The George Washington Leadership Program

Date Icon

March 24-26, 2026

Location Icon

The George Washington Leadership Institute
Mount Vernon, Virginia

Agenda

Please arrive by 4pm March 24 as we will host a cocktail reception for our attendees.

March 25, 2026

8:30 AM

Welcome Breakfast

Founder’s Terrace (weather permitting) or Bookout Reception Hall George Washington Presidential Library 

9:00 AM

Leadership Foundations: Connection before Content 

Rubenstein Leadership Hall, George Washington Presidential Library 
An introspective session exploring personal leadership philosophies through facilitated reflection and peer discussion. 

9:30 AM

A Strategic Approach to Leading Through Times of Crisis and Change

Rubenstein Leadership Hall, George Washington Presidential Library
Taking advantage of the lessons of history, this 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. These lessons and traits are as applicable to today’s crises as they were in past years.

10:45 AM

Leading the Washington Way in a Modern World 

Rubenstein Leadership Hall, George Washington Presidential Library
In this interactive workshop, delve into the art of effective personal and organizational communication strategies, drawing inspiration from the timeless leadership principles of George Washington. By exploring Washington’s pillars of leadership, we examine the importance of strategic vision, execution, patience, and organizational character and how they can be applied to propel 21st-century leaders to success.

12:15 PM

Lunch

Bookout Reception Hall 

1:15 PM

Private Guided Tour of Mount Vernon Estate

Main Estate, Historical Interpreter to meet at Mount Vernon Inn
Explore Washington’s innovative spirit through his estate, a testament to his forward-thinking approach to leadership and technology. This curated tour reveals how Washington’s home embodies his commitment to innovation, efficiency, and strategic vision.

2:15 PM

Transition to Presidential Library 

Guided walk with Historical Interpreter

2:45 PM

Be Washington Case Studies

Rubenstein Leadership Hall, George Washington Presidential Library
Observe and practice decision-making based on historical case studies. Faced with crisis scenarios that Washington faced as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and as the first President of the United States, participants will use their own judgment to decide what to do in each situation.

3:45 PM

Insights to Action 

Rubenstein Leadership Hall, George Washington Presidential Library

Participants will engage in a facilitated exercise to synthesize key learnings and determine individual commitments to implement their insights.