THE PRESIDENTS CIRCLE
A learning experience for professionals seeking to elevate their
leadership with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Registration closes January 19th
Introducing The 1911
Group Presidents Circle
We are proud to introduce a leadership curriculum led by alumnus Dr. David Bertrand—created for SMU alumni who want to strengthen their capacity through a customized program rooted in
The Art and Science of Leadership.
“Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a practice. This is where practice gets refined."
“Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a practice. This is where practice gets refined."
Program Overview
A structured leadership development experience that sharpens
your leadership, your thinking, and your growth—guided by one of the region’s most respected executive coaches.
The 1911 Group Leadership Development Program is a five-month, cohort-style experience featuring three sessions in February, April, and June, led by Dr. David Bertrand. It combines structured teaching, interactive exercises, and practical frameworks for immediate application. An optional destination retreat will be offered in the fall.
This program is for individuals seeking clarity in their leadership philosophy and tools for elevated performance.
Why It Matters
Program Vision
Our goal is simple: deliver a leadership experience that boosts performance, deepens self-awareness, and equips professionals with practical tools they can use immediately.
Through these focused sessions spaced across five months, participants will absorb key concepts, practice new skills, and integrate insights into their daily work in real time—supported by a community of peers who challenge, encourage, and learn alongside them.
What Participants Will Gain
Session 1 (February 4, 2026): The Art of Leadership
Clarify the values and principles that guide your leadership and life
Develop the inner disciplines and mindsets of effective leaders
Explore how personal integrity shapes your influence and impact
Strengthen executive presence and communication clarity
Session 2 (April 1, 2026): The Science of Leadership
Assess your leadership with a powerful, evidence-based framework
Identify personal leadership strengths and blind spots
Learn behavior patterns that predict high-performance leadership
Begin building your foundational leadership philosophy
Session 3 (June 3, 2026): Extraordinary Leadership: Integration
Learn tools for leading through change and uncertainty
Articulate a leadership philosophy that brings clarity and purpose to how you lead
Understand the full spectrum of leadership styles and build the capacity to flex
Translate insights from the program into a practical leadership blueprint
Meet Dr. David Bertrand
Dr. Bertrand blends academic rigor with real-world coaching expertise. His research on transformational leadership earned first place at The Institute of Coaching’s Annual Conference, a Harvard Medical School affiliate. He holds a doctorate from SMU and degrees in business and human performance from Baylor University.
Known for his engaging, practical, and relational teaching style, he helps leaders strengthen communication, navigate conflict, build trust, and move from insight to impact.
Program Details
Format
Three in-person sessions with reflection and application exercises between meetings to help you integrate the learning into real work.
(Workshops are approx. 2.5 hours each.)
Schedule
(Feb 4)— Session One
(April 1) — Session Two
(June 3) — Session Three
Optional: Fall leadership retreat
Cost
$750 per person
(covers all three session)
Enrollment
Limited to 35 participants to preserve session quality and engagement.
The 1911 Group Leadership Development Program
A program for leaders who want clarity, purpose, and a community that pushes them to grow. Step back, sharpen your thinking, and lead with conviction.