homework

About Our Leadership Development Programs

AQORD’s leadership programs nurture the growth of leaders at every stage—creating space to learn, reflect, and lead with purpose, compassion, and courage in service to others.

Executive Circle

A trusted circle of senior leaders who come together for honest conversation, shared learning, and encouragement in the sacred work of leadership.

Learn More

Leadership Institute

A transformative journey for emerging and mid-level leaders—combining practical learning, personal reflection, and community to strengthen values-centered leadership.

Learn More

Internship Program

An opportunity for students and emerging professionals to explore vocation and gain meaningful experience within mission-driven member organizations.

Learn More