The CCIAOR Leadership Academy is a dynamic multi-session program held at diverse locations throughout the region and focused on improving leadership skills and community knowledge with the goal of empowering you to be a better leader at work and in your community.

The sessions cover topics related to skills enhancement, community building, diversity and awareness of today’s significant topics in our industry which will provide you with a foundation to build and execute your own leadership style.

Throughout this program, you will have the opportunity to interact and have thought-provoking discussions with colleagues and community leaders at various stages of their careers who bring their own experience and perspective to each session.

The CCIAOR Leadership Academy is proudly sponsored by Guild Mortgage, who are celebrating 10 years of empowering leadership by being a supporter of the Leadership Academy!

2025 Leadership Academy Sessions - click on the session name to see details

The Art of Leadership & Alumni Meet & Greet Reception
Thursday, March 6 | 3:00pm - 6:30pm

The first session begins with an uplifting and thoughtful introduction, offering an opportunity to connect with your new classmates and Leadership Academy alumni. You’ll explore how a local community transformed the Center into a world-class, inclusive hub for creativity and cultural exploration through the arts. Be inspired as you participate in a collaborative, hands-on art project designed to foster connection, and teamwork, and unlock your inner creativity.

Leadership Academy alumni, along with our sponsor, LA Guild Mortgage, and CCIAOR Leadership, will join us immediately afterward for a meet & greet Reception.

Location: Cultural Center of Cape Cod, 307 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth

What You Bring to Your Leadership Role
Tuesday, March 18 | 10:00am - 12:30pm

This interactive workshop will guide you in exploring your unique leadership strengths and work styles. Using the Five Dynamics instrument, you will identify key aspects of your leadership approach, helping you understand how to leverage your energy and talents in your current role. Through hands-on exercises and group discussions, you'll gain insights into how your leadership style can enhance your effectiveness and relationships, both within and outside your organization. By the end of this session, you will feel more confident in your ability to lead, communicate, and contribute meaningfully, empowering you to make a lasting impact in your leadership role.

Location: Highfield Hall, 56 Highfield Drive, Falmouth

Storytelling in Action: Enhancing Leadership and Influence
Monday, March 31 | 10:00am - 12:30pm

Discover how storytelling can elevate your leadership skills and amplify your impact. Join us for a panel discussion with local professionals who leverage storytelling in their businesses, and get hands-on creating a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for a non-profit or organization you care about—via podcast, video, social media, or other creative formats. Learn, collaborate, and bring stories to life!

Location: Lower Cape TV, 5 Namskaket Road, Orleans

Fair Housing in Focus: Insights from Industry Professionals
Tuesday, April 15 | General Session: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm - With private luncheon for Leadership Academy class only from Noon - 1:00 pm

Join us for an engaging panel discussion that delves into the current state of fair housing in real estate. Learn from leading fair housing professionals as they share their expertise on critical topics, including the Massachusetts Housing Discrimination Testing Program, which uses innovative methods to uncover and address discriminatory practices.

Our panelists will include experts from Suffolk University Law School’s Housing Discrimination Testing Program, who will provide insight into the testing process and its impact on fair housing efforts statewide. Additionally, a Senior Policy Representative for Fair Housing at the National Association of REALTORS® will share updates on national fair housing initiatives and how REALTORS® can champion inclusivity and equity in their work.

This session is an essential opportunity to deepen your understanding of fair housing challenges and solutions while gaining actionable tools to support fair housing practices in your real estate business.

Location: CCIAOR Conference Center, 22 Mid Tech Drive, West Yarmouth

Navigating Difficult Conversations & Building Consensus with Cape Mediation
Tuesday, April 29th - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Conflict is an inevitable part of real estate (and life!), but it doesn’t have to derail deals or harm relationships. Learn practical strategies to prevent and resolve conflict using collaborative, mediation-based problem-solving techniques. Develop essential skills in constructive communication to foster understanding, build trust, and promote collaboration.

This interactive session features hands-on exercises, breakout groups, and real-life scenarios designed to equip you with the tools to navigate conflict effectively and work toward consensus. Join experts from Cape Cod Mediation and seasoned industry mediators for an engaging, skill-building experience that will enhance your ability to manage challenges and achieve positive outcomes.

Location: Wellfleet Preservation Hall, 335 Main St, Wellfleet

NAR Volunteer Days - REALTORS® Are Good Neighbors
Week of Volunteering; May 13-18

Opportunity to engage in 2-4 hours of volunteer work at a Cape Cod nonprofit organization chosen by this group, contributing to activities that create a positive impact while serving our community and neighbors during NAR’s 2025 National Volunteer Days. Exact location and day to be determined.

Improv Your Life & Leadership With Confidence
Tuesday, May 13 | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Unleash your unique voice and refine your communication style in this engaging, high-energy workshop. Whether you already have an idea to share or are looking for ways to express yourself more effectively, this session will guide you through the first steps of mastering impactful communication.

By exploring the basics and identifying your style, you’ll address common barriers to effective communication and gain valuable tools to communicate with confidence. This fast-paced, thought-provoking experience will enhance your ability to think quickly, connect with others, and embrace life’s challenges—all while fostering a sense of humor, empathy, and authenticity.

Prepare for an enjoyable and insightful session that will help you lead with clarity and confidence!

Location: Sandwich Arts Alliance (Old Town Hall), 130 Main Street, Sandwich

Advocacy 101 & Governance Review
Wednesday, May 28 | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Join us for a session on the power of advocacy, featuring the former CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and now Executive Director of the JFK Hyannis Museum. She’ll highlight the Kennedy family’s legacy and its impact on Cape Cod’s political and social landscape.

CCIAOR’s Government Affairs Director will also share her insights on current regional political and legislative issues and discuss how you can get involved in shaping policies at the local and state levels to support the REALTOR® community. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to expand your involvement, this session will provide practical ways to make a difference.

Location: Family Center for Civic Engagement at the JFK Hyannis Museum, 397 Main Street, Hyannis

10th Anniversary Leadership Alumni Celebration!

We’re celebrating a decade of leadership and we want YOU to be a part of it! This June, Guild Mortgage is hosting a special 10th Anniversary Reception for Leadership Academy Alumni, and it's the perfect chance to reconnect, network, and celebrate all we've accomplished together. It's going to be a fun and engaging evening where you'll meet other professionals who are just as passionate about making an impact in their careers and communities. Don't miss out—let's celebrate, connect, and keep growing!

The Leadership Academy is limited to 16 or fewer participants. Please be sure that you are able to attend all or most of the sessions and will be able to devote the time and resources required to complete the program. Note you must be a CCIAOR member in good standing to apply. Candidates from all experience levels will be considered however, the selection committee generally looks for a minimum of 2 years experience as a REALTOR® and some history of production in the market.

The 2025 Leadership academy program fee for participants is $250. If you have any questions regarding the program or fee or are unable to cover the cost, please contact Patricia Pry, Events & Partnerships Director at ppry@cciaor.com.

Apply for the 2025 Leadership Academy

Want to be a part of the 2025 Leadership Academy? Tell us about yourself and why you want to participate using the application below.

The deadline to apply is Friday, February 7th, 2025 at 9 PM.

Apply for the 2025 Leadership Academy!

Leadership Academy alum Karen St Amand shares why participating in the CCIAOR Leadership Academy is one of the best things you can do for your real estate business.

From Susan Winslow

I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to participate in the CCIAOR 2024 Leadership Academy. We were involved in several creative and educational activities, projects and initiatives and visited many small businesses on the Cape that provide needed services to our local communities, culminating in a week of volunteer services at numerous locations across the Cape.

These visits reminded us all of our civic responsibilities, while at the same time nurtured our pride in our real estate profession and commitment to such community involvement.

I felt nothing but positive energy and growth throughout the year and would highly recommend to any realtor that they apply and participate!

From Daphne Lowe

The Leadership Academy on Cape Cod was an incredibly enriching experience. I gained valuable insight into the local resources available on the Cape, including museums and community organizations, which I had not fully explored before. The outstanding networking opportunities allowed me to connect with colleagues from different offices and learn from their experiences. Additionally, I had the chance to collaborate on a grant proposal aimed at helping others in the community, which was both inspiring and rewarding. Overall, it was a great opportunity for personal and professional growth.

From Hank Sennott

No matter how long you've lived on Cape Cod and worked as a real estate professional, there's always something new you can learn about where we live. Leadership Academy made me aware of people and organizations having a tremendous impact on life here on Cape Cod and how as a realtor I can play a part.

From Jenny Schaffer

The CCIOR Leadership Academy is an example of the supportive, forward thinking, ever evolving, community-oriented character of the Association. My office suggested that I apply for the opportunity to attend the 2024 Leadership Academy, having just moved to the Cape, and I agreed that it was a good way to “plug in” to the real estate community. But it was so much more - and so much more meaningful personally.

To say the Leadership Academy was helpful to me is an understatement. I gained a well rounded understanding of the Cape from the inside out, and can honestly say I am proud to be a part of this great real estate community. I am more committed than ever to get involved in the worthy causes and programs that make the wheels turn. I’m grateful to all those at CCIAOR who put such effort and thought into this wonderful program.