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In Partnership with CDA  ·  Powered by GRITT

CDA Leadership Institute

Developing Leadership Presence for the Convenience Distribution Association - a fully integrated leadership development program overseen and delivered by GRITT Business Coaching.

Deadline for Registration: March 20, 2026  ·  Chicago, IL  ·  April 28–May 1, 2026  ·  $4,450
Register at cdaweb.net
The Program

A Living Lab for High-Performance Leadership.

Dive headfirst into a living lab with our integrated approach to developing high-performance teams. It's time to challenge outdated models with a fresh new take on what it means to have Leadership Presence.

Breathe life into your teams and find your own sense of balance between authority, authenticity, and approachability - as industry experts lead you through evidence-backed methods of creating cohesion in the workplace.

GRITT oversees all aspects of program registration, delivery, content, and logistics. This is not a generic leadership workshop - it's the full GRITT methodology, purpose-built for CDA member organizations.

Who Should Attend

High-Potential Employees, New Managers, and other Managers who want to broaden their communication, managerial, financial, and leadership skills.

The GRITT Advantage
✓ Individual Coaching
✓ Live & Virtual Classes
✓ Homework & Real-World Application
Virtual Orientation Session Apr 13
3.5-Day In-Person Sessions Apr 28–May 1
Two Virtual Group Sessions Post-Onsite
Three 1:1 Virtual Coaching Sessions Ongoing
Investment $4,450
Learning Objectives

What You'll Learn

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Strengthen self-awareness (MeQ) and emotional intelligence

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Identify and activate Character Strengths for greater authenticity

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Develop optimism and resilience through reframing and reflection

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Clarify values, purpose, and leadership identity

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Build measurable goal-setting and accountability systems

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Enhance leadership presence and communication effectiveness

Spring 2026 Cohort

Full Program Schedule

Chicago, IL  ·  April 28–May 1, 2026  ·  Registration deadline: March 20, 2026

Virtual Pre-Program
Welcome Orientation
April 13, 2026

Purpose: Build connection, introduce frameworks, and establish intention.

Topics: Welcome to the Leadership Institute · Introduction to MeQ and HERO frameworks · Reflection: "What kind of leader do I want to become?"

Homework: VIA Character Strengths survey, professional photo, and a one-sentence leadership vision.

On-Site Session · Chicago, IL
3.5-Day Intensive
April 28–May 1
Day 1 · Apr 28 (9am–5pm)
The Inner Foundation: MeQ, Explanatory Style & Self-Awareness
  • Opening Circle: Psychological safety and connection
  • Understanding MeQ: "How smart are you about you?"
  • Exploring Explanatory Style and optimism
  • Discovering and activating Character Strengths
  • Reflection and integration exercise
Day 2 · Apr 29 (9am–5pm)
The Mindset of Resilient Leaders
  • Building resilience and optimism through mindset shifts
  • Resilient Storytelling: Reframing obstacles into growth narratives
  • Mindfulness and stress regulation for leaders
  • Applied Practice: Leadership through adversity exercise
Day 3 · Apr 30 (9am–5pm)
Purpose, Values & The River of Life
  • River of Life Exercise: Mapping experience that shaped leadership identity
  • Identifying Values, Purpose, and Leadership Intention
  • Authentic Communication: Listening with Head, Heart, and Hands
  • Feedback with Courage and Compassion
Day 4 · May 1 (8am–12pm)
Integration & Commitment
  • Integrating Hope, Efficacy, and Purpose into goal pursuit
  • SMART+ goal-setting and identity-based action planning
  • Recording the Leadership Video: "Who I Am as a Leader"
  • Closing Circle: Commitments to self, team, and organization
Virtual Group · Session 1
Week 2 After Onsite

Reflection and Accountability - applying lessons, sharing progress, and discussing Leadership Video and professional presence.

Virtual Group · Session 2
Week 4 After Onsite

Goal Progress and Peer Coaching - refining goals and celebrating wins.

Individual Coaching
Three 30-Min Virtual Sessions

Leadership Video feedback, Goal-Setting Action Plan review, and sustaining momentum, resilience, and accountability.

Optional Enhancement

Leadership Alignment Conversations

Two 30-minute virtual sessions with each participant and their company leader - one before the program, one after - to define intentions, success measures, and identify real-world application opportunities.

This enhancement increases accountability, organizational buy-in, and measurable ROI.

Facilitator

Expert Faculty. In-Demand Practitioner.

Tom Bagwell
Tom Bagwell
Vice President of Learning & Development, GRITT

Tom has 30 years of sales, marketing, and operations experience in senior leadership positions. He is a three-time "Teacher of the Year" at Cal State East Bay, lecturing for MBA programs on leadership, marketing, and organizational effectiveness. Tom holds a BA from UC Berkeley, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. A Certified Executive Coach and recognized Executive Scholar at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, Tom is an in-demand consultant and practitioner who lives the discipline he teaches.

The CDA Leadership Institute is presented in partnership with GRITT, who oversees all aspects of program registration, delivery, content, and logistics.

Spring 2026 Cohort

Register Before
March 20, 2026.

Registration is managed through the CDA. Full refund if canceled before 30 days. 50% fee for cancellations less than 30 days out. GRITT will honor registration for future cohorts in the event of a cancellation.

Register at cdaweb.net Join the Interest List

Questions? Contact info@grittbusinesscoaching.com