Stepping Into the Executive Cadre

Description

Registration is now open for Cohorts 27 & 28.

COHORT 27 (7 months; In-person):

• Module 1: October 6 + 7 + 8, 2026

• Module 2: December 8 + 9 + 10, 2026

• Module 3 - Study Tour: February 22 + 23 + 24 + 25* (In person at the IOG office).

• Module 4: April 6 + 7 + 8, 2027

• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

COHORT 28 (7 months; In-person):

• Module 1: March 22 + 23 + 24, 2027

• Module 2: May 11 + 12 + 13, 2027

• Module 3 - Study Tour: July 12 + 13 + 14 + 15* (In person at the IOG office).

• Module 4: September 14 + 15 + 16, 2027

• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 8, 2027
  

Target Audience: EX minus 1, EX minus 2 aspiring executives, and newly appointed Directors.

Program Curriculum

Structured around three themes—leading yourself, leading others, and leading your organization—the program develops the perspective, self-awareness, and leadership capabilities required at the executive level.

Across four modules, participants explore emotional intelligence, executive presence, strategic decision-making, people leadership, and organizational change. They learn from respected subject matter experts and guest speakers, explore leading practices that inspire effective leadership, and strengthen their skills through professionally facilitated action-learning groups.

A leadership study tour to Montreal or Toronto broadens participants’ perspectives through direct engagement with leaders from the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Practical exercises, self-awareness tools, and peer discussions help participants apply their learning to real workplace challenges while building a lasting professional network.

Leadership Study Tour Travel Costs

The IOG covers the following study tour expenses:

Train Travel: The IOG will cover participants’ round-trip VIA Rail tickets between Ottawa and the study tour location, as well as transportation to and from the Ottawa VIA Rail station, including parking costs.

Hotel Accomodation: The IOG will arrange the group reservation and pay the hotel directly for accommodation during the scheduled study tour nights. Participants will be required to provide a credit card at check-in to cover any incidental or personal charges. Any accommodation required outside the study tour dates must be arranged and paid for by the participant or their department.

Meals and Local Transportation: Participants will pay for eligible meals, taxis, and other approved study tour expenses and submit an expense claim form to the IOG for reimbursement. Reimbursements will follow National Joint Council (NJC) travel allowances.

Ottawa Debrief: Following the study tour, participants will return to Ottawa for a debrief session at the IOG office. Meals will be provided during the session.

Participants Travelling from Outside the National Capital Region

Participants may travel to Ottawa to join the group or travel directly to the study tour location. The participant or their department is responsible for: 

• Travel from their home region to Ottawa or directly to the study tour location

• Accommodation required in Ottawa

• Accommodation outside the scheduled study tour dates

• Expenses not approved by the IOG or exceeding applicable NJC allowances

Program Fee: $9,990

• As a not-for-profit organization, the IOG does not collect HST

• The fee includes tuition, meals, course materials, online tools, and continued access to program resources.

Participant Testimonials

• "This was an excellent leadership training course that I would recommend. I was particularly impressed by all of the angles of leadership that were explored and the personal learning approach that engaged us in the leadership journey. Thank you IOG!"
• "I would absolutely recommend this program to others (and will do). It was by far the most valuable training activity that I have ever done, and many would benefit from also taking it."

• "This is one of the most effective leadership courses I have taken in my professional career. The variety of topics, the caliber of the presenters, the study tour make this a rich learning experience."

• "This program delivered relevant content, engaging participation, and rich discussions-strengthening self-awareness, leadership style, and a lasting peer network."
  

For further inquiries or support, please contact us at registration@iog.ca. 

Facilitators

Omer Boudreau
Associate, IOG 

Omer Boudreau is a seasoned bilingual public-sector leader with more than 30 years of experience in public policy, corporate management, government operations, and transformational change. He has held senior executive roles at the Public Service Commission of Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada, and now brings his extensive leadership and public administration experience to his work as a facilitator and consultant.

Donald Burke
Associate, IOG 

Donald Burke is an experienced bilingual facilitator, executive counsellor, and leadership development practitioner with extensive experience across the public and private sectors in Canada and internationally. He has supported more than 1,500 public-service executives and aspiring executives and brings deep expertise in leadership development, change management, coaching, and executive career development.