Leadership Austin

Leadership changes communities.
The best leaders don’t just make it to the table. They save a seat for others.

Matt Pope at EDpact committed a $10,000 match for Leadership Austin’s Rising Leaders Fund to support scholarships for future courageous leaders.

Matt’s investment will help more emerging leaders access the Leadership Austin experience and build the skills, relationships, and courage to lead.
This is how stronger communities are built.

Thank you for investing in the leaders who come next.

Meet Jill, our Chief Executive Officer 😎

What do you do at Leadership Austin? Build a culture of courageous leadership

Favorite part of your role: seeing individuals step into their magic

Favorite Austin Spot: Cafe Java (Austin location)

Summer Goal: Try 10 new coffee spots

Current Hyperfixation: Asking kids about AI

You can create a new summer olympic event. What are you bringing home gold in? 
#1 in getting lost

⏰ TICK TOCK! Application for Essential and Emerge close tonight at midnight! Last chance to be part of the 2027 cohorts!

Meet Chris, our Chief Program Officer! 😎

What do you do at Leadership Austin?
I am the Chief Program Officer. Now in my third year in my role, I spend my days helping leaders grow and making sure our programs run on more than coffee and good intentions. I oversee Emerge, Essential, LeaderLab, Open Courses, and the Conference, connecting people, ideas, and opportunities that strengthen leadership across Central Texas.

Favorite part of your role: Creating community and connecting with individuals who are passionate about leading in Central Texas is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I especially enjoy celebrating the successes of our current cohort members and alumni and learning from their leadership journeys.

Favorite Austin Spot: Town Lake and Zilker Park

Summer Goal: Spend as much time as possible with my two daughters before they head off to college because I will be an empty nester.

Current Hyperfixation: Watching magic trick tutorials on Instagram and saving them knowing that I will never go back and learn how to do them.

You can create a new summer olympic event. What are you bringing home gold in? 1) Telling random stories; 2) Chugging coffee. I would set world records.

Your next chapter starts now!

Applications for the Leadership Austin 2027 Essential and Emerge cohorts close in just ONE WEEK on June 15.
If you’re ready to grow as a leader, expand your network, deepen your understanding of our community, and be part of a cohort committed to making Austin stronger, this is your moment.
Take the leap. Invest in yourself. You belong here.

Apply today before the deadline: June 15.

🚨APPLICATIONS CLOSE JUNE 15! APPLY TODAY!

Meet PJ, our Director of Programs 😎

What do you do at Leadership Austin?
I am the Director of Programs, and a key part of my role is leading the design, facilitation, and logistics for our Emerge program while supporting these areas for all our offerings, such as Essential, LeaderLab, Open Courses, and custom workshops for corporate and nonprofit organizations.

Favorite part of your role:
I love seeing and hearing leaders move from discomfort to connection, from uncertainty to confidence. I also love to read feedback that expresses “aha” moments of enlightenment as well as constructive feedback that enables us to enhance iteratively.

Favorite Austin Spot:
Zilker or Waterloo during Sunday Sessions (music in the park evenings!).

Summer Goal:
Swim more - I’m looking for all the watering holes this summer!

Current Hyperfixation:
Musical artist: Mon Rovia - his voice is literally from heaven!

You can create a new summer olympic event. What are you bringing home gold in?
“Badminton After Hours” - it’s badminton in the dark - and harder than it sounds.

Applications close in 2 WEEKS! Join the Application Accelerator this Wednesday. The Application Accelerator is a hands-on session designed to help you strengthen your Leadership Austin application – whether you’re applying to Emerge or Essential.

Bring a draft (or just get started), and we’ll guide you in clearly showcasing your strengths and story. No interviews – just a thoughtful application that reflects who you are. You’ll work alongside coaches (alumni and staff) who are there to support you – not evaluate you – and are not part of the selection process. Walk away with more confidence, more clarity, and a stronger application.