Transformational Leadership Programs That Build Resilient Leaders

Lincoln Leadership Institute creates transformational leadership programs that move learning beyond the boardroom. Through immersive historical experiences, expert facilitation, coaching, and practical frameworks, leaders strengthen strategic thinking, communication, courage, and decision-making under pressure. Choose a shared open-enrollment experience, a customized team program, or a sustained enterprise partnership built around your organization’s priorities.

Leadership team in facilitated outdoor discussion

Our Transformational Leadership Programs Services

Immersive, virtual, customized, and credential-focused experiences for developing leaders and stronger organizations.

Private Team Experience

Bring 8 to 20 leaders together for a customizable, immersive program shaped around your organization’s challenges, values, and strategic priorities. Faculty develop relevant case studies and exercises, with instruction, coaching, accommodations, meals, and post-program resources included.

Enterprise Partnership

Build a sustained leadership pipeline through a multi-year, cohort-based engagement for large organizations. Customized learning stages, executive coaching, and dedicated account support help align leadership growth with long-term organizational transformation.

Gettysburg Leadership Journey

Develop decisive leadership through a 2.5-day immersive experience at Gettysburg. Expert faculty use historic scenarios to strengthen strategic thinking, clear communication, team alignment, and confident action when leaders must work with incomplete information.

Virtual Leadership Live

Bring live, interactive leadership development to participants wherever they work. This virtual program combines facilitated historical insight with modern technology, helping distributed teams explore practical frameworks without traveling to an in-person location.

Leadership Excellence Certificate

Pursue a recognized professional credential through a blended program offered with Purdue University Global. The experience pairs academic rigor with Lincoln Leadership Institute’s experiential methodology for professionals focused on leadership excellence.

Custom Programs & Keynotes

Address your organization’s specific leadership challenges with tailored workshops or keynote presentations. Faculty collaborate with your team to create relevant content, case studies, and exercises that support your priorities and desired business outcomes.

Immersive Practical Learning

Leadership Lessons That Change How Teams Lead

Lincoln Leadership Institute turns pivotal moments in history into practical leadership development. Participants examine decisions made under pressure, practice communicating with clarity, and build the resilience to guide teams through uncertainty. Programs can be delivered at iconic historic sites, virtually, or in a format tailored to your organization. Every experience connects memorable immersion with frameworks leaders can apply immediately in their roles.

Facilitator leading leadership workshop discussion
The Leadership Institute Difference

Why Choose Lincoln Leadership Institute?

A distinctive approach that connects powerful experiences with practical leadership application.

Proven Experience

More than 25 years pioneering experiential leadership development for modern organizations.

Lasting Reach

Programs have transformed over 40,000 leaders across Fortune 1000 and public-sector organizations.

Distinguished Faculty

Learn from historians, executives, military leaders, coaches, and communication specialists.

Flexible Formats

Select immersive, virtual, private, custom, or multi-year programs aligned to your goals.

Meet Our Leadership Faculty

Experienced educators and practitioners bring history’s lessons to life.

Portrait of Steven B. Wiley, President of Lincoln Leadership Institute

Steven B. Wiley

President, Lincoln Leadership Institute

Steven B. Wiley serves as President of the Lincoln Leadership Institute, where he has spent over 25 years pioneering experiential leadership development at America's most iconic historic battlefields. Recognized by ABC News as 'the best speaker you've never heard of,' Steven is celebrated for his dynamic, transformative presentations that bring timeless leadership principles to life for executives and high-potential leaders. Under his leadership, the Institute has served more than 25,000 Fortune 1000 and public sector clients and transformed over 40,000 leaders worldwide. Steven's approach combines historical immersion with practical, immediately applicable frameworks, equipping modern organizations to perform and produce in rapidly changing, high-stakes environments.

Portrait of Dr. Jared Peatman, Director of Curriculum at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Dr. Jared Peatman

Director of Curriculum

Dr. Jared Peatman serves as Director of Curriculum at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, where he designs and delivers leadership development experiences across a wide range of historic sites. A graduate of Gettysburg College, he holds a master's degree from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. Dr. Peatman is the author of 'The Long Shadow of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address' (2013) and was honored as a 2009 OAH/Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Doctoral Fellow, receiving the 2012 Hay-Nicolay Dissertation Prize. He holds a Certificate of Achievement in Experiential Education from the National Society for Experience Education and is certified to deliver EQ-i2.0 and EQ360 Emotional Intelligence Assessments, bringing rigorous academic depth and practical expertise to every program.

Portrait of Ron Bailey, Director of Development at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Ron Bailey

Director of Development

Ron Bailey serves as Director of Development at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, bringing a distinguished background in corporate leadership and business strategy to the organization. A graduate of Amherst College and a former IBM executive, Ron brings decades of experience in strategic planning, executive management, and business development to support the Institute's growth and client partnerships. His deep corporate expertise allows him to align the Institute's leadership programs with the real-world challenges facing Fortune 1000 companies and public sector organizations. Ron's commitment to delivering measurable value ensures that every client engagement is thoughtfully designed to achieve meaningful and lasting results.

Portrait of Dr. Judy Morley, Faculty Historian and Leadership Expert at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Dr. Judy Morley

Faculty – Historian & Leadership Expert

Dr. Judy Morley is a distinguished faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, serving as a Historian and Leadership Expert. Holding a Ph.D. in the History of the American West, she is an accomplished author, entrepreneur, and speaker who bridges the gap between historical leadership lessons and contemporary organizational challenges. Dr. Morley's engaging teaching style and deep historical expertise allow her to draw powerful, practical insights from the past and translate them into actionable frameworks for today's business leaders. Her published works on American Western history and leadership further establish her as a leading voice in experiential and values-based leadership development.

Portrait of Dr. Judith Glassick, Research and Design Specialist at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Dr. Judith Glassick

Research and Design Specialist

Dr. Judith Glassick serves as Research and Design Specialist at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, where she applies rigorous academic methodology to the development of evidence-based leadership curricula. She holds degrees from the University of Richmond and Catholic University, and earned her doctorate from the University of Southern California. Dr. Glassick specializes in designing research-grounded leadership development programs and conducting studies on leadership effectiveness, ensuring that the Institute's offerings are both academically credible and practically impactful. Her work is central to maintaining the high standard of curriculum quality that has earned the Lincoln Leadership Institute recognition from major media outlets and academic partners alike.

Portrait of Dennis Owens, Faculty Political Reporter and Communication Expert at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Dennis Owens

Faculty – Political Reporter & Communication Expert

Dennis Owens is a faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, bringing more than 30 years of television broadcast journalism experience and 15 Emmy Awards to the organization. As a distinguished political reporter and communication expert, Dennis provides leaders with unique, real-world insights into political communication, media relations, and crisis communication strategies. His extensive on-air career has given him an unparalleled understanding of how leaders communicate under pressure, make decisions in the public eye, and build credibility with diverse audiences. Dennis's expertise adds a compelling and practical dimension to the Institute's leadership programs, helping participants sharpen their communication and influence skills.

Portrait of General James Anderson, Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

General James Anderson

General (Faculty)

General James Anderson is a distinguished faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, contributing senior military leadership and strategic expertise to the organization's programs. With a career defined by principled decision-making, long-term strategic vision, and mission-focused leadership, General Anderson brings the highest level of military leadership experience to corporate and government leaders. His teachings emphasize the importance of adapting to rapidly changing circumstances while maintaining clarity of purpose and integrity. General Anderson's insights are particularly valuable for leaders navigating complex organizational environments where high-stakes decisions must be made under pressure and uncertainty.

Portrait of Admiral Scott Moore, Retired Navy Rear Admiral and Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Admiral Scott Moore

Admiral (Retired) – Faculty

Admiral Scott Moore is a retired Navy Rear Admiral and faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, bringing elite military leadership expertise to the organization's immersive programs. A graduate of the Air Academy Class of 1978, Admiral Moore dedicated over 30 years to Naval Special Warfare, accumulating an extraordinary depth of experience in high-stakes leadership, strategic operations, and team performance. His distinguished career in special operations provides participants with powerful, firsthand insights into leading under extreme pressure, building cohesive teams, and developing the decisiveness required of exceptional leaders. Admiral Moore's contributions to the Institute help bridge the gap between elite military leadership and modern organizational excellence.

Portrait of Dave Cooper, Command Master Chief and Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Dave Cooper

Command Master Chief – Faculty

Dave Cooper is a faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute and a US Navy SEAL since 1988, bringing decades of elite special operations leadership experience to the organization's programs. His career in Naval Special Warfare has equipped him with a profound understanding of high-performance teamwork, leadership under extreme adversity, and the mental and moral fortitude required to lead in life-or-death situations. Dave translates these hard-won lessons into powerful, actionable insights for corporate and government leaders, helping them build the resilience, courage, and decisive leadership capabilities needed to thrive in demanding environments. His presence on faculty reflects the Institute's commitment to world-class, battle-tested instruction.

Portrait of Colonel Ret. Mark Erwin, Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Colonel (Ret.) Mark Erwin

Colonel (Retired) – Faculty

Colonel (Ret.) Mark Erwin is a faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute with over 25 years of distinguished service in the US Army. Having served as Chief of Staff of US Army Special Operations Command, Colonel Erwin brings exceptional expertise in military leadership, strategic operations, and organizational management to the Institute's programs. His career at the highest levels of special operations leadership gives him unique insights into building high-performing teams, executing complex missions, and developing leaders who excel under pressure. Colonel Erwin's experience translates directly into practical frameworks that help corporate and government leaders navigate strategic challenges and drive results in their organizations.

Portrait of Joseph E. Mieczkowski, Licensed Battlefield Guide and Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Joseph E. Mieczkowski

Licensed Battlefield Guide – Faculty

Joseph E. Mieczkowski is a Licensed Battlefield Guide and faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, combining decades of federal executive experience with deep historical knowledge of the Gettysburg battlefield and the Civil War era. A graduate of Salem College and Penn State University, Joseph brings a rare combination of academic rigor, practical leadership insight, and authoritative historical expertise to the Institute's programs. As a retired federal executive, he understands firsthand the challenges of leading large organizations through change and uncertainty. His battlefield tours and leadership facilitation create an immersive, compelling experience that connects historical decisions to the leadership challenges participants face in their own organizations.

Portrait of Fran Feyock, Licensed Battlefield Guide and Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Fran Feyock

Licensed Battlefield Guide – Faculty

Fran Feyock is a Licensed Battlefield Guide and faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, bringing a distinctive combination of healthcare executive leadership and deep historical knowledge to the organization's programs. A retired Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (C.R.N.A.) and former Executive Director of a Surgical Service Line, Fran has spent her career leading high-stakes teams in demanding medical environments. Her experience managing critical care and surgical operations provides her with powerful, real-world perspectives on decisive leadership, team cohesion, and performance under pressure. As a Licensed Battlefield Guide, Fran connects the leadership lessons of historic battlefields to the challenges faced by leaders across industries.

Portrait of Brad Alge, Leadership Expert and Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Brad Alge

Leadership Expert – Faculty

Brad Alge is a Leadership Expert and faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, bringing extensive experience in executive coaching, team development, and organizational consulting to the organization's programs. His work spans a broad range of industries and organizational contexts, equipping him to address the unique leadership challenges that corporate leaders encounter at every level. Brad's approach emphasizes practical skill-building, self-awareness, and the development of high-performing teams that can sustain results over time. His contributions to the Institute's programs help participants translate the powerful lessons of historic battlefields into concrete leadership strategies they can apply immediately within their own organizations.

Portrait of Kelly Garret, Leadership Development Specialist and Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Kelly Garret

Leadership Development Specialist – Faculty

Kelly Garret is a Leadership Development Specialist and faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, bringing deep expertise in organizational psychology, executive coaching, and team dynamics to the Institute's programs. His background equips him to help leaders develop greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the interpersonal skills essential for effective leadership in complex organizations. Kelly's emphasis on understanding human behavior and motivation provides participants with a nuanced perspective on how to inspire, influence, and develop the people around them. His contributions enhance the Lincoln Leadership Institute's holistic approach to leadership development, ensuring participants leave with both strategic insights and the personal growth tools needed to lead with confidence.

Portrait of Jari Villanueva, Military Heritage Expert and Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Jari Villanueva

Military Heritage Expert – Faculty

Jari Villanueva is a Military Heritage Expert and faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, specializing in ceremonial military traditions and American military history. His deep knowledge of military heritage and its symbolic significance enriches the Institute's battlefield-based leadership experiences, offering participants a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and leadership legacies that shaped American history. Jari's expertise brings a distinctive and meaningful dimension to the Institute's programs, connecting the ceremonial and cultural traditions of military service to the broader themes of courage, honor, and values-based leadership. His contributions help participants develop a deeper respect for the leadership principles embedded in America's military heritage.

Portrait of Bob Prosperi, Leadership Instructor and Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Bob Prosperi

Leadership Instructor – Faculty

Bob Prosperi is a Leadership Instructor and faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, contributing practical leadership expertise to the organization's immersive, battlefield-based learning experiences. With hands-on experience facilitating leadership development in challenging, high-engagement environments, Bob excels at guiding participants through the Institute's experiential programs and helping them draw meaningful, actionable insights from historic battlefields. His approachable and engaging facilitation style creates an environment where leaders at all levels feel challenged and inspired to grow. Bob's commitment to experiential learning and practical application makes him a valued member of the Institute's faculty team, dedicated to delivering transformative outcomes for every participant.

Portrait of Dave Williams, Distinguished Professor and Faculty at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Dave Williams

Distinguished Professor – Faculty

Dave Williams is a Distinguished Professor and faculty member at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, serving as a professor at the Schar School of Government and Policy at George Mason University. His academic expertise in government, public policy, and institutional leadership brings a rigorous and research-informed perspective to the Institute's programs. Dave's deep understanding of how policy decisions shape organizations and communities provides participants with valuable context for navigating the intersection of leadership, governance, and public accountability. His contributions to the Lincoln Leadership Institute enrich its curriculum with scholarly depth, helping leaders in both the public and private sectors develop a more sophisticated understanding of the broader forces that shape organizational performance.

Portrait of Scott Avellino Jr., Client Relationship and Event Coordinator at Lincoln Leadership Institute

Scott Avellino Jr.

Client Relationship & Event Coordinator

Scott Avellino Jr. serves as Client Relationship and Event Coordinator at the Lincoln Leadership Institute, where he helps clients and teams plan, coordinate, and execute leadership programs from start to finish. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to delivering seamless program experiences ensure that every participant can focus fully on the transformative learning the Institute provides. A Civil War Living Historian since 2010, Scott brings authentic historical passion to his work, literally bringing history to life on the battlefield. His unique combination of event management expertise and deep personal connection to Civil War history makes him an invaluable member of the Institute's team and a genuine asset to every program he supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 C's of transformational leadership?

There is no single, universally accepted list of five C’s for transformational leadership. A useful framework includes character, communication, connection, courage, and commitment. Together, these qualities help leaders model ethical behavior, communicate a clear vision, build trust, act decisively through uncertainty, and sustain progress toward meaningful organizational change. Strong programs turn these concepts into observable leadership habits.

What are the 5 key practices of transformational leadership?

Who should attend a transformational leadership program?

What makes experiential leadership development different?

Can a program be customized for our organization?

How long do transformational leadership programs last?

What is included with an immersive program?

Is there a leadership credential option?

Have Questions About Leadership Development?

Talk with our team about the right program format.

Recognized Leadership Excellence

Awards and Recognition

Purdue University Global partnership credential

Purdue University Global Partnership

Accredited certificate program partnership

USA TODAY recognition

USA TODAY Recognition

Praised for powerful performance training

Experiential education credential

Experiential Education Credential

Faculty credential in experiential education

Build Leaders Ready for What’s Next

Share your leadership goals, audience, and preferred format. Our team will help you identify an experience aligned with your organization’s priorities.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at (717) 338-9971. You can also send us a quick email at info@gettysburgleadership.com.