Leader-First® Leadership Regional Summits

This experience will push you further than any professional development of its type to unlock your prowess, passion, and leadership potential.

Leadership has never been more complex. Teams are navigating constant change, increasing expectations, workforce fatigue, and unprecedented uncertainty. In moments like these, the organizations that thrive are led by people who understand one fundamental truth: healthy organizations begin with healthy leaders.

The Leader-First® Leadership Summit is a highly interactive, immersive experience for leaders who believe the most powerful way to influence culture is to first examine their own leadership. Over four days, you will join a select community of leaders committed to building organizations where people flourish, trust grows, decisions improve, and meaningful impact endures.

Designed for both emerging and experienced leaders, the Leader-First® Leadership Summit moves far beyond traditional leadership training. Rather than focusing solely on what leaders should do, this experience challenges participants to explore who they must become. Through practical frameworks, evidence-informed strategies, rich discussion, and personal reflection, you will learn how to intentionally create cultures defined by trust, belonging, purpose, and vitality—the four culture conditions that allow team members and organizations to perform at their very best.

Whether you lead a nonprofit, business, healthcare organization, educational institution, or public agency, you will leave with practical tools, greater self-awareness, a network of like-minded leaders, and a clear roadmap for strengthening your leadership and your organization's long-term sustainability.

If you're ready to join the journey to build dynamic organizations that not only endure, but thrive, we invite you to join us.

YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES

  • A signed copy of 9 Leader Touchstones by Dr. Jes DeShields

  • Leader Touchstones™ Assessment

  • The Fascination Advantage® Assessment

  • LFL Emotional Intelligence Assessment

  • Four-day immersive Leader-First® Leadership Summit experience

  • Curated workshop materials and pre-reading resources

  • Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments each day

  • Access to post-summit networking opportunities and group coaching sessions

  • Preferred pricing for individual Leader-First® coaching following LFL Summit

  • A custom-engraved Leader-First® Leadership Compass upon program graduation

ABOUT THE LEADER-FIrst® Leadership EXPERIENCE

What People Are Saying ABOUT LEADER-FIrst® LEADERSHIP

“Leader First Leadership isn’t just another leadership program—it forces honest self-reflection, uncovers internal roadblocks and oversights, and builds the authenticity needed for genuine growth. The shared vulnerability and deep awareness experienced alongside fellow leaders is incredibly motivating and uplifting. It feeds my spirit, creates life-changing growth both personally and professionally, and powerfully aligns with and drives my purpose. Jes guides the journey with remarkable engagement, empathy, grit, and her own vulnerability, creating experiences that leave me excited to show up as a better leader for myself and my team every single time - so much so that I keep coming back for more!”

— Jennifer Young, Partner, PhiloWilke Partnership

“Leader-First Leadership opened my eyes to the importance of focusing on my own vitality and how that makes me a better leader and then encouraging those around me to do the same. It also provided me with the insight to lead with courage when faced with difficult team dynamics.”

— Elizabeth Gilbert, Managing Principal, Clark Condon

Jes is one of the best facilitators I've ever worked with. Her knowledge of leadership and our industry is unmatched.”

— Paula Bookidis, CEO, Girl Scouts of Central Texas

  • September 21-24, 2026

    Rupert Huse Veteran Center, Greenville, South Carolina

    Register Here