The George Washington Leadership Program
March 24-26, 2026
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.