three students at the RLP graduation

The Rising Leaders Program (RLP) prepares participants for success in their first managerial positions and equips them to progress into higher levels of responsibility. This innovative and intensive experience is unique from other senior leadership development programs by focusing on cultural awareness and competence throughout all sessions.

The Business Case

Consistently, talent pools of creative potentials continue to grow in the U.S. but upward mobility is yet to be seen in that pool. There's a sort of stagnancy that exists for these potentials to unlock that next level. In response, the SMU Cox Executive Education collaborated with senior executives from The Leadership Lab's corporate sponsors to develop the Rising Leaders Program.

The curriculum and structure of RLP was created in collaboration with senior executives from industry-leading companies. Participating partners include AT&T, Baylor Scott & White Health, Northwestern Mutual, PepsiCo, EY, JCPenney, Kimberly-Clark, MoneyGram, Shell Oil, State Farm, and Walmart.

RLP is open to all and based on participants’ achievements and contribution to their organization’s purpose and business objectives.

Register for the Cohort that Works for you - explore below

Course feature Course detail
Dates: –
Topic: Leadership
Format: On Campus
Location: SMU Cox School of Business
Credentialing:

 digital certificate awarded upon course completion.
Price:

Please contact us at (214) 768-8232 or leadershiplab@smu.edu for pricing information.
Questions?

To learn more, contact us at (214) 768-8232 or leadershiplab@smu.edu.

100%

Participants who were ready to apply what they learned after RLP.

99%

Said RLP was a valuable use of time.

98%

Would recommend RLP to a colleague.

Topics & Program Details

Program Objectives

  • Aid the transition from individual contributors and supervisors to high-performance leaders of teams

  • Develop critical business and leadership skills

  • Raise awareness of how cultural complexities impact performance and achievement

  • Prepare participants for sustained success at higher levels of responsibility

Achieved Through

  • Practical, interactive, and hands-on learning experiences

  • Awareness of cultural barriers and opportunities for advancement

  • Networking with experienced senior managers

KEY PROGRAM MODULES

The RLP curriculum focuses on increasing the performance and visibility of untapped talent.

Participants will engage in practical interactive learning experiences, individual assessments, and interact with experienced senior managers. Our goal is help strong individual contributors and supervisors make the transition to dynamic senior leaders.

  • Cultural Foundations of Leaders
  • AI Literacy and Strategy
  • The Leadership Mindset - Becoming an Effective Leader
  • Driving Performance, Engagement & Trust
  • Managing Difficult Conversations
  • Business Acumen & Financial Intelligence
  • Executive Presence
  • Developing Influence & Social Capital

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Individual Assessment

Each participant will complete an individual assessment prior to the start of the program. Results of this self-awareness tool will allow participants identify their leadership style and an opportunity to understand how to maximize their leadership skills by focusing on their strengths.

Executive Speakers and Advisors

Participants will learn and interact with world-renowned experts in leadership and business. Our executive advisors share practical insights, tools, and tips with participants in the classroom.

Networking

Interact with cohort peers to strengthen one's networks across industries.

Who Should Attend?

  • High-performing individual contributors preparing for leadership responsiblities
  • Newly promoted supervisors and first-line managers
  • Emerging leaders identified through succession planning or talent development initiatives
  • Professionals seeking to strengthen leadership effectiveness, communication and influence

Time Commitment

RLP requires significant commitment from participants, who dedicate four and a half days to this immersive leadership experience. Organizational support is an important component of participant success. To foster engagement throughout the program, participants will provide the names and contact information of their managers who will receive program updates and be invited to attend the closing ceremony and graduation. 

Schedule

Multiple cohort options are available for RLP 2027.  The program is delivered in person over four and half days on the SMU Cox campus.

Upcoming Cohorts

Program Dates

RLP Spring

March 8-12, 2027

RLP Summer

 June 7-11, 2027
RLP Fall September 27 - October 1, 2027 
RLP Winter  October 25-29, 2027 
 2026 Cohorts Remaining  
RLP Winter

November 16-20, 2026

Learn More

Contact Ana Rodriguez, Executive Director for the Leadership Lab, at leadershiplab@smu.edu or 214.768.8232 to learn more about the Rising Leaders Program.

Rising Leaders program credly badge

Course Certification

We have partnered with Credly to translate the learning outcomes you’ve demonstrated into a badge, issued and managed through Credly's digital badging platform.

Click here to learn more about this Credly certification

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Candice Bledsoe

Candice Bledsoe, Fall 2019

"The Rising Latino Leadership Program is paving the way for Latino leaders by providing innovative, executive education. Emerging leaders are equipped with the resources and tools to achieve their professional goals. "

This innovative four-and-a-half day experience prepares participants for success in their first managerial positions and equips them to progress into higher levels of responsibility.

three students at a table working

Sam De La Garza, Senior Manager, Toyota

"CEDP has been an amazing journey of learning and growth. We challenged ourselves and each other to become better leaders for our teams and organizations."

Delivered in three phases over seven months, this will offer training and networking opportunities to high-potential Hispanic managers and directors preparing for executive levels of responsibilities.

Rising Latino Leaders - Jay Ortiz

Jay Ortiz, AT&T Conexion

The Rising Latino Leader Program equips you with all the tools needed to climb the corporate ladder, but more importantly, become a better version of yourself while doing so... this course will help you realize your full potential.

This innovative four-and-a-half day experience prepares participants for success in their first managerial positions and equips them to progress into higher levels of responsibility.

three men at a table

Chris Quave, Director, AT&T

"CEDP quickly enhanced my leadership skills, with a curriculum focused on personal development, consumers and industry trends that provided an in-depth knowledge to make calculated business decisions. The experience was invaluable."

Delivered in three phases over seven months, this will offer training and networking opportunities to high-potential Hispanic managers and directors preparing for executive levels of responsibilities.

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Want To Keep Exploring?

See the Course Calendar

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Next Steps

Questions? Not sure which program fits your needs? Reach out to our team.