LGBTQ+ Leadership Program Overview
Leading with confidence and authenticity are essential qualities for LGBTQ+ professionals aiming to thrive as leaders. Simultaneously, it’s essential for all leaders and colleagues to recognize and actively support these qualities to create an environment where all individuals, including those who identify as LGBTQ+ can thrive — and, in doing so, help drive innovation, inclusion, and competitive advantage across their organizations.
In this program, you will discover how to lead more fully, authentically, and effectively, in ways that align with your values and identity. You will gain skills to navigate complex organizational cultures and collaborate with global teams. You’ll also build the confidence to influence and negotiate while embodying inclusive, strategic, and authentic leadership. You will develop invaluable leadership strategies that fully embrace the unique LGBTQ+ journey, whether it is your own or that of colleagues you support. This ensures a holistic approach to your growth and development as a leader or an effective ally, best preparing you to drive organizational success
Most importantly, you will engage and network with a global community of LGBTQ+ leaders and supportive allies with whom you can share ideas, experiences, and best practices — creating a powerful cohort of peers for ongoing growth and collaboration.
Through interactive lectures, practical exercises, insightful case studies, and engaging panel discussions, you will depart with a robust toolkit to elevate your leadership skills in your organization and beyond.
Benefits of LGBTQ+ Leadership Program
This program is designed to help you enhance your leadership presence and develop a personal brand that leverages your authentic self. This includes empowering you to integrate your identity into your leadership style, equipping you with critical insights to become a more effective leader, manager, mentor, and sponsor. By participating, you will build a powerful network of leader and gain access to valuable mentorship and sponsorship opportunities.
Throughout the program, you will strengthen your multicultural fluency and acquire tools to work most effectively with global teams, improve your ability to negotiate with confidence, and develop a strategic thinking mindset to anticipate challenges while aligning with organizational goals.
After completing the program, you will feel confident in your ability to:
- Navigate complex organizational structures and cultures while embracing an authentic leadership style.
- Cultivate an inclusive workplace environment that accounts for diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
- Position yourself for advancement using strategies and skills acquired in the program.
Upon completion of the program, you will also earn a Certificate of Completion from the Harvard University Division of Continuing Education.
Who Should Register
This unique program is designed for high-performing LGBTQ+ professionals ready to make a transformative impact within their organizations and propel their careers forward. It is also invaluable for allies, managers, and HR professionals who are committed to enhancing their leadership capabilities, create more supportive and equitable work environments, and effectively manage and mentor diverse teams.
Tailored to meet the needs of ambitious mid- to senior-level managers with 5+ years of experience, this program is a catalyst for empowering you as a leader and developing the skills to lead strategically, foster inclusivity, drive exceptional business outcomes, and position yourself for advancement.
Participants may hold job titles such as:
- Team lead
- Manager
- Assistant director
- Director
- Supervisor
- Associate
- Analyst
Course Curriculum
This LGBTQ+ leadership program helps you design a personalized action plan that outlines your leadership goals and implementation strategies for post-program success alongside a cohort of high potential peers.
Through the use of interactive lectures, practical exercises, insightful case studies, and engaging panel discussions, you will cover topics such as:
- Cultivating authentic leadership
- Honing your strategic thinking
- Navigating organizational structures and cultures
- Working with global teams and building multicultural fluency
- Negotiation to drive positive outcomes
- Personal branding and building your visibility
- Inclusive leadership that encompasses sexual identity, gender identity, and allyship
- Positioning yourself for advancement
- Effective mentorship, sponsorship, and networking
Considering this program?
July Schedule
Pre-Program Webinar — July 24, 2025, 12–1:30 p.m. ET
The required webinar is meant to help participants start building relationships and become familiar with the concepts and exercises that will continue to be explored on campus.
Day 1: Developing Your Leadership Brand
- Challenges and Opportunities for LGBTQ+ Leaders
- Building Your Visibility and Brand
- Leading Authentically
- Leading Inclusively
Day 2: Negotiating for Leadership Success
- Preparing for Negotiations
- Conducting Negotiations
Day 3: Expanding Your Network
- Mentorship and sponsorship opportunities
- Seeking out development opportunities
- Strategic networking
- Panel discussion with local LGBTQ+ leaders
Day 4: Moving Forward as a Strategic Leader
- Developing a Strategic Thinking Mindset
- Mapping Out Your Action Plan
Instructors
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![Shawn O'Connor]()
Shawn O’Connor
Shawn has taught graduate business courses in management consulting, strategy, marketing, and business law at various universities, including Harvard where Shawn has won two Dean's Commendations for Distinguished Teaching Performance. -
![Bob Bordone]()
Bob Bordone
Robert. C Bordone (Bob) is an internationally recognized expert, bestselling author, speaker, and teacher in negotiation, conflict resolution, mediation, and facilitation. Currently a Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School and Founder and Principal of The Cambridge Negotiation Institute, he served on the full-time faculty at Harvard Law School for over two decades as the Thaddeus R. Beal Clinical Professor of Law, Director, and Founder of the Harvard Negotiation & Mediation Clinical Program. -
![Teresa Nelson.]()
Teresa Nelson
Teresa is the founder of Diversity North Group, a business consulting firm bridging academic research with management practice. A former business school professor, she has taught on five continents and advised organizations including the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Trillium Asset Management. She previously served on the National Women’s Business Council, advising the White House and Congress on issues of women as business owners.
FAQs
What is LGBTQ+ leadership and why is it important?
LGBTQ+ leadership refers to the inclusion of non-heteronormative individuals in influential roles, enhancing visibility at the managerial level and serving as a source of inspiration for future generations. These leaders bring an informed perspective on the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, actively contribute to organizational inclusiveness and play a critical role in challenging societal biases.
LGBTQ+ employees often lack role models who share their identity — in a 2021 McKinsey study, only about half of LGBTQ+ respondents said they saw people like themselves in management positions at their organizations. The visibility of LGBTQ+ leaders promotes acceptance, equality, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and can help create a more inclusive workplace.
How do I know if this LGBTQ+ Leadership Program is right for me?
LGBTQ+ Leadership Program: Leading with Pride may be right for you if:
- You are a professional aiming to expand your strategic leadership skills by exploring diverse leadership journeys and approaches. This program will equip you with valuable insights into developing your leadership brand, navigating organizational culture, and fostering environments that unlock the full potential of every contributor.
- You are seeking to build a strong network of LGBTQ+ leaders and allies to share insights and drive positive change.
How will this LGBTQ+ Leadership Program help me improve my career or company?
This program offers powerful insights for all LGBTQ+ leaders and allies. You’ll develop a personalized action plan and leadership brand that champions your authentic self, outlines your professional goals, and provides strategies for advancing your career. The program also offers a unique opportunity to network with a dynamic group of leaders dedicated to fostering supportive professional environments.
Beyond the personal benefits, your participation in this program can also drive meaningful impact within your organization.
Younger workers are looking for employers who foster an inclusive culture and there is a growing body of research that shows LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace among Fortune 500 companies attracted strong talent that was more actively engaged, which led to business success.
