A Leadership Workshop for Times of Transition
In times of transition, leaders need a place and the space to gain perspective and renew their sense of purpose. The Mount Vernon Leadership Institute and Model Leader formed an exclusive partnership to provide just that.
Join us for a one-day workshop, where we delve into the enduring legacy of George Washington's exemplary transition leadership and explore its relevance to modern challenges.
Gain Tools to Navigate Transition
This workshop uniquely combines historical insights with contemporary strategies. With our extensive expertise developing public service leaders, you will gain valuable tools and practices to navigate transition.
You will leave with a fresh perspective on history, a deeper understanding of today's transition tools, and new relationships. Most importantly, you will leave with a renewed commitment to advancing a more perfect union.
Workshop Sessions
Session topics include:
Strategic Leadership in Times of Change: Lessons from Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Churchill
Taking advantage of the lessons of history, this interactive presentation identifies eight common traits that these four remarkable leaders used to guide their countries through times of great crisis and change.
This presentation emphasizes the importance of strategic vision, effective communication, visibility, and collaboration in dealing with the inherent anxiety created by crisis and change and in charting a positive way forward. The session will culminate in a facilitated discussion where participants reflect on their own leadership styles and identify strategies to enhance their ability to lead through change.
Applying Washington’s Principles in Today’s Changing World
This workshop focuses on translating George Washington’s leadership principles into modern practices. Participants will explore effective communication and organizational strategies that build trust, accountability, and collaboration.
By examining Washington’s legacy, this session aims to provide leaders with practical tools to foster engagement and growth within their teams amidst today’s evolving challenges.
Navigating Transition as Leaders: Developing Adaptive Strategies
Focus on practical techniques for leading through transition. This session will cover strategies for adapting leadership styles to navigate change effectively, based on insights from both historical and contemporary practices.
Insight to Action
Wrap up the day by synthesizing the lessons learned into actionable strategies. Participants will engage in a reflective discussion to identify key takeaways and develop personal action plans for leading through change.
Exclusive Mount Vernon Experiences
View Rare Books & Manuscripts from Washington's Personal Library
This unique experience includes an up-close look at original documents and books from George Washington's own library. This rare glimpse into Washington’s collection offers deeper understanding of his thoughts and leadership philosophy through his written words.
Tour George Washington's Mansion
Experience Washington’s leadership and vision through a tour of his estate, a reflection of his character and values. This exploration of Washington’s home offers insights into his personal and professional life, providing a tangible connection to his leadership principles.
This Program Includes
- Leadership programming and Facilitation
- Tour of Mansion
- Tour Of Rare Books & Manuscripts Collection
- Coffee and Beverages
- Lunch
Speaker/Facilitator Bios
Heather Soubra
As Director of The George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon, Heather works with the team to design and facilitate programming to empower leaders as they navigate the complexities of the future while upholding the timeless principles of leadership. Soubra previously served as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Chief of Staff, Strategist, and Consultant for the International Dairy Foods Association, where she focused on facilitating complex systems, human development, collaboration, and inclusiveness across the organization to achieve strategic goals. Her direct experiences as a senior leader supplement her education and inform her experience as a leadership and executive coach. A graduate of George Mason University, Heather earned her degree in intercultural communication and received her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence. She earned her Professional Certified Coach (PCC) coaching credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and received her Executive Certificate in Facilitation from Georgetown University Institute for Transformational Leadership in the School of Continuing Studies.
Peter Cressy
Dr. Peter Cressy has 35 years of CEO experience in both the public and private sectors including significant international experiences. A distinguished educator, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and Trade Association CEO, Dr. Cressy has a lengthy history of leadership positions. He served for six years as Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and for two years as President of the Massachusetts Maritime College. His 28-year naval career included key appointments at the State Department, House of Representatives, the Pentagon, and several commanding officer positions. He concluded his career as Commander, Fleet Air Mediterranean and Commander, NATO Air Mediterranean during Desert Storm where he was in command of 16,000 personnel and eight joint Naval bases in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Most recently, Dr. Cressy served 16 years as the CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, the trade association representing the largest international suppliers of fine spirits.
A Yale undergraduate, Dr. Cressy has Master’s degrees in International Affairs, Business Administration and Systems Analysis. His Doctorate in Organizational Development focuses on decision-making and leadership in complex environments. Dr. Cressy is considered an expert in leadership education, training, and coaching. During his Naval career, he served as Director of Naval Aviation Training and Manpower and subsequently, as Director of Total Force Naval training and education.
Andrew Marshall
Andrew Marshall is an HBR-published, ICF-certified executive coach (PCC level) who co-founded Model Leader, a leadership development firm dedicated to developing leaders who lift society. He has experience developing thousands of leaders and leadership teams across sectors, from aspiring supervisors to seasoned executives, including C-Suite leaders managing multi-billion dollar budgets and with responsibility for tens of thousands of people. Andrew comes with his own executive experience. He stood up and led the Public Service Leadership Institute, an entity housed within the Partnership for Public Service and which develops thousands of federal leaders each year. A thought leader in the field of leadership development he has given keynotes for leadership conferences, designed leadership models for government and nonprofits, designed assessment tools and executive programs, written case studies and published with HBR and MIT on leadership. A student of history, and Lincoln in particular, he has led leaders through development programs at Ford´s Theater, Lincoln´s Cottage, the Lincoln Memorial, Gettysburg Battlefield and Independence Hall. In addition to his coaching and facilitation with Model Leader, he currently serves on the faculty for the White House Leadership Development Program, the AI Federal Leadership Program, and the LOFT Fellowship Program.
Ariel Galli Marshall
Ariel Galli Marshall is the co-founder, co-owner, senior designer, and senior facilitator at Model Leader. She leads the research and design for the Model Leader curriculum, facilitates retreats and workshops, and oversees the organization's operations. She has worked with leaders in many capacities, from the new to the seasoned. This includes experience teaching, facilitating, and coaching in classrooms and camps with youth of all backgrounds as well as developing the leadership skills of adults with diverse worldviews and experience. Recent work includes partnering with parents as they establish their family values, vision and mission; developing a leadership model for the nonprofit Small Business Majority; and facilitating retreats and workshops with USDA, CDC, DFC and corporate CEOs in a Philadelphia retreat focused on the founding of the country. Her understanding of US history shows up throughout the design and facilitation of her programs. A sociologist in education and at heart, Ariel’s expertise lies in systems thinking, strategic foresight, conflict management and building healthy cultures. Ariel is certified in the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument and a graduate of Georgetown’s Executive Certificate in Facilitation program.
George Washington Leadership Institute
The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association founded the George Washington Leadership Institute in 2013 to examine and teach about the leadership qualities of America’s first president. Learning from failure and mentorship, George Washington became one of the premier leaders of the young United States.
