The Ask 

Design and deliver a tailored learning experience for healthcare employees 

As a regional leader in healthcare looked ahead, they faced a high-stakes challenge: how to equip emerging and established leaders with the strategic problem-solving skills they needed to lead the health system into a rapidly evolving future. Wanting more than just training, they sought a scalable, high-impact leadership accelerator that could engage leaders at every level, integrating operating model tools, frameworks and competencies to reinforce strategies across the organization and cultivate the desired culture. 

Emphasizing the need for pedagogical expertise and capacity to deliver at scale, the partner sought a collaborator with deep expertise and the ability to co-create this robust leadership accelerator program: Quinnipiac University Continuing & Executive Education. 

The Plan 

Partner with an established powerhouse in organizational upskilling 

From our first interactions with the organization, we knew the leadership accelerator had to be as layered and multifaceted as the organization itself. Our approach? Design not one but three custom programs that met the unique demands placed upon front-line managers, directors and senior executives.  

Together, our teams sought to:  

• Build strategic capabilities aligned to business outcomes   
• Balance structured learning with day-to-day responsibilities   
• Provide a scalable, sustainable and consistent experience for future cohorts   

The Expertise  

Where theoretical foundations meet real-world experience  

Relying on over 80 years of combined experience in the classroom and in the workforce, Quinnipiac's industry-leading faculty worked side-by-side with the healthcare system’s talent development team to ensure the program went beyond boilerplate best practices. Instead, we focused 100% of our effort on charting a direct reinforcement of the organization’s vision, strategy and desired culture while tapping into deep faculty expertise to future-proof the organization. 

• Define learning objectives for all three leader levels  
• Align objectives with Quinnipiac’s existing content and faculty expertise  
• Scaffold content across programs to create a consistent growth pathway  
• Develop asynchronous learning to complement the in-person leadership journey   
• Integrate feedback mechanisms for continuous program improvement 

This wasn’t theory — it was targeted, actionable learning designed to make an immediate difference in the workplace. 

“These programs offer an immediately applicable, rich learning experience, expert faculty access and networking opportunities that strengthen relationships and maximize organizational expertise. That’s a powerful return on investment.”
– Director, Lifelong Learning, Quinnipiac University 

The Process

Immersive, flexible, relevant and practical 

We embraced a productive sense of urgency to launch our three-tiered program in the fall of the same year. Front-line managers and directors would undergo a three-month (12-week) modular program that blended in-person learning with virtual live sessions and asynchronous components. Senior leaders would complete a more intensive and immersive short-term experience reminiscent of a retreat-style approach. 

Leaders progressed through their programs guided and supported by QU’s expert faculty and a collaborative team of in-house learning consultants and program directors. Learning resources empowered leaders to pursue professional growth independently or with colleagues.

The program sought to maximize transferable skills and applicable knowledge with: 

• Virtual, in-person and asynchronous modules 
• Customized workbooks 
• Job aids 
• Individual and team action plans 
• A curated book study 

The Outcome 

Maintaining momentum for leadership development 

Through role play, games, reflection and group discussions, participants demonstrated a rapid application of new skills in true-to-life environments and scenarios. Leaders from both organizations observed high levels of engagement alongside a noticeable lift in problem-solving, collaboration and strategic thinking — contributing to immediate wins across the healthcare system.  

“I have had the benefit of completing two leadership development programs offered through QU. The first program I completed enabled me and my direct reports to improve team communication, and I have seen a direct link between this program and my ability to navigate team dynamics and change management. After completing the first program, I advanced within my organization, and I have now seen the greatest change in myself as a leader after completing the advanced level leadership program. This program provided me with tools to help navigate the dynamics of my relationships with external and internal stakeholders and helped me broaden my network within my own organization.”
– Director Health Services, 2024 

The Impact 

Retention, Promotion and ROI

The program was created as a learning journey, and real-time feedback and program effectiveness data allowed for quick pivots. Substantive improvements aligned with the evolving goals of the partner and occurred on a routine basis, ensuring the programs stayed fresh and aligned with changing priorities.   

We tracked what matters most:  

• Completion rates 
• Engagement 
• Commitment to applying learning 
• Retention and promotion outcomes 

Quarterly reporting shows strong positive outcomes across multiple cohorts over several years.

“The leadership’s engagement and recognition of the program value was energizing.”
– Regional Vice President, Partner 

Looking Ahead 

The Leadership Accelerator is designed for scalability and future customization. In a typical year, more than 300 participants complete the programs and grow their:  

• Professional network & working relationships  
• Problem-solving skills  
• Action-oriented mindset  
• Strategic, collaborative approach to business challenges  

Upon completion, participants receive a certificate from the partner and a digital micro-credential from QU. They are also able to maximize their program experience by transferring the experience as prior learning credit towards select Quinnipiac degrees and towards CE in professions such as nursing. The professional growth and scope of benefits resulting from these programs deepen employee connections to their organization and demonstrate the value of a Quinnipiac education.